Decks & Patios

Most deck boards are placed close together, which can make it difficult to stain between each board. However, using proper staining techniques will help you cover all the visible surfaces, giving...

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,...

Outdoor wooden decks can become worn and damaged over time. Improper care of an outdoor deck can cause it to rot, crack or splinter and become unsafe for use. By knowing how to repair your deck...

Building a deck on a house is a project undertaken by many homeowners. The addition of a deck adds outdoor living space and value to a home. When the deck meets an exterior wall at a 90 degree...

Whether you are removing decking to make way for more lawn space or replacing damaged deck boards in your old deck, removing wood decking can be physically difficult. However, it does not have to...

If your wooden deck was built in the past few decades, it may be time to reapply stain. Deck stain usually lasts one to five seasons, but that depends on the quality of the original materials, the...

Above-ground pools are popular because of their price and ease of set-up. However, without a deck, the only access to the pool is a cumbersome ladder. Adding a deck will increase the value of...

A deck is an investment that, if done properly, will last a very long time. Take the time to choose the best deck boards for the best looking, and longest lasting, deck for your house. If you have...

A deck can be an effective place for outdoor entertaining. One way to provide ample seating for all your guests is to add built-in benches to your deck. Built-in benches can improve the look of...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Deck screws are used on the top of deck boards, with standard screws and nails used for the frame. Many people do not realize there is a difference or that they even need a special screw for the...

Trex decking materials feature the beauty of natural wood without the splintering and upkeep of wood. It is soft and smooth and feels good enough to walk on barefoot. Available in a large number...

While Trex composite decking offers a relatively maintenance-free deck surface, there are a few issues that Trex deck owners should be aware of. Trex decking is a composite wood/plastic product...

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...

Weather and time will gradually weaken deck boards to the point of cracking or splitting. Damaged areas can make your deck look old and rough, and walking on them can lead to tripping injuries....

Building a patio deck is a great way to get the family outdoors together and add a functional room to your overall living space. There are many ways to go about doing the job. Here are some...

After you have finished framing the deck, you can install deck boards. This is where your deck will start to look complete. Here's how to lay decking.

Concrete patios add versatility to your yard and entertainment options. They also are easy to install and make a great do-it-yourself project that most homeowners can accomplish in a weekend.

Low-level decks are good for entertaining guests and relaxing at the end of a long day. Whether the deck is located in the back yard or front, low-level decks can add character to any house. It is...

Outdoor walkways and paths can make your yard more inviting and can make a large yard easier to navigate. A durable brick pathway can also protect your grass from energetic kids and pets who...

Many home owners are considering making the change from traditional wood decking to newer composite materials. Among the appealing characteristics of the composite decking are its low maintenance...

Building a deck is not as difficult and intimidating as you might think as long as you have researched the subject thoroughly, acquiring basic instruction and understanding for the entire process....

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...

The frame for a concrete slab can literally make or break a building. From the slab placement and alignment of the slab, all points are then drawn to lay out the plumbing, mechanical, electrical...

That wooden deck needs to be protected for lasting usefulness and beauty. Sealing it not only makes it look better, but helps prevent warped and split boards. New products are evolving in the...

When building a deck, laying the wooden deck flooring is the middle main step in the whole process that comes after framing the deck and before installing the stairs and the hand rail system. Up...

Patios provide peaceful spots in a yard or garden for reflection and social activities. However, many patios are uncovered and exposed to direct sunlight. In the heat of a summer day they are...

For the most integrated way to grow your plants and have them connected to your deck, you can easily and quickly build a deck railing planter box. It's so easy you can build several in one day,...

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...

Any deck is a great place to hang out with friends, but if your deck needs a little spicing up, then a deck with a trellis may be a good way to add a little art and design to your backyard. A...

A deck can be a wonderful place to relax and grill out on, or it can be the focal point for an intimate social gathering. Although decks may seem complicated to build, they really are quite easy,...

Building a deck on the cheap generally means not using a treated wood, and then to compensate for this, using a wood preservative instead. Some concessions can be made by doing this, as well as...

Building a ten foot by ten foot deck is a job which can be accomplished in a day. It isn't very expensive, and doesn't require a great deal of tools. Deck floor boards come in a variety of sizes...

Above-ground pools are great for smaller yards, but they don't come with a deck. Most have an A-frame ladder that is used to get in and out of the pool. Unlike an in-ground pool, an above-ground...

Having a deck adds a finished look to any landscaped area. If you have an existing patio, don't let that hold you back from getting the deck you always wanted. In this article you will learn step...

A small deck can be a special space that invites you and your guests to bring your lifestyle outdoors. A deck off the living room or kitchen is ideal for enjoying a meal al fresco, while an...

Adding a deck to your hot tub can help make the tub more accessible and an even better place for people to hang out. If you have a hot tub six feet in diameter, a deck 16 feet long by 12 feet wide...

This is a simple article that explains a simple topic that may be easily overlooked when building you Deck or Patio for home entertainment, Outdoor Kitchen or other personal space.

A backyard deck, whether attached to the house or free standing, provides a place to keep patio furniture and maybe a barbecue grill. It adds character and aesthetic appeal to your home. If you...

Decks serve a variety of purposes. One of the main reasons for building a deck is to add an outdoor structure that covers the yard and provides a hard surface for setting out patio furniture and...

Imagine having a gorgeous ground level deck where you can spend time outside and enjoy the weather. Now imagine that you did it all by yourself. Building a deck can be an intimidating project but...

In the following article you will learn how to build a deck from the ground up, at any height. When building a deck, do not use nails.

Cutting out existing wood deck boards is essential for making deck repairs. Find out how to cut out old deck boards using a saw-zaw in this free video.

Obviously, removing bad deck boards is necessary before installing new wood deck boards. Find out how to remove rotten, ugly, or otherwise damaged deck boards.

Screwing deck boards down is necessary for proper deck repair. Find out how to tighten boards down on your deck.