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When preparing to install an outdoor area worthy of entertaining, the more you know upfront will benefit you in the long run. Whether installing a new deck or fence, or updating an existing one, we have compiled the following tips to help you find and purchase the best materials for your project. This list will help you locate quality materials that will save you money, add value to your home and make you the envy of neighbors in no time. Research is the key to purchasing quality materials at the best price possible. Not all products are made the same. Yes, prices do often reflect quality, but that is not always the case. Do your research before you buy to ensure that you are purchasing materials that are worth every cent. Find a retailer that keeps a variety of materials in stock (extra points if you find a store with a showroom). Dealers that keep stock on the ground tend to offer better pricing to their customers. Price - how many times have you been shopping to find a product you like only to find out except you do not purchase it because the price is higher than what you initially expected. Discard the misconception that beauty and quality mean higher prices. There are stores that may offer lower priced material that resemble the high-end counter parts, but when you look closer you can see the differences between the two. By searching for options before you plan to buy, you will have a better chance at finding a comparable product (or the same one) for a price that falls within your budget. Let’s use Vinyl Railings as an example of how products can vary in quality. Vinyl “T” rails are available in both big-box stores and specialty style supply stores. There are many brands that market “T” rails with a range of prices to go with them. Here are a few differences to look for: Reinforcement: look at the product description and see if the top and bottom rails offer aluminum reinforcement. You will be surprised to discover that many of the lower priced rails do not offer that extra support. Do you want to add railing to your deck that is not reinforced?      2. Profile: the lower price point rails tend to have a plain profile and thinner vinyl wall thickness. Whereas the higher end rails have profiles that are sleek and the support of thicker vinyl walls.      3. Brackets: an often-overlooked area on rails, but one that can make or break a style. Lower priced rails tend to have bulky and cheaply made brackets. These often crack and break and need to be replaced.   Availability: Once you have found quality materials at a competitive price you still need to guarantee that the products will be available to you – and quickly. During the COVID pandemic, when supply was at an all-time low, lead times were through the roof. That is not the case anymore – if you know where to shop. Supplies have replenished; however, stores are selling out quickly since most do not stock enough quantities to meet demand. In a nutshell, this means you will have to wait longer to start the project. Call in advance to check on availability. If they do not have the materials in stock then ask about ‘lead’ times for when they will get them. This will save you time and money in the long run. Where you shop matters – choose a store that specializes in fence and deck materials. Knowledgeable employees will not only know the difference between materials but are willing to pass this information onto you. When it comes to building a deck or fence, the materials you choose should be made to last for years to come. Whether it's a new deck for entertaining or a fence that provides security, you should be confident that the end result will add value to your home. In the end, it is important to research, ask questions and compare products. And most important - find a store that offers the knowledge to assist you in the process. Ladiesburg Lumber carries a variety of quality fence and deck materials in stock and ready to go. Their employees are eager to assist and ready to share details on the products they carry. Stop in or give them a call today!