Deck Building Archives - AdvantageLumber Blog

Deck Ventilation 101: Why Airflow Matters for Deck Longevity

December 5, 2025 by Advantage Lumber

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, …

13 Common Deck Building Mistakes to Avoid for a Sturdy, Long-Lasting Deck

August 22, 2025 by Advantage Lumber

Building a deck is an exciting way to enhance your outdoor living space, whether you’re dreaming of summer barbecues, cozy evenings under the stars, or a relaxing spot for morning coffee. But without careful planning and execution, your dream deck can turn into a costly nightmare. From structural failures to safety hazards, deck-building mistakes can …

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?

August 21, 2025 by Advantage Lumber

Building a deck can transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis, perfect for barbecues, relaxation, and family gatherings. But before you grab your tools and start hammering away, there’s a crucial question to address: Do you need a permit? The short answer is—it depends. In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether a permit is required, …

What Size Deck Can I Build Without a Permit?

January 2, 2025 by Advantage Lumber

Building a deck can be an exciting home improvement project, but it often comes with the question: Do I need a permit? Many homeowners aim to build a deck without a permit to avoid the perceived hassle, expense, and fear of failing an inspection. However, understanding the rules and the importance of building a deck …

Is It Cheaper to Build Your Own Deck?

September 5, 2024 by Advantage Lumber

Building your own deck can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to recognize that it’s only cheaper if you do it the right way. While many DIY enthusiasts might feel confident in tackling such a project, it’s essential to understand that building a deck involves more than just hammering boards together. …

How To Build a Deck Over Concrete

July 6, 2023 by Advantage Lumber

Building a deck over a concrete patio strikes many as a great way to revitalize their backyard. Cover up that old, dirty, cracked concrete slab with the rich, natural beauty of wood; a perfect solution! And it can be…but the reality is that installing a deck over concrete is usually a bad idea. Deck Problems …

Plan During Winter, Build During Spring

January 6, 2017 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

Winter can be the best time to plan out that gorgeous decks you’ve been envisioning. There are quite a few factors to consider when planning the perfect deck, like material, size, style, and add-ons. Planning during winter is a great way to save money as you can begin to quote out all the labor and items needed.