Can You Build a Deck in Cold Weather? Temperature Limits for Wood, Composite & PVC

deck maintenance shoveling snow

Most people think of deck building as a spring and summer job. Then, once the temperature drops, the tools go into the garage, the ground freezes, and deck season seems to end. But does it really have to? Well, not necessarily. And I’ll tell you, I’ve never been a big believer in letting the calendar …

Read more

How Buying Direct from the Mill Saves You Money on Home Renovation Projects During August

tigerwood pavilion ceiling 1

August can be an interesting month in the building material business, especially for those starting Home Renovation Projects. I’ve always thought August tends to sneak up on people. One minute you’re talking about Memorial Day projects, and the next minute somebody’s asking whether they can get their deck finished before Labor Day. For one thing, …

Read more

6 Ways to Save Money on Your New Deck Build (Without Cutting Corners)

IMG 8199 conv 1

Building a new deck is one of the best investments you can make in your home, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend more than necessary. The key is knowing where to save money and, just as importantly, where you should never cut costs. Many homeowners focus only on the initial price tag, but …

Read more

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in 2026?

deck building web

Building a deck is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home. It expands your living space, boosts curb appeal, and can increase your property value by up to 70% of the project cost. But with material prices fluctuating due to supply chain dynamics and inflation, many homeowners are asking: How much …

Read more

The Most Common Deck Building Myths That Have Been Debunked

building cumaru deck

When planning a new deck, homeowners often rely on advice that’s been passed down for decades. The problem? Much of that advice is outdated. Building materials, treatments, and best practices have changed significantly—and many long-standing deck building “rules” simply no longer apply. At AdvantageLumber.com, we work with homeowners, builders, contractors and architects every day. We …

Read more

Deck Ventilation 101: Why Airflow Matters for Deck Longevity

TimberTech Coastline Vintage skirting web

When planning or building a deck, most homeowners focus on the decking material, railing style, or overall design. But one critical factor often gets overlooked: deck ventilation. Without proper airflow, even the highest-quality decking—whether it’s Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, composite, or PVC—can suffer premature failure. In this guide, we’ll break down why deck ventilation matters, …

Read more