Category: Pro Tips

You’ve got the contract. You’ve got the lumber. But what about the actual strategy for building a deck? For deck builders new to the profession, there are a few tips that shouldn’t be ignored when you’re constructing decks for your customers. To maximize customer satisfaction and make work you’re proud of, take account of these current building tactics in your deck contracts. 1: Plan Thoroughly We know you’re eager to start swinging hammers and spinning the buzzsaw, take care to plan everything—and we mean everything. What are your customer’s preferences? This is the obvious one, as no homeowner is going to simply tell a contractor to build a deck with no further specifications. But past the customer’s needs, consider the setting. Available space is a major factor here. You won’t be limited if the property you’re working on is huge, but you’ll need to get creative when space is tight. In addition, consider the deck’s height and how it will affect the stairs. Utilizing software and other tools can help you be precise in your planning, providing accurate measurements and renderings that will help you work and give your customers a thorough understanding of the plans. 2: Choose Quality Materials We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention top-quality materials here. Because not every kind of lumber is made equal, the choice you make could have an impact on the longevity and even safety of the deck you build. Smart deck builders will educate their customers on the benefits of choosing materials that may not be the cheapest but will require minimal maintenance and repairs in the long run. But what are the determining factors in the quality of decking materials? It goes without saying that flimsy wood of any kind should be avoided at all costs, but other factors aren’t so apparent. Durability against weather elements, resilience to pests, and lasting aesthetics all contribute to the need (or lack thereof) for maintenance. Generally, the higher quality materials offer great durability features. Want to step up the quality even more? Composite decking boards offer yet another layer of protection from the elements! 3: Prioritizer Structural Integrity Under no circumstances should you compromise on the structural integrity of any deck. Without proper foundational aspects like proper support, framing, and anchoring translates to a long-lasting structure. It also means the deck you’re building will be up to code and free of any safety risks. And speaking of safety risks… 4: Incorporate Safety Features Deck builders should always prioritize safety. You don’t want to bear the financial or conscious burden of one of your decks collapsing or causing some other form of injury. Those staircases and decks with questionable railings may look cool and modern, but they’re injuries waiting to happen. Consider the often overlooked issue of sunburn, as well. Being outside is great, but too much sun can do a lot of damage to the skin. If your customers are looking for some shade options, an awning is just the ticket! Of course, no deck comes with a rock solid guarantee that there won’t be an injury; humans can be chaotic and unpredictable no matter what safety tips their deck contractor gives them. What if kids are being rowdy and one of them falls? That’s why you should always have adequate liability insurance coverage. If the unthinkable happens on a deck you built, it’s good to have taken precautions. 5: Regular Maintenance and Inspections When that final nail has been hammered, the work is done, right? Wrong! Encourage your customers to take care of their new deck so they can enjoy it for years to come. We’ve already discussed choosing durable materials, but wear and tear is bound to happen no matter what you use. Given enough time, deterioration happens. Sometimes it’s not apparent, which is why you should encourage regular inspections by a professional deck contractor. Educating your customer on basic maintenance routines can also build invaluable trust! Conclusion In following these five tips, new deck builders (and those who are a bit rusty) can provide consistent quality in all their projects. Thorough planning, quality materials selection, safety prioritization, and more can help you build an impressive reputation and goodwill in your target customer base. When you’re ready to purchase those quality decking materials, give Ladiesburg Lumber a visit. With so many options, deck contractors can make great things happen!

What if we told you that you could have a beautiful, durable deck to make memories on for years to come without constant maintenance worries? Composite decking is rapidly becoming a popular choice, and for good reason! It offers a great alternative to traditional wooden decks because of its durability, attractive appearance, and of course, low maintenance. But before you take the plunge and start building, there are some things to take into consideration. Taking some time to research options like contractors, prices, and your own needs will guarantee an ideal finished product. Factors to Consider We’ll take a look at specifics of materials soon, but first let’s glance at some factors that will help you make a decision. Durability Not every composite decking material is the same. Keep an eye out for decking that will keep itself together and resist staining, fading, scratching, and mold. It’s also a big advantage to have a deck that holds its own against harsh weather. Low price points may be enticing in the moment, but if they mean you’re getting a deck that will look faded and warped in the near future, cross them off your list. Maintenance Do you have a busy lifestyle? If so, you probably don’t want to spend your leisure time making fixes to this area that’s meant to help you relax. Though this decking option is known for requiring less maintenance than wood, some brands are simply better at keeping that promise than others. At Ladiesburg Lumber, we prioritize quality materials by partnering with trusted manufacturers like Fiberon, Trex, and TimberTech. Aesthetics Nobody wants an ugly deck, but you certainly don’t want a deck that looks completely different than your home. When you’re shopping around, keep in mind how yours will look in comparison to your house. You’ll be kicking yourself if you go with an option that clashes heavily with everything around it. You don’t want a light-colored deck when the trim elsewhere on your property is much darker. Another factor to keep in mind is fencing. If possible, choose a look for your deck that matches that of your existing fence. The colors will all come together for a satisfying scheme! And of course, if you need a hand in making your choices, we’re always happy to help! Take a look at our gallery for some inspiration. Price Wooden decks tend to require comparably more maintenance and repairs, and they often aren’t cheap. While the price tag for composite boards is higher than wood decking, that cost is made up over time thanks to low maintenance needs. The question here is, “Can I cover the initial price?” If so, this is an investment worth making. With good care, that price tag is going to be a no-brainer when you look back on it years from now. Different Composite Decking Boards This stuff is made to be strong! The combination of recycled wood fibers, plastic, and chemical binding agents makes for an impressively sturdy material. This formula isn’t the same across the board though (pun intended). Again, some manufacturers just make better stuff than others, so here are some variables to look for. At Ladiesburg Lumber, we make it a point to offer high-quality products from the best brands! Composition: The fiber/plastic/chemical ratio of the material varies from brand to brand, which can affect its appearance and performance. Capped vs. Uncapped: Some brands make their materials even more durable by capping it with a protective layer, so keep an eye out for this valuable feature! Texture and Color Options: Another big advantage of composite decking boards is the variety of textures and colors available. Get creative with your choices so you end up with a deck that is 100% you! Assessing Your Needs No two homeowners are alike. What may be an end-all-be-all feature to one person might not matter in the slightest to another. Due to this diversity in needs across the spectrum of homeowners, a huge array of options are available. Now it’s time to narrow those options down! Here are a few things to think about Climate If you live in a place that sees a lot of humidity and rain, you probably won’t want to use the same materials as someone living in a dry region. You’ll want to prioritize mold resistance, whereas they won’t have as much of a need for it. Usage What is your deck going to be used for? Relaxation? Cookouts? A little bit of both? Having a solid answer will help with material selection as well as design! Local Regulations As with any construction project, you need to make sure your planned deck won’t be violating any local regulations with its materials. Researching Brands and Reviews In any given area, there are several materials manufacturers and sellers on the market. Naturally, some are more reputable than others. Researching the best one for your project can be the difference between total satisfaction and an expensive piece of regret. Reputation What do other people say about the brands you’re considering? Do they have a good reputation with the community and people you know personally? Our experts can help guide your decision-making. Just give us a call! Customer Reviews Similarly, online reviews can be a big help when making your decision. Check out Google, Yelp, and other reputable sources for customer feedback. Keep a keen eye out for common praises and complaints to help you identify the worthwhile contributions. Warranty Length and coverage of the warranty on your deck should never be overlooked. If the unfortunate happens and you do require repairs or replacement, you want to have the reassurance that you’re covered. Making Your Decision So you’ve researched the best results for “composite decking near me”, weighed the factors, and assessed both your needs and buying options. It’s time to make your decision! Don’t be afraid to get in touch with the pros or even visit their showroom to see everything (and everyone) in person. Building a deck is a huge step in the journey to having a wonderful home. By understanding your options as well as the start-to-finish process, you’re setting yourself up for an investment that will bring you joy and relaxation for years to come. When you’re ready for this big leap, get in touch with us at Ladiesburg Lumber. Are you ready to make your deck the best place for cookouts, hangouts, and everything in between?

Ever had a day where a simple frisbee game turns into a comedy of errors? Picture this: you're out in your yard with your dog Chester, chasing down a runaway frisbee when suddenly, it takes an unexpected turn and sails right over the fence. Cue the laughter and the realization that you're now the one on retrieval duty. But as you go to exit, the gate sticks and drags along the ground. If this has been happening repeatedly, you may be at the end of your rope. Before you get frustrated and have a new one installed, let's discuss why this happens and how to fix it for good. At Ladiesburg Lumber & Supply we understand the frustration this causes. That's why we're here to guide you through the most common hardware and installation problems. Here’s what could be causing all of your woes: Misaligned Hinges Misaligned gate hinges and latches can quickly create a stubborn obstacle. If the gate sticks and is refusing to open and close smoothly, it might be due to wear and tear or improper gate installation. If you need to realign hinges on a gate, you can follow these steps: Loosen the screws on the hinges that are attached to the gate and the gate post. This will allow you to adjust the position of the hinges. With the screws loosened, move the gate to the desired position so that it opens and closes smoothly. Make sure the gate is level and aligned properly. Once the gate is in the correct position, tighten the screws on the hinges to secure them in place. Test the gate to ensure it opens and closes smoothly without sticking. If it still sticks, you may need to make further adjustments to the hinges. By following these steps, you can easily realign hinges on a gate and ensure smooth operation. If you need fence gate hardware, we have them available for purchase. Rust and Corrosion It’s important to note that rust and corrosion, primarily caused by the reaction of metal with oxygen and moisture in the air, can weaken your gate’s structure. They often go unnoticed, building up over time and slowly weakening your gate. Look out for discoloration, flaking paint, and pitting or rough spots on the surface. Remember these pesky culprits love to target metal fences, hinges, bolts, and latches. Regular maintenance and protective coatings are your best defense against them. Loose or Damaged Latches A gate without a latch is like a house without a lock; it’s an open invitation to trouble. If you're struggling to close and lock it, the problem could be due to loose or damaged latches. Latches may wear out because they’re used so often. Over time, this can cause them to shift positions. That’s why it's important to regularly inspect and maintain the latches on your property's entrance. You’ll want to make sure they’re still functioning properly. Ignoring loose or damaged latches can leave your property vulnerable to unauthorized access. Tightening screws or replacing faulty latches can help restore your security quickly. Warped or Sagging Did you know that weather conditions and poor gate installation can leave your property’s entryway a bit droopy? This warping and sagging not only looks unsightly but can also make entering and exiting a real pain. Reinforcing the frame or replacing warped sections will have your entrance standing tall once again. Avoiding Problems Did you know that many of these problems can be traced back to the initial installation process? That's why, at Ladiesburg Lumber & Supply, we offer a full-service operation that goes above and beyond simply providing fence gate hardware. When you choose us, we'll walk you through our showroom, help you select the perfect products for your needs, and even fabricate your order and load it into your truck. Plus, if you're a contractor, we'll gladly service your clients in our showroom, saving you time and hassle. And speaking of that, let's talk about lead times. We understand how important having a quick turnaround is, especially when it comes to large orders. That's why we offer quick lead times, typically just two weeks or even same-day service for those last-minute emergencies. So, you can count on us to deliver if you're planning ahead or if you need a solution on the double. Before you resign yourself to a lifetime of entryway headaches, remember we've got all of the fence gate hardware that you’ll need. From adjustable hinges to sturdy latches, we've got everything you need to keep your gates operating smoothly. Quality Solutions for Gate Hardware Issues This isn’t just about fixing what's broken; it's about having an entrance to your property that’s built to last. That’s why we take pride in not only providing solutions to your immediate fence gate hardware issues but also in offering products that are built to withstand the test of time. Our selection of gate supplies including gate hinges and latches is designed with durability in mind to ensure that your entrances remain strong, secure, and fully functional for years to come. Don’t forget that addressing issues promptly is key to maintaining security and functionality. So, when you're ready to tackle those issues head-on? Contact us today, and we’ll make sure to have all the gate supplies you need to get it back in top shape. Your frisbee game, and your dog Chester, will thank you for it!

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!

Taking care of your wooden deck is crucial to ensure that it lasts for many years and maintains its beauty. Here are some tips to help you take care of your wooden deck: Clean the deck regularly: Dirt, debris, and leaves can accumulate on the surface of your deck over time. Clean the deck regularly using a broom or a leaf blower to remove the dirt and debris. You can also use a pressure washer, but be careful not to use too much pressure as it can damage the wood. Remove stains immediately: Stains from food, drinks, or oil can damage the wood if they are not removed immediately. Use a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain gently. Rinse thoroughly with water. Apply a sealer or stain: Applying a sealer or stain can protect the wood from moisture and prevent it from cracking or warping. Choose a high-quality sealer or stain that is specifically designed for outdoor use. Apply it once every two to three years. Check for rot and damage: Regularly inspect your deck for any signs of rot or damage. Check the deck boards, stairs, and railings for any cracks or splinters. Replace any damaged boards or parts immediately to prevent further damage. Trim nearby vegetation: Trees, bushes, and other vegetation can drop leaves, seeds, and sap onto your deck, causing stains and attracting insects. Trim any nearby vegetation regularly to keep your deck clean and prevent damage. Don't use harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acids to clean your deck. These chemicals can damage the wood and strip away the natural oils, making the wood dry and brittle. Keep furniture off the deck: Heavy furniture can scratch or dent the wood, causing damage. Use furniture pads or place rugs under the furniture to prevent scratches. By following these tips, you can ensure that your wooden deck remains beautiful and functional for many years to come. Regular maintenance and care will help protect your investment and make your deck a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor space.