Decks & Patios

With this quick and easy project you can transform any area in your garden with these attractive and easy-to-make decking squares. Use them on a concrete patio, as an attractive feature next to a...

If you would like to build a deck onto your home but aren't sure that you have the necessary carpentry skills, there may be help for you. A do-it-yourself deck kit for beginners may be the...

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...

Applying a stain to your deck can offer several benefits. Not only will you give it a great color treatment, but many stains also include a sealant to protect against weather and sun damage. The...

The new deck is done---the railings are in place, and you are ready to set up the chairs, tables and grill. There's only one problem: You need to remove the marks, grade stamps and other spots on...

Cedar makes a top choice for deck railings and other exterior applications due to its natural resistance to bugs and water. This resistance comes from the presence of tannins in the wood. These...

Box steps are fully covered stairs that lead you up to the deck surface. If you're building them at your home, you can customize them: you can place them around an entire patio or at just a...

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...

A deck is a great place to gather with friends and family, do a little grilling or relax with a cool drink. Nothing spoils the time out on your deck like harsh sunlight in your eyes, making you...

A deck around a swimming pool makes getting in and out easy, because the tall sides of a pool without a deck require climbing up and over the side on a ladder. This entry/exit decreases safety,...

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....

Having a wooden deck is a luxury that most homeowners can enjoy for many years. Staining or painting your deck can add value to your home, as well as add longevity to the surface wood of the deck....

Staining a deck is the perfect way to beautify the wood and protect it from sun and weather damage. However, speedy application, poor stain product, or applying it to dirty or wet wood can cause...

What is the difference between a deck and a porch? A porch is usually sided in a similar fashion to the house it's attached to, and it commonly has a roof. A deck is made of wood that is usually...

Before you commence any building project, you need to define its scope and cost. If your goal is a new deck, an estimate checklist is relatively easy to develop. However; your first task should be...

Endurance vinyl deck railing fits decks of all dimensions and offers function without many of the maintenance worries associated with wood. Termite infestations, splintering, weathering and...

A deck gives your home additional living space. Unfortunately, many times a deck can be too hot to enjoy on a summer day unless it has some shade. One way to provide that shade is with the...

Constant exposure to moisture and heat causes wood deck boards to crack. The wood gets wet, soaks up the water, expands and then drys out, contracting and shrinking, causing cracks in the surface...

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...

Outside decking is typically installed once the initial frame of a deck has been completed. The deck boards that have been measured and cut to length are placed on top and then secured to the...

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...

Vinyl or PVC deck railings are inexpensive options. You can order a variety of vinyl deck railing systems that are relatively simple to install. But there are some important considerations to know...

In order to keep a wood deck looking good and make it last longer, it needs protection from the harsh rays of the sun, as well as rain, snow, and accidental spills. A good stain will give this...

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...

Wood decks are sometimes simple to construct yourself but you are left with the staining portion. Staining may seem like an easy task, but you need to consider the proper steps so you complete the...

Decks that are old or need to have boards replaced may have been secured with nails. Nails can rust when they collect moisture and may even start to pop out of the wood. One way to correct a...

Decking can come in two types of materials that include treated wood or composite wood decking. The benefit of using composite wood decking is that it is not affected by weather and is...

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...

Cedar wood decks are beautiful and functional, and can typically withstand the weather better than other woods. Therefore, cedar decks may need fewer major repairs. Instead of trying to redo cedar...

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...

Building any deck requires planning--both in the design phase as well as estimating the cost of the project. The size of the deck, its location and your personal preferences will dictate your...

Anyone who has experienced birds hanging around a deck knows how troublesome and obnoxious they can be. They are often noisy and leave behind unpleasant messes. Luckily, there are many ways to get...

Painting your deck is an attractive alternative to staining it; the range of colors available for painting is certainly greater, and a painted deck can have the effect of drawing your interior...

Staining your deck can be a particularly difficult process and many people who do it themselves may be unhappy with the results. However, there are several techniques that can help make your...

A backyard deck changes a so-so patch of greenery into an outdoor living space that will be the envy of the neighborhood. Choosing the right decking, finding a good framing plan and gathering the...

Today's decks serve as outdoor rooms, with the comforts of interior living spaces in the open air. There's nothing like relaxing on the deck in a lounge chair on a summer afternoon with a good...

Staining your old deck can revive its color and life, while staining your new deck can protect it and give it a style of its own. Preparation for staining your deck can be completed in a few days,...

An important item required for assembling a deck is the fasteners used to hold the decking down. This is even more important when using Trex decking because it requires particular screws which are...

To finish off a deck, you'll usually want to put in some steps. These can be designed in an infinite number of styles. Designing the right type of stairs for your deck can improve the joy you get...

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...

The new railing on your deck looks great, but those post caps just won't stay on. Careless hands will knock the caps to the ground, and some strong winds will send them flying. No matter what type...

Mildew is an unattractive and dangerous growth on your deck. Mildew can be quite slippery, especially when wet, which can lead to household accidents. It can also damage the finish or wood on your...

Wood decks serve as an entertainment spot, al fresco dining room and general living space outdoors. Between the sun, weather and human wear and tear, most wood decks eventually age and...

Sometimes it is necessary to clean a painted wood deck because the mildew or mold growing on it has made it slippery, or the dirt on it has become too difficult to remove with sweeping. It is...

Redwood is valued for its warmth, natural beauty, resistance to decay and workability, making it a favorite material to use for decks. Correctly cared for, a redwood deck can last more than 20...

Lighting a deck extends the outdoor living space of a home even after the sun sets. Decks serve as a welcoming spot and entertaining area for guests. A well-lit deck greets guests warmly and...

An outdoor deck is an engaging place for friends and families to gather in the warm weather. "There's magic to dining under the stars," as home and garden diva Martha Stewart says on her website....

Adding rails to an existing deck is an easy way to add dimension, and style to your outdoor space. The installation is also quite simple, especially if you purchase a handrail system with the...

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...

A screened-in deck or porch can be a beautiful and practical addition to any home. Not only can it make a house more aesthetically pleasing, but it also provides a semi-outdoor space for...