Decks & Patios

You don't have to be a professional contractor to incorporate an enclosed patio into your home's decor, but you should possess some basic knowledge of construction and landscaping techniques. An...

The addition of an exterior porch can greatly increase the value and comfort of a home, and for this reason, has grown to be among the most popular of home improvements. The price range for this...

A great way to add value to your home is to attach an outdoor space that not only takes advantage of your yard's natural features, but also extends your living space outward. In fact,...

Planning a deck construction project can be very straightforward. You plan on a single-level deck made from pressure-treated lumber and deck nails designed to withstand the elements. For a few...

Designing and building your own deck can be a very rewarding experience. There are many resources available to help you learn the ins and outs of deck design. Designing a deck also involves...

You have several choices when it comes to the type of decking you choose. Wood comes in several varieties: Pressure-treated pine is the most common, but you can also get cedar, mahogany and...

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...

Decks add outdoor living space and are considered semi-permanent structures. Decks are primarily built using pressure-treated lumber for the framing and other materials for the decking, rails,...

More people are opting not just for a grill on the patio, but a full outdoor kitchen, the better to enjoy outdoor activities. If the kitchen is the gathering place of a home, why not gather...

Building a second-level deck can make a great addition to a multileveled home. Whether it is to entertain guests, such as one off the kitchen, or a private getaway from the master bedroom,...

Building a deck as an addition to your home expands and enhances the functionality of your home while increasing its value and outdoor living space. Building a new deck sets the stage for social...

Composite, or engineered, wood is a building material made of wood or other cellulosic materials mixed with a binding agent to create a material that is stronger, denser and heavier than wood...

Bricks and stones are popular choices for building materials. Construction suppliers mass-produce or quarry these natural materials from all around the globe, and their prices vary depending on...

Pavers and stepping stones make pathways throughout the landscape. They are decorative, make passage easier and save wear and tear on lawns. Here are some ideas on how to get the most from using...

When building a patio or pathway -- or any area in which pavers, brick or flagstones have spaces to fill, there are several choices you can make in materials. You can use living plants or...

When you're putting together the tools you need to build your patio, it's important that you are thorough in your planning. If you carefully lay out which tools you need to buy, you can buy them...

Synthetic deck materials have a significant place in the market as homeowners opt for low maintenance solutions. Made from a variety of materials, the idea behind a synthetic deck is that you...

The main advantage of a synthetic deck is that it requires little or no maintenance, allowing owners to avoid painting, scraping or power-washing. There are new products entering the market all...

Hauling patio materials to your yard or place of building can seem like an intimidating task if you aren't well prepared. Luckily, as long as you proceed with a plan in mind, it should be a...

So you've decided to build a deck and create a beautiful outdoor space for your home. Before you head off to the nearest home improvement warehouse, though, consider the cost of this substantial...

Having a deck built by a professional can save you time, energy and even money in the long run. It may also be necessary if your deck will span several levels, if it will be built over water or...

If you have reasonable building skills, you'll probably be able to build a simple deck yourself, with some outside help for specialized areas such as wiring and plumbing. Woodworkers with more...