August 2011

Ipe Deck Tiles - Bigger, Better & More Affordable? You Bet!

Just because our Ipe deck tiles cost more than 12x12 tiles doesn't mean they are not a better value. The secret to saving money with our tiles isn't price per tile. It's total coverage. For example:

• To cover a 100 sq ft area, you will save over $600 by choosing our 20x20 Ipe tiles over 12x12 tiles.
• What if you wanted to cover 500 sq ft? Our 20x20 Ipe tiles would save you over $3,000.

It's simple. You will spend less of your time & money installing the Deck Tile System from Advantage Trim & Lumber Co., Inc.. To check out how much you can save, use our easy Decking Tile Pricing Calculator »

To Stain, or Not to Stain a Hardwood Deck...What to do?

No two wood decking materials are alike. Woods like Douglas Fir, Cedar, & Redwood are stainable since they’re softer & more porous. However, exotic decking is denser, has a tighter grain, and natural oils. These natural qualities provide an extra layer of resistance. Any stain you apply to species like Ipe, Cumaru, Massaranduba, or Garapa, will only last a short time. Some stains will even run off when the wood gets wet. If you want to refresh the color of your deck, there is a easy solution. Read more »

Things You CAN'T Build with Ipe Wood

Our Ipe is so versatile, figuring out what you can't build with it is pretty hard. We asked our in-house woodworkers what items would not work with Ipe. They were able to think of two:

• ~ Surfboards - Ipe is so hard even a surfboard would sink when placed in the water.
• ~ Laptop Case - While strong, the weight of Ipe would lead to some strained muscles.

Here are 10 More Things You Can Build with Ipe »

On Deck: 7 Steps to Steak Nirvana

"On Deck" is a new series of articles on outdoor living. Our very first On Deck article is all about making the most of your time in front of the grill this summer. While we all love a good burger or hotdog, seeing a nice t-bone on the grill is enough to make even the hardest dudes turn to mush. But, what's the best, and easiest way to achieve grilling perfection? Have fun reading this article written from the perspective of a complete and utter grilling amateur.