Decks & Patios

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,...

Everybody loves a backyard get-together, whether it be a barbecue, a pool party, or just a simple family picnic. And porches are still a popular place for those get-togethers, but most porches do...

Treated lumber is infused with chemicals to prevent infestation from insects or fungi, and to prevent rotting and weather damage. It is more durable than untreated wood and is typically used for...

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...

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...

Decks have become a favorite gathering spot for friends and family during the warm seasons. Outdoor decks and patios vary in size and complexity but many homeowners are choosing to construct their...

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 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...

Although there are hundreds of free and commercial plans available online, from mail-order companies and in the book department of your local home center, many do-it-yourselfers prefer the...

You've chosen your plan and educated yourself. You are an expert on composite versus wooden decking. You have the perfect site and want to begin construction but there's just one question: how...

For more than 40 years, chromated copper arsenic (CCA) pressure-treated wood has provided the bulk of outdoor wood construction material for playgrounds, decks, gazebos and outbuildings. CCA...

Cool clear water, a hot sunny day, a little baby oil and a plastic ladder. One of these things doesn't fit. If you have a pool, you need a deck. Here is a simple plan of attack that will have you...

A deck is a wonderful addition to any living space. Whether topped with a pergola, flanking an above ground pool or located in an ordinary backyard, decks are natural venues for entertaining or...

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...

You get a call to install a deck and you don't know where to begin. I'll show you how to measure an area for a deck installation. There are tricks to figuring out the total square footage and...

Pressure-treated wood is designed to withstand termite damage, as well as decay, but it is highly recommended from many lumber yards and deck builders to treat your pressure-treated wood with a...

When your house does not have a proper porch, building a deck seems the logical decision. A deck allows you the opportunity to enjoy the outside while still within the reach of the comforts of...

If you are looking to add some more outdoor living and entertaining space to your concrete patio, you may want to consider extending it. While pouring large slabs of concrete require a lot of...

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...

Do-it-yourself decks are among the most popular of home improvement projects. One of the primary concerns when a homeowner considers undertaking a project is cost, and to figure that one needs to...

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...

Backyard decks make for a functional and attractive outdoor living space, and building them requires only basic carpentry skills. This makes them a popular project among do-it-yourself homeowners....

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...

When you need to protect your family and friends as they visit on your beautiful deck, building a wooden deck railing is the answer. Research the various designs for deck railing and prefabricated...

A patio can be a lovely addition to your home. It gives you another room without the expense of building walls. It can give you privacy as well and a way to commune with nature while still having...

Like any home-improvement project, a deck needs to be well-thought-out and thoroughly planned. Long before you pick up a hammer and nails, you'll need a comprehensive plan of action, a careful...

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...

Knowing how to cut wood steps is a needed skill when you are building a deck outdoors, or an open staircase indoors. Cutting wood steps is the easy part. Planning them and laying them out can be...

When planning a deck stain project there a few things to know before making your product purchase. Here are some tips to consider.

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...

One of the first considerations for a homeowner when deciding whether or not to build a deck is cost. You probably have a vision for your deck, but may have no idea how much it will cost to make...

Framing a deck is a lengthy but uncomplicated task. The work is well worth your time, because a new deck adds additional outdoor living space both to enjoy yourself and to entertain company.

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...

Adding a deck onto your house can be a fun do-it-yourself project, but it can also be quite expensive. It does not take a great deal of skill, but you need to be able to do simple calculations,...

Installing a handrail around the deck can also make the deck more attractive. The good thing about this installation is that it requires a minimal amount of woodworking ability. As with most...

Hiring a concrete crew to prep, frame, pour, and finish a concrete porch slab for you can be very expensive. But with the right know-how and the right tools, you can do all of it yourself, and...

There are many materials you can build a deck with.

Patios are a wonderful way to increase the entertaining space of your house. When weather permits, decks allow you to extend the party outdoors and enjoy barbecues, yard games and nature's...

After you complete building your deck, you'll want to stain it. Stain will improve the deck's looks as well as protect it from weathering. Stain isn't sold specifically for decks, but for any...

Building a deck around your pool can make it look more beautiful and give your family a place to sit and enjoy while at the pool. Don't let building a deck around your pool intimidate you. It's...

Adding a deck to the back or front of the house will add value to your home. Whatever your desire is in deck design, getting all the facts will be crucial to the life of your deck. Do the research...

To really appreciate the garden that you have worked so hard on, you might want to put in a deck, so that you can set up a patio table with some comfortable chairs next to it. A deck is a simple...

Designing a deck is more then just sketching out a design on a paper and heading to the lumber store or home improvement place to gather the supplies for the deck. Each step will help you arrive...

On decks that are a little unstable you will find that installing deck supports you tighten up the deck. If you can stand on your deck and make movement while moving back and forth then you may...

The nature of mobile homes is such that a porch and steps may need to be added. This is not a difficult task and the do-it-yourself home owner can do this with just a little bit of wood working...

What is more inviting after a hard day at the office than a nice relaxing evening sitting on a deck you built yourself? Not that you would ever vie for the envy of your neighbors -- but it is a...

The spacing between deck joists is commonly referred to as joist span in professional lingo. It doesn't matter what you call it--it's still a critical calculation when it comes to building your...

Joists are typically 2 by 6 lumber beams that are set on an edge to support the decking boards. It's important to measure for your deck joists accurately, so you know how long the joists should be...