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.

What makes 1×6 Plus Cumaru Decking the right choice for your home? Well, if you value durability and longevity, you will want to watch the video below. We made this informative video to show you the benefits you receive from this specially made decking option from AdvantageLumber.com. You’ll learn what makes our Cumaru stand out and why it’s such a great value.

Deciding the type of exterior siding you want in your house is a difficult task. After all, nothing will impact the appearance and “first impression” of your home more than the look it has on the outside.

There are several options for exterior siding in the market and if you are still wondering which one will best fit your project, keep reading and I will show you which siding is the leader when it comes to great durability, outstanding appearance, lower maintenance and future resale value.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is one of the least expensive types of siding. Vinyl requires no paint or stain. It can can be washed once a year if you like. The lifespan of vinyl siding will depend on a variety of factors including your local climate, extreme weather, and any maintenance issues that require frequent cleaning. For instance, if debris ends up cracking the siding and water penetrates through, you could end up having to replace the wall boards due to rot and mold growth.

Fiber Cement Siding

(aka Hardboard siding)

This type of siding is made of a combination of cellulose fibers. Fiber cement siding is considered a poor provider of thermal resistance. This means hot and cold air can penetrate inside through this material. It has moisture related problems like mold and rot in the sheathing or structural supports. The significant health risk associated with fiber cement siding are well documented in their own Material Safety Data Sheet. Asbestos fibers and silica dust are inevitably release during cutting and installation process and by long-term erosion of the materials exposed to atmospheric weathering and wind when cement degrades.

If you are looking for more natural looking types of siding, whether that means vertical or horizontal pieces, wood is the way to go. Wood is the favorite choice of siding in North America, and not even the latest technology can duplicate the unique characteristic of wood on this days.

Wood Siding

Some of what you know about Redwood and Cedar is wrong

As builders we think we know all about wood, but even experts are mistaken sometimes. Not all siding made from Redwood, Cedar and other famous species known for their durability are in fact rot resistant. They require to be treated; stain or paint and they are easily damaged by woodpeckers, termites and other pests.

Let’s be realistic, large old-growth trees are a thing from the past, some of this species are slow growing trees like Cedar.

Most people that are thinking of investing in exterior siding realize that in a few years they will be doing this all over again because most products simply do not fare well when exposed to the elements. That’s why choosing siding made with Exotic Hardwood makes such good sense.

Exotic Hardwood Siding

Bring the beauty of the tropics to your home.

Exotic hardwood siding is long lasting and perfect for any climate. The initial investment made in exotic hardwood siding like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, and Tigerwood pays for itself because this is a purchase that truly only has to be made once in a lifetime. That is simply something that cannot be said for most exterior siding products.

Exotic hardwood siding is so durable due to the wood from which they are constructed. The trees themselves generally grow naturally straight grains. The grains are extremely tight, giving the wood incredible density, and with their high rating for insect and decay resistance you don’t have to worry about replacing your siding anytime soon.

To ensure that these beautiful and durable hardwoods will be available for generations to come, the extraction of these hardwoods is regulated by Federal Laws and by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Resources (IBAMA). Aggressive replanting programs are enforced to ensure that these Exotic Hardwoods are a truly renewable resource. We only supply wood that comes from managed forests that harvest wood in an ecologically responsible manner.

Beauty, durability and versatility are the characteristics of the Exotic Hardwood Siding sold by AdvantageLumber.com.

Yes, Even Building a Winter Deck is Cool (Pun intended!)

A deck is a quick and simple way to get more use from you property. Unlike a covered patio or porch, a deck floating six inches or twelve feet above the ground level offers a completely different feeling.

As people choose to stay in their homes longer, decks are being built and renovated now more than ever. In fact, according to recent statistics, approximately 30 million American homes have decks and demand is growing and this is why:

Decks are Great Investment: When you add a hardwood deck to your home, you’re increasing your quality of life and your homes value. According to Remodeling Magazine, you can expect an average 60 – 70% percent return on your investment when you install a wood deck. People shopping for homes prefer houses with decks, because decks expand their living space and provide infinite ways to relax and have fun.

Connect With Mother Nature: Today’s people are much less connected to the natural world than any other time in history. This natural connection has been replaced for the plugged-world and less  unstructured outdoor play. Whether your home is a Maine farmhouse or a Chicago brownstone, a California ranch or a Florida bungalow, decks offer you a quick and easy way to connect with nature. The amazing lake views, the smell of your homegrown vegetables and fresh basil, listening the wind chimes on your deck, a family dinner or simply relax and meditate. Life is not simple but decks give you an easy escape to some much needed peace and quiet.

Year around Fun with Friends and Family: On Thanksgiving Day, you and your family can gather and have fun together, on Independence Day you can grill hot dogs and steaks. A built-in hot tub adds opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Whether you are renovating or building a deck, AdvantageLumber.com is here to help you be part of this trend with the best selection in exotic hardwood decking like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa and all the tools and deck accessories necessary to complete your deck.

Ever wonder how flat/plain sawn, quarter sawn, and rift sawn lumber are made? Check out this brief video describing the types of sawn lumber.

Learn more about sawn lumber at AdvantageLumber.com.

Check out this informative video about our 1×6 Cumaru Decking.

In just over one minute, you’ll see why our Cumaru decking is a much better value than both teak and composite decking.

Get your Cumaru decking quote when you call: 1-877-232-3915. Or, you can easily order online here: 1×6 Cumaru Decking.

It’s easy to sit here and tell you that Cumaru decking is one of the finest decking materials available. But, what if you could actually SEE what it looks like installed? What if you could HEAR from a homeowner how their new Cumaru deck has positively impacted the overall look and feel of their home?

Take a look at this brief video tour of one Florida homeowner’s Cumaru deck and see for yourself what kind of impact Cumaru can have on your home.

Call 1-877-232-3915 to order 1×6 Plus® Cumaru decking, or visit AdvantageLumber.com to buy decking online.

Check it out and subscribe to the AdvantageLumber.com YouTube channel.

Are you looking to make something really cool, or artistic? We have produced a large quantity of 7′ Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa decking in two of the most in-demand sizes (1×6 & 5/4×6). Now is the time to save up to 40% off retail pricing. These wholesale decking prices are for a limited time only! When they’re gone, they’re gone!

What can you build with 7 foot decking? Pretty much anything. Check out this video showing what’s possible:

In addition to hardwood doors, you can use 7′ decking for many projects including:

• Docks
• Arbors
• Paneling
• Cabinets
• Decorative planter boxes
• Outdoor furniture
• Benches

To take advantage of these low decking prices, call AdvantageLumber.com today at 1-877-232-3915, or visit the Lucky 7′s Decking Sale page.

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:

This beautiful Ipe deck in Pennsylvania was left to mature naturally.

The fresh, natural look for wood exposed outdoors as decking or siding has been popular for a long time.

As valued as this natural look is, protecting it is necessary to maintain the natural physical properties like durability and strength. We are going to try to explain some of the finishing that both protects the surface and maintains a pleasing appearance.

But first…

Why Does Wood Turn Grey?

The natural weathering process of wood is a combination of chemical, mechanical, biological and light-induced changes, all of which occur simultaneously and affect each other.  For instance, as air moves over the surface of a wood deck, dust, pollen, dirt, and air pollutants replace the exposed colored cells of the wood. This slow transformation is also made possible through the exposure of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, or salt particles in coastal areas. Depending on the species of wood, these changes can occur anywhere between a few months to years.

How Can You Prevent Wood from Turning Grey?

Keeping the natural look of freshly cut hardwood requires the use of a finishing product to block or slow the action of moisture and sun.

In the past, many of the products used to coat wood were very toxic and with a high content of volatile organic solvents linked to health problems; the new wood finishes are now low in VOC’s and safe for the users and the occupants of the building.

What Is a Wood Finish?

A finish is a liquid, paste, or gel that must be applied thinly and evenly onto the surface of the wood. Finishes can enhance the appearance of the wood and help defend against the detrimental effects caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

With the correct type of finish, a natural weathered look can be achieved while providing protection for the siding to promote optimum performance over the years.

Natural wood finishes can be:

• Clear Water Repellents

Clear water repellents are one way to achieve a natural look; they do not add color and grain patterns can be seen through the finish.

However, most clear water repellents do not prevent the sun’s UV radiation from fading the wood since they don’t contain UV inhibitors. For exterior applications, you can expect clear water repellents are to last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the surface texture of the wood and exposure to the sun.

• Weathering Stain or Bleaching Oil

When you use bleaching oil on softer woods like Redwood, or Cedar, you will find out that the grey weathered look happens faster and the protection offered is longer lived than a clear water repellent. The reason for the faster transformation is because the oil is essentially a water repellent finish containing some gray pigments. You will notice that as soon the bleaching oil is applied the softer wood almost immediately starts to turn grey. Then, as the wood is exposed to sun and water, the bleaching oils begin to bleach the wood itself, resulting in a uniform weathered look.

The protection of these oils last only two or three years, periodically apply a clear water repellent to the siding over the bleaching oil, to protect it but be careful in not altering the color. If alteration in color occurs, just apply another coat of bleaching oil.

Due to the intense density of exotic hardwoods like Cumaru or Ipe wood, bleaching agents don’t work very well.

• Stains

Stains are pigmented finishes that provide color and protection against UV rays. Some are water repellent and may include preservatives and mildewcide. They are classified in solid-color stains,  heavy bodied stains, and semitransparent penetrating stains.

Solid color stains, are opaque finishes. Surface texture is visible but wood grain and colors are not through this type of stains. They come in water-based and oil-based formulations. Service life is typically three to seven years, depending of the surface textures, exposure to elements and previous application.

Semitransparent penetrating stains have a moderate amount of pigment. Provide a uniform color without hiding the wood grain. Oil-based semi transparent is recommended since they penetrate the wood surface deeper than water-based products.

Another advantage with this type of stain is that they are not film forming which means no peeling or blistering but do wear off gradually, semitransparent penetrating stains are expected to last from two to five years, depending on the surface texture of the wood.

If applied to wood decking, these types of stains may last two years, subsequent applications may last up to five years.

It is recommended to avoid the use of varnishes, lacquers or other clear film-forming finishes, because they allow UV degradation, can crack and peel, and are difficult to remove.

Working With the Best Deck Oil for Exotic Wood

Ipe Oil™ is specially formulated to penetrate dense hardwoods. It is the best product to use on exotic woods that need nourishing and stabilizing. Its formula will not create a surface film that will crack, bubble, or peel. Also, its transparent natural tone allows the beauty of wood to be seen while also protecting the surface from the sun’s ultra violet rays. Ipe Oil™ also allows the wood to breathe, which is very important in exotic woods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood.

Wood experts choose Ipe Oil™ because they know that wood penetration is the key to longevity and beauty.

CONCLUSION

We hope you’ve enjoyed our mini-science lesson on why wood turns grey. Make no mistake, the natural character of this process can truly be a standout feature of your home’s design. If you have any questions about any of the information in this article, please leave a comment below.

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.

We asked one of our co-workers to show us the proper way (and the incorrect way) 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.

Newsletter Subscribers Win Stuff....Really Cool Stuff from AdvantageLumber.com

It’s true. We just gave away one iPad2 to one lucky AdvantageLumber.com newsletter subscriber! It was our biggest and most well received contest to date. You can see all the entries here: http://www.advantagelumber.com/ipad

If you’re not a fan of technology, that’s ok, too. Just this year, we’ve given away exotic lumber, decking products….and oh yeah $500 cash to subscribers.

Getting a chance to win prizes from AdvantageLumber.com is easy. Simply sign up to our newsletter using the form below:

AdvantageLumber.com Has Rustic Grade Ipe Decking on Sale

One of the aspects in the selection of the wood for a deck that is often overlooked or misunderstood is wood grade. Deciding the grade of your wood is just as important as deciding the type of wood, finishes, sizes, and fitting profile of your decking boards. Remember, decks are more than a structure standing up outside of your home; they are an addition to your home and the wood you choose should be structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, functional, durable and beautiful. So, how does this all apply to choosing exotic hardwoods like Ipe?

FACT: No two deck boards are exactly the same

Wood is a natural material affected by environmental elements. Pick up two boards of the same species and you’ll see differences in color, grain patters, and imperfections. The grading system is in place just to distinguish between what are considered more or much less aesthetically pleasing natural appearances.

Ipe Decking Grade Differences

At Advantage Trim and Lumber, we sell only two grades of Ipe decking, Grade A (Premium Grade) and Grade B (Rustic Grade).

GRADE A: This clear grade is considered to be the highest grade. Our premium grade Ipe has the most uniform colors with no knots and the longest length of planks. Many of our customers request our premium grade Ipe because they find it to be the most aesthetically pleasing.

GRADE B: Our next best wood grade contains more knots, more variation in color but it’s structurally sound and less expensive than Grade A. Our rustic grade Ipe has natural “defects” that enhance the unique character of the wood. Some pieces may have a few minor characteristics which do not detract from their appearance or higher quality. Most building codes specify Grade B and higher. It is durable and serviceable, and many people prefer the rustic charming look as decorative enhancement.

Rustic Grade Ipe Sale Going on Now

Bring the beauty and charm of nature to your deck! AdvantageLumber.com is now having a big sale on B-grade Ipe. You can save over 50% on select sizes compared to premium grade Ipe.

Durable, beautiful and always a conversation starter, B-grade Ipe may be what you are looking for to bring a welcoming warmth and character to your new deck.