Broken railings and stairs are a leading cause of deck related injuries. Years ago, there weren’t any codes to adhere to when constructing these elements. Most railings were simply nailed without any structural support and when people leaned on it, they failed to stay in place. Stairs are also another common area where improper installation and improper fastening is the culprit of injury.
Advantage Rainscreen Siding™ FAQ
This post is dedicated to answer our customers frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.s) about our Advantage Rainscreen Siding™ profile. Q: How is Advantage Rainscreen Siding™ better than the traditional siding options? A: Aesthetically, Advantage Rainscreen™ provides a fastener free surface. Advantage Rainscreen™ also provides a much smaller gap spacing than tradition siding profiles which help maintaining moisture and …
What’s the Big Deal About Our FSC® Certified Decking Anyway?
When it comes time to purchasing decking material, you need to make sure that you buy from a company with a commitment to sustainable forestry. AdvantageLumber.com is fortunate to be one of those companies that are authorized by the Rainforest Alliance™ to sell FSC® certified decking.
Deckwise™ Extreme Plugs
In order to fill holes left by screws, you will need to purchase wood plugs. But if you want to go with the most secure plugs, then the Extreme Plugs is the way to go! These plugs are completely unique since they are milled with tolerance absorbing rings, which make them the safest option. You …
Ipe vs Pressure Treated Pine: A Knock Out
Doing a full comparison between Ipe and Pressure Treated Pine for decking is like comparing Kobe beef and a McDonald’s beef patty. Pressure treated pine works well as the frame of your decking but not as the decking itself. Pressure treated pine lasts only for about 5-10 years and must be constantly stained and finished. Ipe on the other hand, is an all-natural wood, proven to last over 75 years without any chemical treatment. The Coney Island boardwalk was in service since the 1940s! Boards from that landmark boardwalk have been reclaimed and reused for many applications from patio furniture to indoor flooring.
How to Maintain Your Hardwood Deck
Every piece of lumber is unique. No one tree is the same. Every board in your deck is going to have different characteristics. Once installed, you want to give your deck the proper maintenance it needs to increase its lifetime and your overall enjoyment. Be rest assured, even though a deck made of Brazilian hardwoods is proven to outlast and outperform softer materials, giving it a little attention once in a while is a good thing (After all, even a Lamborghini needs its oil changed and tires rotated!) Here are some guidelines to follow to maintain the lifetime and beauty of your hardwood deck.
Deck Inspection: Posts and Footings are the Foundation of Your Deck
Deck posts are an extremely important part of your deck. So, it should be obvious that ensuring they stay in good condition and a part of any routine deck inspection is critical.
A deck is built for load to be evenly distributed throughout the entire surface area. This suggests the ledger board and posts will have an equal load. This assumption is wrong in most cases. If you plan to entertain on your deck, your guests will have a tendency to hang out at the end of the deck where the railings are; thereby increasing the load on the posts and not the ledger board.