Decks & Patios

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...

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,...

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...

Concrete is a material that's made to last, but even this strong durable surface can develop problems that require you to either completely replace the slab, or pour a new concrete pad atop it....

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...

Texture on a concrete slab is about more than just making it look good. Texture provides a skid resistant finish to the surface. There are three main textured surfaces that are designed to provide...

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 sand base is an appropriate foundation for several popular patio surfaces, including brick and concrete pavers and flagstone. In a typical application, you bed the patio materials into the sand...

The process and techniques involved in grouting an outdoor stone installation are no different than an indoor stone or tile installation. However, there is a specific type of grout that must be...

Bricks are a wonderful building material. They are inherently strong and able to withstand outdoor elements. The design of the bricks in a patio is important to the overall look of your outdoor...

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...

Brick patios have many advantages. They're durable and attractive, a great complement to your home's look and value. But regular maintenance is required if you want to enjoy your brick patio for a...

As you look to build a patio, there are a number of types of paving materials you can use. No matter what type you choose, you should make sure your patio plans allow for some type of patio...

Plastic composite decking requires periodic cleaning to remove dirt and residue and to prevent staining from mold growth. Cleaning your decking regularly will increase its life and prevent damage....

Weather and outdoor elements can wreak havoc on patio umbrellas, furniture and other outdoor items. Over time, fabric items like outdoor umbrellas begin to fade and look less attractive. One way...

If your concrete patio surface is crumbling and scaling, you can resurface it with a variety of concrete overlays. Innovations in decorative concrete also make it possible to go further than a...

Like the balcony from which a king surveys his kingdom, a redwood deck provides a setting of satisfying repose for the homeowner to enjoy his beautifully landscaped backyard or garden space. To...

Laminate flooring is a construction material used to finish floors in homes and light commercial applications. It is designed to mimic the look of hardwood flooring, yet is available for only a...

Outdoor carpeting can make a worn-out porch look like new. It can be laid on patios and on steps. The key to laying the carpet is to know where to begin and the tools to use. There are a few...

Resurfacing a pool deck can make it safer and more attractive, add a rich new color scheme to your backyard and revitalize your entire outdoor living space. New technology in deck coatings and...

Cement is composed of limestone, calcium, silicon, iron, aluminum, gypsum and other materials. A cement patio differs from a concrete patio because a concrete patio includes cement as well as sand...

As wet concrete churns in a concrete truck's agitator tank, tiny air bubbles form. When the wet concrete is poured into wall forms or flat forms and spread out, air voids can occur deep within the...

If you are working with a patio or sidewalk that is either large or small, flagstone is a great choice to use for flooring surfaces. Although there are hundreds of different stones to choose from...

So, your concrete patio has seen better days and your backyard entertaining has lost a little of its luster. You may wonder if it is necessary to take a jackhammer to the patio and lay down new...

Decks are wonderful complements to the enjoyment of a home or garden. They can quickly become a maintenance headache, however, when water drainage is not properly managed. This article will...

Properly preparing a deck for painting maintains the quality and appearance of your outdoor area. By carefully preparing your deck before painting it, you can ensure a durable and high-quality...

It is common to have a concrete patio somewhere in the backyard of a home. There may also be one located in the front of a home. Concrete patios are easy to maintain but their appearance is rather...

Once spring and summer arrive you want to start getting outside and enjoying the good weather and entertaining family and friends on your deck. However, if your deck is starting to show its age...

You want your backyard deck to be a good looking extension of your home, but after a few years it has begun to have a "weathered" appearance. Well, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to...

Choosing the size and shape of a new patio seems like the only big decision necessary for adding a patio to your home. However, it's not so simple anymore. Not all patios are simple concrete, and...

Using rock salt to finish a patio is one viable option if you have a concrete patio. Rock salt generally shouldn't be used to finish anything other than concrete, which limits its use, but it has...

Stripping off the weather-beaten surface and applying a new stain can dramatically improve the appearance of your deck.