Timber Link Blog

  Why Eva-Last Apex Plus Composite Decking Stands Above the Rest When it comes to building a deck, the choice of material can make or break your outdoor living experience. Homeowners today are increasingly moving away from traditional wood and even standard composite boards in favor of advanced solutions like Eva-Last Apex Plus composite decking . But what makes Apex Plus different—and arguably better—than other decking options? Let’s break down the key benefits that set it apart—and how it compares to other popular decking materials. 1. Superior Strength and Structural Performance One of the biggest advantages of Apex Plus is its reinforced bamboo-PVC core with glass fiber technology, which significantly increases its strength and span capability. This means: Wider spacing between joists (less substructure required) Stronger, more durable boards Better long-term performance under heavy use Compared to traditional wood or basic composite decking, which can sag or weaken over time, ...

  Wood decking demands consistent upkeep to maintain its appearance and durability. Homeowners who underestimate the required maintenance can quickly find their deck deteriorating into a rotted, splintered mess. But before you decide to tear it down entirely, consider upgrading to a low-maintenance alternative. Engineered materials like composite and PVC decking offer the natural look of wood without the constant upkeep. Even better — replacing your old wood boards with composite decking is simpler than you might expect. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the resurfacing process and how to replace your existing deck boards with composite materials.   When to Replace Your Wood Deck If your deck boards are showing signs of rot, splintering, or decay, it’s more than just an eyesore — it’s a safety hazard. Don’t wait until minor damage turns into a major problem. Replacing your worn-out wood boards with high-quality composite decking is a smar...

  Let’s be honest—some pool areas can feel a little uninspired. If your pool space hasn’t seen an upgrade since last season, now might be the perfect time to refresh it with a stylish, functional makeover. Durability is Key Water can cause serious damage over time—especially when low-quality materials are used. That’s why choosing high-performance products is essential for any poolside project. With Eva-Last , you’re investing in lasting quality and peace of mind. Say goodbye to slippery surfaces, constant maintenance, and environmental concerns. Eva-Last composite decking is designed to transform your outdoor area into a safer, more beautiful space. Explore three innovative bamboo composite ranges— Apex Plus , Infinity , and Pioneer —each offering a sustainable, durable solution perfect for pool surrounds. With any of these, you’ll enjoy worry-free outdoor living all season long. Expertly Designed for Outdoor Excellence The composite specialists at Eva-Last are known for de...

    Your deck represents a significant investment, serving as more than just an outdoor retreat. Whether you constructed it yourself or enlisted the help of experts, safeguarding that investment must be your number one priority. Both deck builders and DIY enthusiasts understand that the lifespan of your deck heavily relies on the protection of its substructure, particularly the joists. This is where joist tape shines. But how does joist tape stack up against other deck protection strategies? Let’s dive in and explore.  What is Joist Tape? Joist tape is a waterproof butyl or acrylic adhesive tape that is applied to the top of deck joists before the deck boards are installed. Its primary purpose is to protect the joists from water infiltration and rot, extending the life of your deck by up to 2–3 times. Benefits:  Waterproof Barrier : Seals the top of joists, preventing moisture intrusion that causes rot. Self Seals:  Butyl Tapes Self Seal themselves wh...

  Summer days are made for relaxing outdoors, but the heat can make walking across your deck unbearable. With Trex’s SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology, you can now enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about the intense sun. Whether you’re lounging, entertaining, or just soaking up the sun, Trex’s innovative decking helps keep the surface cooler and more comfortable, no matter how high the temperatures soar. Thanks to SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology*, Trex is making decking feel even more civilized, on the kind of days that melt popsicles before they find your mouth. SunComfortable™ decking stays cooler* to the touch. Their Transcend®, Lineage® and Enhance® decking lines feature nine different heat-mitigating colours – all designed to deliver that one-of-a-kind look you are after. What is SunComfortable™ Technology? Trex SunC...

  An old and tired wood deck that’s in good shape can be brought back to life with a coat of stain. Not only will it look good, but the stain will protect the wood from harsh weather and water damage. There are many stain colours to choose from and you will need to decide between semi-transparent or solid stain. Semi-transparent allows the natural wood grain to show through the stain while a solid stain completely covers it. To keep your deck looking it’s best and for optimum protection, stain will need to be applied every 3-5 years. Below are the steps required for staining a wood deck. If you are applying stain to a new pressure treated deck, let the decking dry for 2-4 months, then follow the same steps. These easy-to-follow simple steps will help you learn how to stain deck and avoid deck problems and get professional-looking results you’ll be proud of.   A FEW TIPS BEFORE YOU GET STARTED STAINING YOUR DECK Apply stain when air and wood surface temperatures ar...

  Not all hidden deck clips were created equal. Here’s an introduction to the top hidden deck clips on the market so you can select the correct fastener for your build. High-quality grooved composite decking deserves fasteners that will keep the boards in place and help maximize the deck’s longevity. But with such a wide variety of hidden deck clips on the market, how do you choose the right one that’s sure to be easy to install and perform over time? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of hidden deck clips and compare their design, price, and performance so you can choose the best fastener for your build.   Plastic Clips: Trex® Hideaway® and TurboClip™ One of the most commonly-used deck clips, the Trex Hideaway, is made of plastic. These clips are inexpensive at around $0.50 per fastener, they create a 3/16 in. gap between boards, and are widely accessible and versatile, and are able to be used with multiple brands of grooved decking. While i...

  Check out these 5 features that will give your deck design a big bang for your buck – not only in style, but in practicality as well. 1. Levels A deck with different levels can break up a large area into distinct spaces for different activities. Levels are also a good solution for sloped yards where one deck flows into another as the terrain changes. 2. Bench A built-in bench around the perimeter of the deck is a great way to accommodate seating for a crowd. Clever designs can include built-in storage. 3. Railing Deck railings are not only a safety feature for your deck, they also add an element of style. Today’s trends tend to be simple and understated. Vertical balusters are available in metal and wood while glass and cable let you see the view beyond. Take note of your local building codes to ensure you are meeting safety requirements. 4. Shade Adding shade to your deck will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat of summer. A pergola or shad...

  A well-designed and built deck can add value to your home and transform your outdoor living area. If you plan on building the deck yourself, use these top 10 tips to help you embark on this project with confidence and get a professional finish you can be proud of. 1. Parallel or perpendicular When planning your deck, decide if you want the deck boards to lay parallel or perpendicular to your house. Whichever way you decide will determine which way your joists run. Parallel boards will have perpendicular joists, and vice-versa. 2. Check your grading Even if the ground where you will be building looks flat, check the grading so you know ahead of time if allowances need to be made in your deck design. 3. Slope it Remember to slope your deck away from your house and other structures in order to drain water in the right direction. Design a slope of 1/8 to 1/4 inch for every foot of decking. Build your slope into the structure under your deck and the top dec...

Face screws, Edge screws, and Hidden Deck Clips: Learn the differences between these fasteners to decide what to use for your deck build. When you’re building a deck, you likely know what kind of board you want to use. But have you put much thought into how you’ll fasten it? Sure, using any old screw could do the job, but it also might mean you’ll spend more time replacing boards down the road than enjoying the deck. Learn more about three types of fasteners— face screws, Edge screws, and hidden deck clips —so you can make the right choice for your project.   Face Screws Tried and true, face screws are a traditional fastener for square deck boards. For wood boards like pressure treated, cedar, and redwood, you can use a bugle-head deck screw, which is designed to keep the board down but is also very visible on the deck top.  For square composite or PVC decking, there are color-matched composite screws that blend into the deck surface. These screws typically ...

  There are great DIY outdoor projects that are consistently on homeowner’s to-do-lists. These ten projects will add value to your property and improve how you use your outdoor space. 1. Deck Building a deck is one of the more popular outdoor projects among homeowners. It’s an easy build for the average DIYer and can be finished over the span of a weekend depending on the scale and design. Your budget will determine what decking materials you use. A pressure treated wood deck is more economical than a cedar or composite deck . Composite decking, however, has the big advantage of hassle-free maintenance. 2. Fence A well-designed wood fence is both a practical and beautiful element that will increase the value of your property. It will not only provide you with privacy from your neighbors but it will also block unwanted views of the surrounding area. Choose a style that will complement and enhance your home’s architecture and landscaping. Vertical fence boards are ...

 Deck railings are a safety feature on decks built above the ground. Building codes vary but most require a railing on a deck built 24 inches above the ground. There are many styles and materials to choose from so decide on the look that will best suit your home and deck design. Today’s trends tend to be simple and understated. Railings are often built with plain balusters made of metal or wood for a traditional look. The color you choose can blend with your deck style or have it contrast as an accent. You can combine materials for a custom look or add decorative post caps, or caps with lighting. Growing in popularity are designs with no balusters but with glass panels or cables which let you see the view beyond. Alternatively you can choose a railing that is unique and makes a statement. An important detail to consider is the height of the railing. Take note of your local building codes for your new railing to ensure you are meeting safety requirements. Browse your d...

  5 Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Deck Building your dream deck, i t’s one of the most rewarding home renovation projects: upgrading your outdoor space with a dedicated space for eating, entertaining or relaxing. But the project can be daunting, both from a design and logistical perspective. Go the extra mile in the planning phase and you’re guaranteed a finished result that will be long-lasting, multifunctional, and maximize your time in the great outdoors, year-round. Read on for the 5 things to Consider When Building You Dream Deck. 1. What Will Your Deck Be For? Think about what you want your deck to do now, as well as any use you might want it to have in the future—for instance, as your family grows. Is it primarily for relaxing, or entertaining? Do you want it to include plants, raised beds or other decorative elements? How about grilling? How will it integrate with the rest of your space, such as a yard or pool? The possibilities are plenty, no m...