Decks & Patios

Trex is a composite wood alternative that is ideal for building a home porch. It is weather resistant and exceptionally durable. Installing Trex is similar to installing wood for a porch floor,...

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"...

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...

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...

If you are looking for a way to add definition to an outdoor space, but don't want to close in a nice seating area, consider building a pergola. A pergola is essentially a wooden structure which...

If you are looking for an open structure which can define a space in your backyard, a pergola might be for you. This structure is made out of wood and is a great overhang for a small seating...

Building a deck on an above-ground pool gives you a place to lie in the sun or have a pool party. Pool decks are similar to other decks but are free-standing and curve around the pool. Many...

Arbors can add a nice touch to any garden and bring your vines to life by providing a solid fixture to climb. Arbors come in many shapes and sizes with benches, swings and shelves. Find the arbor...

If you are a homeowner looking to make backyard improvements, the pergola is a great choice. While a pergola is not a full patio or deck cover and will not keep the rain out, if it is built...

Pergolas have become a very popular backyard feature, and many homeowners are interested in adding one as a do-it-yourself project. For those with an existing deck, a pergola will enhance the...

Enjoy your outdoor living space with a patio cover that protects you from the sun. Retractable awnings can be a cost-effective choice for a patio cover, but the savings will happen over a long...

After you have installed the support posts on the footings, the next steps will show you how to install beams for a deck.

A patio is a great space to relax and spend time with others. If the patio is uncovered, though, it can be hot during the middle of the day. By covering a patio, it can be used more often and can...

The addition of a lattice patio covering will give a nice filtered sunlight effect to your outdoor living area. It is not a difficult do-it-yourself project, and anyone with some elementary...

An existing concrete patio can be upgraded to include a pergola over it. A pergola can add beauty and charm to an otherwise plain concrete slab. Follow these easy steps and you will have the...

Decks are usually at least 2 to 4 feet off the ground. If you want to add a deck onto your house, but need it close to the ground for easy access, it is possible to accomplish this goal. This...

To build a deck around a pool you will first need to measure your pool area and decide how many deck supports you will need, based on the size of your above-ground pool and the design that you...

A well-constructed deck can add beauty and value to a home. While there are a number of different designs to choose from, a round deck is among the hardest to build. The most important thing to...

The indoors can be stuffy at times and may not allow much room for really large parties. One solution is to create a covered deck in the backyard for easy entertaining. There are a number of...

The hardest part of a renovation or demolition is supporting the existing roof once the foundation underneath it is gone. Fortunately, it is not a hard problem to fix and is a problem you can...

After the last frost has left and the sun starts to shine longer and longer many people start to feel closed into their homes and look for ways to spend more time in the yard. One of the most...

Checking the Support Beams: Home Improvement DIY Projects - Learn how to properly clean, care for & maintain your backyard wooden deck in this free maintenance video series.

Joist hangers are placed to secure the floor joists of a new deck to the beams that form the outer edge of a deck. They allow the joists to butt up against the outer beams and attach securely....

The beams for a patio overhead are one of the essential framing elements of a secure patio installation. Installing the patio overhead beams sounds a lot more difficult than it actually is. It...

The beams for your deck bear most of the weight of your structure. Install the deck beams on their edges and horizontally across the base of your deck. These pieces of wood must work with the...

The posts for your deck aren't particularly weight bearing, but they do support all the other parts of your deck. Carefully measure for your deck posts, so you can accurately plan how much and...

After you set the posts in place, you are ready to install the beam. The beam runs parallel to the ledger board to hold the joists in place.