Decks & Patios

Wood, especially pine or maple, typically contains sap. When building with wood, it is imperative that the wood has been properly dried to avoid oozing sap. When it has not been properly dried,...

If you're considering a deck for around your pool or for a gazebo or patio, Trex offers one of the best surface materials. The mixture of wood fibers and recycled plastic bags has the appearance...

Brick patios, garden walkways and brick garden "rugs" can offer classic traditional elegance or country charm to rural gardens and urban landscapes. Brick paving is cost efficient and durable and...

Smoking, one of the best ways to preserve meat, has a rich heritage that lives on today in backyard smokers throughout the United States. One of the best types of smokers is a stainless steel...

Painting your deck will provide a new look for your outdoor retreat. Paint also protects the wood of your deck from moisture so that it will last longer and you will be safer while using the deck....

Pouring concrete in a rural area isn't much different than doing it in town. If anything, it should be easier, due to the lack of space restraints in rural areas. Concrete is a versatile material,...

Flagstone pavers are known for their random sizes and rough, semi-flat surfaces which give them a natural look. While large flagstone pavers can be set in sand or directly on top of tamped soil,...

Paver stones laid into concrete can provide a lovely patio setting. Although the task will take several days and go much easier if you have a helper, you will be well rewarded. Pavers over...

A covered deck can be a great place for outdoor living and protects you from most weather. Uninvited guests such as flies and mosquitoes can make this space far less enjoyable, however. One way to...

Awnings help to add appeal and the appearance of additional square footage to your home. They also can help extend the life of your home and windows by shielding them from the sun. Awnings ordered...

Adding railings to a porch or deck creates both a decorative and safe deck or porch, and addition of railings is actually required by building code in many locales. Building a railing from scratch...

Since wooden decks are constantly exposed to the elements, they may need to be resurfaced every few years. Some homeowners hire a professional for the job, but if you are reasonably crafty, there...

Flagstones laid over a cement foundation can provide an all-purpose patio for entertaining. Several variations of flagstones (cut or irregular-shaped) are available at building-supply stores. In...

Screening a deck can provide you with a comfortable and relaxing space for family meals, relaxation and play. Creating a screened in deck is a bit more complicated than simply screening a covered...

Setting natural stones into concrete can give a plain concrete patio a new look. Although natural stones set into concrete will make for a less slippery surface than regular concrete, remember...

Setting stones into concrete can give a plain concrete patio a new look. An added plus to a stone-laid patio area is that the stones are less likely to be slippery when wet, as opposed to regular...

Building a deck can be straightforward when the wall it is attached to is straight. What do you do if you want to attach the deck a bay shaped wall? Here’s how to build a deck attached to a bay wall.

Patio covers are an affordable and attractive alternative to hard-scope roofing materials over a deck or other outdoor area. The coverage area of the shade sail is entirely flexible so long as you...

A custom-built overhead can enhance a patio space by providing sun and/or rain shelter, increasing privacy, and defining the space and adding a subtle sense of enclosure for an "outdoor room"...

Pergolas are very neat structures to have in your yard. They can provide privacy, warmth and protection form sunlight and even pests. A pergola with a shade is the perfect accent to an outdoor...

Your most important task in paving a stone backyard is planning. When you decide on your project, consider limitations and opportunities in your backyard space ahead of time. Draw out your design,...

When building a stone patio, there will come a time when it will be necessary to make cuts in your paving stones. Cuts are made in paving stones to fit specific corners, angles or curves and are...

Cutting flagstone is a daunting, yet necessary step when building a flagstone patio. While the job can be accomplished simply by using a chisel, you will receive a more professional result if you...

A brick patio creates an inviting space for entertaining friends and family, and lends a sophisticated look to your outdoor space. Build a weed-free patio without concrete. The loose-laid approach...

When planning and building a deck, fence or other light-duty structure, nothing is more important than the first stabilizing posts. When wooden posts are rushed, inadequately installed, unbalanced...

A concrete patio is a popular place from which to enjoy the outdoors. The durable material ensures that the patio will last decades. A few decorations will make it an attractive addition that...

In Mexican resorts, the thatched shad structure, or Palapa has been raised to a literally high art. Some palapas can be as high as 30 feet, with thatch lashed to steel support structures.

Concrete patios are great, but not everyone can afford to have one poured or own the equipment to do it themselves. You may still be able to reach your dream of a cement patio by building one out...

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...

A patio paver installation in your yard is a great way to create a living space in the outdoors. Do it yourselfers can use patio pavers for a great patio with minimal effort. With just a few...

Great for family gatherings, decks are a versatile way to expand living space. Building corner benches on existing posts of your raised deck is a quick and inexpensive way to add seating that is...

When you are designing a circular brick patio you will be adding extra interest to your patio design. However, it can be challenging to design a brick patio that will both look good and be easy to...

If your pool has outlived its usefulness and it would cost more to repair than you can afford, you can cover it. Building a deck over a pool presents a challenge similar to any raised deck, so be...

A porch roof is a relatively simple addition to your home's exterior. It adds shade on hot, sunny days and shelter when it is raining. With the correct tools and materials, constructing a porch...

Building a freestanding deck can indeed be simple, unless your back yard runs downhill. However, this will be the most difficult part of building a freestanding deck. Most freestanding decks are...

If the family loves the deck in the backyard, then a deck island may be the perfect amenity. Use your deck island for food preparation, an outdoor barbecue party or add a few chairs and some board...

A handrail is the best way to prevent people from falling on the steps from the deck to the backyard. Minimal woodworking knowledge is needed to build one. You will only need a measuring tape and...

Patios made from block are great do-it-yourself projects and don't require a lot of specialized expertise. Home centers carry the blocks you need, and a local hauler will deliver the crushed stone...

Concerns over global warming and the destruction of natural resources are leading many builders and homeowners to choose eco-friendly materials. For many families, the addition of a deck is a way...

I've always liked the look of red brick pavers (it evokes that Tuscan feel), and have wanted a patio in our back yard for eons. But we had a major problem in our patio design: the spot for the...

Make an extension of an existing patio or create a new one.

Do you want instructions on building a deck yourself? Too many articles on deck building has too many words causing your head to hurt? Do you just want an overview? Here it is.

Before you don your work clothes and start digging in the yard with dreams of a grand outdoor patio, it is a good idea to take out a pencil and paper and do a little design work first. The end...

We've all seen (and admired!) patios made from individual bricks or concrete pavers. I'm just finishing my latest one and would like to share a few tips and tricks that will help make the job a...

Trex is an attractive and low-maintenance composite decking product. It is made from reclaimed and recycled items such as sawdust, pallets and recycled grocery bags. The combination of these...

The right patio will not only bring value to a backyard it can also give you additional living space.

A stairway is based on the fundamental inclined plane. It is easier to gradually move up a ramp than it is to go straight up. The total energy expended is the same, but the energy is used over a...

An outside deck is great for getting away or gathering together with friends and family to enjoy the weather. Decks are one of those investments that, when done right, not only provide your house...

Your deck was built with summer in mind. Whether you're barbecuing, sunbathing or simply lounging with friends, your deck is an important part of the season. Unfortunately, a deck that has been...

Patios are often used as outdoor living rooms, complete with furniture, plants and decorations. The main problem with patios is their vulnerability to the elements. When it rains, patios and...