Decks & Patios

Constructing your own deck allows you to put in a deck for significantly lower costs than hiring a professional contractor. Instead of having the boards run parallel and perpendicular to the...

Installing brick pavers for a walkway or patio area can give your home a dramatic new look. If you are handling the project yourself, you can install pavers to match your specific preferences....

Wicker is a common material used in outdoor furniture. However, because your outdoor wicker furniture is left to the natural elements, its paint will deteriorate over time. Luckily, it doesn't...

Building your own deck is a satisfying achievement. For years down the line, you will be able to enjoy your deck just a little bit extra, knowing that you personally built it. One way to make your...

Laying your own desk, as opposed to bringing in an outside professional, is a great way to save money. In addition to cutting costs, laying your own deck allows you to enjoy the extra satisfaction...

Metal railings, such as those on an outside staircase leading to your porch or patio, are exposed to the weather and can have faded or peeling paint, or even rust, which requires repainting the...

Patios can be nice features to have on any house or apartment, allowing you to enjoy the weather and sunlight. However, if your patio is made out of concrete, it can become hot during warmer...

Don't think of the space underneath your second floor deck as a potential wasteland. Instead, use a few creative measures and turn the area into viable living or storage space. A plethora of...

Mold is actually a fungus that grows in dark and damp places. If your deck is shaded or in a spot where sunlight won't reach it, it will begin to grow mold. Mold can cause several health problems,...

While a screen porch is a nice addition to any home, a glass patio enclosure can add months of enjoyment to the area. The glass helps to protect from the elements while offering an unobstructed...

Staining is a necessary step in bringing out and preserving the true inner beauty of a finished deck. A properly stained deck is truly a work of art. But knowing when to stain is crucial and can...

A great way to add value to your home is to attach an outdoor space that not only takes advantage of your yard's natural features, but also extends your living space outward. In fact,...

A floating deck is a type of deck that sits on top of the ground. You do not have to dig large holes, pour concrete footings, sink posts or fasten beams. Wooden joists sit directly on concrete...

A pergola can be a beautiful addition to your outdoor spaces. It helps to define a space as a patio, porch or garden accessory. When under a pergola, the goal is to help minimize some exposure to...

Pressure-treated wood is the best choice for building a long-lasting outdoor deck. Galvanized screws are used more often than galvanized nails in deck building because of their staying power....

Pergola is designed to allow the elements to penetrate the wood beams. Sun, wind and rain make their way easily through the slats but hurricane conditions can pull up each slat one by one and toss...

Pergola patios and porches are ideal outdoor structures. They give the space a sense of definition while allowing you to experience the elements with subtle covering. Making a pergola often seems...

The area under a deck is usually wasted space unless it is over a certain height and can be used for storage or another room. The area becomes a place for lost baseballs and tennis balls, animals...

Pavers are used to create patios, driveways, walkways and other outdoor elements. They are made from concrete or stone, and can be installed by most DIY homeowners. Before installing pavers in...

Pavers are a type of building material used to create patios, walkways and other exterior surfaces. They are made from concrete or brick formed into a tile-shaped units that are several inches...

Making your own pergola for your patio or garden is much easier than you may think. With the right plan and preparation, you can build it quickly and make it look masterful. Make sure you choose a...

Flagstone patios are a unique, durable and attractive element of home landscaping. Even though these patios are stone, time and weather can take their toll if steps are not followed to preserve...

If you have a patio in your backyard, you probably enjoy spending time on it: relaxing, barbecuing and entertaining friends. However, if your patio isn't properly shaded from the sun, the...

Sanding is integral to the life and look of a wooden deck, allowing you to properly apply finish and water seal to the wood. Sanding is also important for the look and comfort of the deck,...

Everybody loves the look of a new flagstone patio when the colors of the stone are vibrant. However, after a while, the flagstone appears to lose its color and become gray. That is a part of the...

Paint spills or brush stroke errors are typical nuisances that disrupt a project. If the paint is 100 percent acrylic, cleaning it up can be difficult. Whether you are cleaning up after an...

A truly stunning deck often reflect months or even years of dreaming and then planning. Thorough research, including measuring and sketching, allows you to bring your vision into existence and to...

Trex is a manufacturer that produces decking material that replicates the look of wood without the hassle of splintering. In addition to avoiding the pain of your deteriorating deck cutting your...

Brick patios create a convenient and aesthetically appealing space in a yard. Commonly used for tables, grills or winding paths, bricks are both more appealing and less permanent than concrete....

A concrete deck with a wooden rail gives homeowners the best of both worlds: a low-maintenance deck with warm, wood accents. Trying to mount a wood fence post on a concrete deck to support your...

Deck and patio furniture as well as outdoor benches can be easily decorated by making your own custom cushions. Sewing patio cushions instead of purchasing pre-made cushions ensures a perfect...

Shade cloth is a woven or knitted fabric material that comes in a variety of densities and styles. It shades and protects while still providing ventilation.

Deck screws hold deck boards down to the top of the deck's frame. These differ from regular screws in that they will be seen on the top of the deck, so they are manufactured to look more...

Bubbles in paint or stain are a common problem. Bubbles can stem from a number of factors: fluctuations in temperature, improper preparation or even use of a low-grade product. Finding a solution...

Propane serves a variety of purposes, from cooking the perfect steak on your outdoor grill to heating up the water in your bathtub. Depending on where you live or what you use the propane for, you...

Brick patios are durable, attractive and not too difficult to build. They provide excellent areas for lounging and entertaining, and can often add much to the value of your home for relatively...

If heat has gotten to you, you may consider the option of paying for a pool to be installed in your backyard. Although the thought of a pool makes you daydream of pool parties, and cooling off in...

Outdoor living areas such as decks and patios offer freedom and tranquility to homeowners. These are spaces where you can relax outdoors or entertain guests under the trees with all the comforts...

Moss can grow rapidly in between sidewalk brick. It tends to grow in clumps, particularly in areas of shade and moisture. Moss can be very stubborn, and to kill it in brick you need to be...

A deck is a terrific place to stretch out and relax or gather with friends for a cookout or party. Decks are as individual as their owners, reflecting both their sense of utility and aesthetics. ...

You may enjoy watching birds in their natural outdoor environment---but not at the expense of them converging on your patio and regularly using that space as a bathroom. If you want to stop birds...

Taking advantage of your home patio and deck is a great way to bring your family together to celebrate birthdays and other occasions. So make sure your deck looks its best. Part of outdoor deck...

As you look to build a patio, there are a number of types of paving materials you can use. No matter what type you choose, you should make sure your patio plans allow for some type of patio...

Patio pavers---modular concrete, brick or stone units used to construct an outdoor living space---come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Though they may cost more up front than a wood deck...

Admit it: Haven't there been times you've found yourself talking about your deck in terms usually reserved for the kids? Amazing. Beautiful. Exceptional, if you do say so yourself. Decks have...

A multimillion dollar industry with more than 100 manufacturers, decking is here to stay. From its humble roots in the redwood decks of the past to the advent of plastic manufactured wood...

Many outdoor projects require exterior wood stain and preparation, especially when they have recently been built outside or are in the process of being built outside. Wood stain helps the life of...

What kind of decking lasts 25 years, never has splinters, resists rot, keeps its original finish and is workable with ordinary tools? The answer is composite decking, and Trex is the brand that...

Solar patio lights have low impact on the environment but add a sense of warmth and light to the outdoor patio area. Installation does not require wiring or electrical work. Simply position the...

Composite decking materials are a combination of plastic and wood, with the benefits of each. It offers the aesthetically-pleasing appearance of wood and the durability of plastic. Unlike wood...