Buying Hardwood Lumber Bundles Online is Easy!

Great news! If you are looking for a cheap and easy way to buy domestic and exotic lumber from a reputable supplier, you now have a great, convenient solution! We have some overstock items in a variety of species and have made them available for sale online.

If you don’t see a specific species, don’t worry. Simply bookmark our Discount Lumber Bundle page and check back at a later date. We update this page often and add new specials all the time.

So, if you’re going to start a special project soon, now is the time to save a ton of money. Buy hardwood lumber bundles direct from our online store today.

Wood seeks and absorbs water predominately through saw cuts and exposed grains. As wood dries, it shrinks. Any change in moisture content to some parts of the boards will cause expansion and contraction cycles of the wood. This movement can lead to cracking and splitting.

During the process of installing your new deck you will have to cut the boards to length. After cutting, you must seal the ends with a wax based emulsion such as Hardwood End Grain Sealer. Unsealed end grains will lead to a legacy of unwanted and costly maintenance, checking, splitting and cupping of the deck lumber. Using a hardwood End Grain Sealer will help minimize splitting and checking at the end of the boards.

HOW TO APPLY HARDWOOD END GRAIN SEALER:

• Apply Immediately after cutting, before final installation, but do not get it on the face of the boards, if that happen, please wipe it off immediately.
• One quarter of end sealer covers approx. 500 square feet of decking.

For more info about How to End Seal Hardwood Decking, check out this video:

Exotic hardwood decking such as Ipe, Cumaru and Tigerwood are the most durable, natural wood decking available. Because of this strength, you can’t saw these hard woods as easily as you would cedar, redwood, or teak. Here are some tips in how to cut hardwood decking:

For cutting hardwood decking we recommend:

• A circular saw with a high quality carbide tipped blade.
• Make sure you set up your miter saw properly, a good saw stand with plenty of material support decreases the chance of binding and burning a finish cut.
• Hardwood dust is a respiratory irritant, so always wear safety glasses and a dust mask or respirator.
• Always cut with the good face up to minimize end-cut splintering.
• Finally apply a wax based emulsion such Hardwood End Grain Sealer on all fresh cut ends to minimize checking and other defects cause by moisture insertion.

Check out this video to see just how easy it is to cut hardwood decking:

Don’t worry nobody was hurt in the production of the video, everything was well planned;-)
Check it out and subscribe to the AdvantageLumber.com YouTube channel.

Our Short Length Ipe Decking Was Used for This Outdoor Kitchen

During the course of the year, we often end up with a lot of excess 3 – 7 foot pieces of exotic decking. Because we’re not in the business of throwing out perfectly usable lumber, we make this material available to consumers who are looking for a great bargain. Our short length Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, & Garapa decking is priced considerably cheaper than you’d think and can be used for a wide range of projects. From stairs and benches, to boat docks and outdoor kitchens, there’s no reason to buy longer length boards when you can save right now with our discount decking sale.

To prove why buying shorter length decking is a great idea, check out this video where actual customers talk about their experience buying short deck material AdvantageLumber.com.

Cumaru siding offers a beautiful look to any home's exterior.

What is the best wood siding? Cedar? Pine? Or something harder with a track record of reliable performance? Ipe and Cumaru are two hardwoods with an exceptional track record of performance.

At AdvantageLumber.com we offer two distinct and proven siding options for homes. Both of our siding profiles are offered in our most popular wood species (Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, & Garapa). Our shiplap and hidden siding options are preferred by landscape architects and designers for their durability, longevity, and that warm, natural look you expect from tropical hardwood. Oh, and the fact, our siding is easy to install is something else you can look forward to.

Here are some details about ordering wood siding from AdvantageLumber.com:

• Every board is custom-milled at our two American mills.
• Siding sold in even and odd lengths between 3′ to 20′.
• We can pull your order to specific lengths.
• Hidden siding fasteners are available (sold separately)
• Add an additional upcharge of $0.80 per lineal foot for 15+ foot lengths.
• Add $1.00 per lineal foot for 19′ & 20′ lengths.

If you’d like to learn more about AdvantageLumber.com siding options, call 1-877-232-3915.

Maintaining Exotic Wood Decking Is Easier Than You Think!

Spring is finally here. That means plenty of entertaining, grilling, or just enjoying a nice evening after work on your deck. But, before anything, it’s also time to consider the overall health of your deck.

If your deck is over 10 years old, doing a thorough inspection of your joists, connecting fasteners, ledger, and railings is a must. For older decks made of softer materials like cedar, redwood, and pressure treated decking, it might be time to consider replacing your deck altogether. Softer woods tend to rapidly decay and near the end of their lifespan past the 15 year mark (especially old pressure treated decks!). Instead of glossing over that old wood with a temporary stain, replacing your old deck with an exotic deck material is a safer, more reliable choice. Species like Cumaru, Tigerwood, Ipe, Garapa, and Massaranduba offer you over 25 years of hassle free use. (Ipe has a proven lifespan of over 75 years!) They’re also priced comparably with composite decking. Unlike the plastic wood decking, the decking species we offer give you that authentic look like synthetic material just can’t match.

But, what if you already own an exotic hardwood deck made of Ipe, Cumaru, or Tigerwood? Simple. In many cases, you’ll have to do nothing expect give it a gentle power wash with a fan tip. If your deck is a little faded and you want to bring back that lively color, all you have to do is apply one coat of deck oil. We recommend either Messmers’ UV Plus, or Ipe Oil. Both are perfect for dense hardwoods.

Now, before you cringe at the thought of oiling your deck. For many of our customers, oiling a deck takes less than a day. Think about how much time you’re forced to manage and clean the interior of your home. How many hours do you, or someone else have to clean the inside of your home? Add it all up and that one day ends up being a lot less time than you think. Besides the reward of enjoying at a beautiful deck like the one above is definitely worth it. Not only will you get more enjoyment out of your deck, you’ll also make your neighbors jealous (especially if they’re stuck with an old wood deck, or a fading plastic one!).

Our Video Crew Interviewing a Deck Builder

We recently visited a home remodel project in St. Petersburg, Florida. At this job site, we were able to ask one contractor what it was like to install the AdvantageLumber.com deck tile system. What he said about the tiles and deck tile connectors pretty much backed up the experience many of our customers have already had. After all, it’s one thing to read about how fast and easy this decking tile system is to install, it’s another to hear it from someone who’s actually completed a project. Here’s the video showing both the installation and finished terrace:

To see more, visit our deck tile installation videos page at AdvantageLumber.com. These videos showcase just how easy it is to install our 20×20 ipe deck tiles on either a worn concrete slab, or a balcony/terrace.

Ipe deck tiles from AdvantageLumber.com give you have an affordable way to renovate your outdoor living space. In fact, our deck tiles can be used just about anywhere.

As you’ll see in this video below, it only takes one person to transform boring old concrete into an attractive and beautiful living space. If these deck tiles look good outside of a warehouse, imagine just how beautiful they will look outside your balcony, lanai, or porch.

If you like what you see, give us a call. We can help you figure out just how many deck tiles and deck tile connectors you need to get started. Call 1-877-232-3915 to get your free Ipe deck tile quote.

Sometimes people like to remodel their deck because they’re sick of the look. Sometimes, it’s a necessity.

When one Florida couple decided to buy their new island home, they were shocked to see the condition of the deck. As you’ll see in the picture below, not only was this deck in bad shape…stepping on it was dangerous.

Before picture of a pressure treated deck in desperate need of being replaced.

After contacting AdvantageLumber.com, this couple chose Tigerwood to replace their old and broken down pressure treated deck. As you can see, this decision helped create a stunning retreat worthy of this island home.

This is what the deck looks like now with Tigerwood Decking.

What do the homeowners think of their new Tigerwood deck? If you’d like to know why this couple chose Tigerwood for their tropical home, check out this video where we ask them about their experience. If you’re deck is old and in bad shape, call AdvantageLumber.com today. We’ll help you figure out what’s the best wood decking to use for your specific environment.

A dock is more than a structure that you tie your boat to. It can transform the look of and impact the value of your home.

For instance, many docks are made of pressure treated decking which is unsuitable for long term use. When used for docks, or other marine applications, this wood is susceptible to damage caused by factors like heavy usage, sun, and inclement weather. Over the long term the performance also declines due to extreme temperature fluctuations.

A homeowner must know how to select the right decking material to ensure the longevity of the dock. Selecting the right type of wood will help avoid ship worm or gribble infestation (these pests weaken softer woods like pine by boring tunnels through the lumber).

So, what are the best decking materials to use for a dock?

Take a look at the picture to the right. This dock was made of 4′ long ipe decking. The homeowner saved a great deal of money without having to sacrifice long term durability. Considering Ipe is a tropical hardwood, it is literally naturally made for marine environments.

Ipe and Cumaru have some unique characteristics as a dock construction material:

• High strength
• Excellent resistant to decay, mold and marine bores
• A lifespan of more than 40 years
• Great slip resistance
• The natural appearance of Ipe and Cumaru also lends itself to the aesthetics of any marina.
• Safe for the environment
• Great for all climates and salinity environments
• Incredible stability

Stunning, exquisite, long-lasting. Your dock renovation project will have spectacular results with 3′ to 7′ Ipe or Cumaru from AdvantageLumber.com. Call today to inquire about our short length decking which is the perfect material for docks (see picture above).

We’ve talked before about why gap spacing deck boards is a critical step in the deck building process. But, did you know that it’s just as important to let fresh air flow from under your deck?

Watch this video to see why blocking or constricting air flow can lead to big problems:

Now, you might say to yourself, “But I don’t want to look at dirt under my deck.” Or, you might ask “What if my design calls for a completely finished look?” We just want you to be aware of the possible possible consequences. Ultimately, it’s your decision what you want your deck to look like. However, if you end up experiencing problems down the road, inadequate air flow will probably be the culprit.

Composite deck in Florida with mold spread all over the decking.

I was walking to my doctor’s appointment when I came across a walkway made of composite decking. The deck boards looked like new…but as you can see, the deck was plagued with these dark grey spots. As I was taking pictures, two women passed me. I overheard one ask, “What the heck is THAT?”

Mold? A chemical reaction of some sort?

While you might read that this kind of problem is strictly a surface problem, this picture (to the right) tells another story.

As you can see, this mold-like substance has actually penetrated through the surface and is present inside the core of these deck boards.

But, still…why?

Think about it. A lot of composite decking is made up of wood fibers. When you combine Florida’s naturally humid climate, soft wood fibers, and ever-present mold spores, this composite deck can be seen as a petri dish for mold and fungus.

For years, composite deck marketing has focused on the product’s longevity,  being “eco-friendly,” and its long-lasting look. But if you live in Florida, being aware of these possible problems can be just as important as the initial cost or any short-term savings.

So…this begs the question. If it’s possible for composite decking to react adversely to Florida’s climate, how would Ipe, or Cumaru decking hold up?

Well, let’s take a look at one example:

Ipe decking used on the Miami Beach boardwalk.

This is a picture of Ipe decking used in the famous Miami Beach boardwalk. As you can see, the boards, while gray, have endured exceptionally well against the elements. And, when you throw in sand, salt water, and the daily pounding it has to endure, it’s amazing how well the wood has held up. Here’s a link to more picture of Ipe decking in Miami.

The secret to the success of hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru isn’t magic. It’s not anything man-made. It’s simply nature. The oils, tight grain pattern, and high density combine to act as a natural preservative thereby increasing your deck’s overall lifespan and performance.

What do you think? If you’re considering remodeling an old wood deck in Florida, what materials are you considering? What questions do you want answered about hardwood decking? Leave a comment we’ll answer your questions!

If you live in a colder climate and are concerned about issues that are known to plague weaker materials like Redwood, Cedar, and Pine, then choosing a thick and robust material is advisable. Often in cold, dry climates, softer woods can experience excessive shrinkage, cupping, splitting, and other nasty surprises. Our custom-milled 5/4×6 Pregrooved Cumaru decking is one wood that naturally stands up to the elements much easier than other options. The reason? Because Cumaru is already filled with natural oils and a tight grain, it’s able to resist many of the problems you’d like to avoid.

Check out this informative video showcasing the benefits of choosing 5/4×6 Cumaru that is pregrooved for hidden deck fasteners:

Our booth in 2009 was good, but the new one for 2012 will be GREAT! Stop By!

We have some great news to announce! Advantage Trim & Lumber will be at this year’s International Builders Show! Visitors to the AdvantageLumber.com booth (W971) will be able to meet with our team to discuss how our exotic decking products create You’ll not only get a chance to meet us, but you’ll also get a chance to see our most popular products first hand. We’ve also set aside appointments for anyone who would like a one-on-one meeting with one of our dedicated sales team.

2011 has been a great year for us, and we hope for you, too!

From everyone here at Advantage Trim & Lumber, HAPPY NEW YEAR! We hope your 2012 gets off to a fantastic start! We can’t wait to get started!

Learn how to stop moisture from being a problem BEFORE you install wood siding.

Since the performance of wood siding can be affected by moisture, it’s important to take great care during the initial install. The whole house must be properly prepped and built to insure long-lasting service and to prevent moisture accumulation or excessive moisture fluctuation within building components that can induce checking, warping, rotting of wood and failure of the protective coating on the siding.

To prevent moisture penetration from adversely affecting the performance of wood siding:

Use dry materials during construction.

• Using damp plywood, furring strips can trap water vapor inside of walls causing mold, mildew, odors and wood rot.

Keep in Mind Proper Ground Clearance

• Untreated wood must not be in contact with the ground. Moisture from the soil can cause decay and insects can gain entry to your siding. Examine along the base of your home to make sure you have at least 6 to 8 inches of clearance between the ground and any wood siding or wood trim. If necessary, re-grade any soil away from the wood.

Seal the Wood

Using deck oil can help protect wood siding from moisture. The UV repelling attributes of hardwood deck oils can help reduce weathering. If you want to keep the lush look of the wood, simply reapply the oil to siding every other year, or as necessary. If you choose Ipe or Cumaru siding, your chances of insect penetration are diminished due to the intense density of these exotic hardwoods.

Design with Adequate Roof Overhang

• Lack of proper roof drainage is another reason of waterproofing failure. It’s common practice for a roof to have 12 inches of overhang width for each floor. A single-story building, for example, would have a roof that overhangs one foot.

Install Appropriate Flashing

• Flashing is the first line of defense in controlling moisture in wall assemblies. They intercept and direct the flow of water away from the structure.

Choose Custom Exotic Hardwood Siding from AdvantageLumber.com

Exotic hardwood siding is installed on houses for many good reasons. One of them it is to keep the bright new face of any home attractive, this exterior wooden skin should last the life of your home.

Give your home, cabin or business a unique look with our exotic hardwood siding. Exotic hardwood siding is naturally beauty, is timeless and the color and textures available are unmatched by other siding materials. These properties make our exotic wood siding adaptable to wide variety of architectural styles. Advantage Trim and Lumber carries a wide variety of exterior siding and we can custom mill your order in our own lumber mills.

When you work with a deck builder who cares about the end result and your satisfaction, you end up with a deck that is a true showpiece. Case in point, we recently visited one Florida deck builder who took great pride in creating a second story balcony deck. As you’ll see in the video below, the result is truly sensational. The custom inlay made of Ipe wood, Tigerwood, and Garapa is truly something to behold.

Call AdvantageLumber.com today to order 1×6 Plus® Cumaru and other exotic decking materials: 1-877-232-3915.

Birch wood flooring from AdvantageLumber.com is solid, reliable & attractive.

Whether you are building a new home or transforming your current residence, you want your place to have style.  From knickknacks to photographs you want to grace your space with a personal touch, all while having one thing tie everything together.  Flooring can be your path to the latest trends or classic looks that will last a lifetime without losing you.  Choosing a beautiful hardwood will make any space look phenomenal.  Impressing your family and friends will be easy with Birch hardwood floors beneath your feet.  With handsome benefits and perks, this is one deal you wont be able to pass up!

If visual appeal is what you want, then Birch flooring is what you need!  With a color variation scale that ranges from light to dark, along with natural highlights, a Birch floor can fit into any space you desire.  There are multiple options within the species.  The Birch family boasts several varieties for you to choose from.  While Birch hardwood isn’t as common as other hardwoods on the market, it isn’t impossible to locate.  Each species has their own attributes, but they all share their strength and durability.  If you and your family live an active lifestyle, Birch flooring will live along with you.  Don’t settle for anything less than strong and beautiful when it comes to your home.

Other features of birch flooring include:

• Red Birch, White Birch, and Rustic Birch are available
• High bending strength with a Janka hardness of 1260
• Very good shock resistance
• Easy to cut with either a hand or a power tool
• Takes both stain and polish extremely well

If you don’t want to just “Keep up with the Jones’”, but be “the Jones’,” then choosing Birch hardwood flooring will give you the one up.  This style offers a uniquely attractive appearance to any room.  Birch will give you that elegant edge you have been searching for.  Making the effort to look at all aspects of what you are going to install will go a long way.  Do not take chances on something that will affect your everyday life.  Choosing to go with Birch hardwood floors will create a beautiful atmosphere that you can show off.

GREAT NEWS! Our mills are now shipping premium grade Massaranduba decking to homes and job sites around the world. Here are the benefits you receive from choosing this hardwood over softer redwoods:

• Great savings (up to 25%) over other decking materials
  
• Excellent mold, rot & decay resistance
• Less maintenance than softer wood decking
  
• Responsibly harvested from managed forests
• Lush colors from red to reddish brown
• Great for the backyard deck, front porch, or sunroom
• 100% natural, chemical free material

Contact AdvantageLumber.com today to find out more about Massaranduba. We have 5/4×6 Massaranduba decking in stock.