Decks & Patios

Painting your wooden patio is similar to painting a deck. The preparation is the the most important step in the process and if not done well, the paint will not last. There are many different...

Teak patio furniture can be a wonderful alternative to the usual plastic or metal pieces that most people have in their yards. Grown in India, Thailand and Indonesia, teak wood is durable and...

Wood, especially pine or maple, typically contains sap. When building with wood, it is imperative that the wood has been properly dried to avoid oozing sap. When it has not been properly dried,...

A good deck stain is not just a cosmetic product. It must extend the life of the wood by protecting it from weather as well as from abrasion. Your major priority in choosing the stain is its...

Patio tables are a necessity for outdoor living. They provide a place to eat, to play games, to socialize, or just unwind after a long day at work. If properly chosen and cared for, a store-bought...

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...

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...

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....

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...

When building a deck or stairway using pressure-treated lumber, unsightly writing from the factory or warehouse may ruin an otherwise beautiful finished product. A host of options may present...

Building or repairing a new deck or patio can be a thrilling project, but it also takes a significant amount of time and effort to make it just right. It's important to the success of the project...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Trex is a composite wood alternative that is ideal for building a home porch. It is weather resistant and exceptionally durable. Installing Trex is similar to installing wood for a porch floor,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Termites and their colonies are highly efficient wood-recycling forces of nature. Known for the damage they cause to homes, termites actually recycle wood back into the soil as humus. However,...

Pergolas are very neat structures to have in your yard. They can provide privacy, warmth and protection form sunlight and even pests. A pergola with a shade is the perfect accent to an outdoor...

Cedar is widely considered to be one of the most desirable woods for outdoor deck or fence construction. Both its beauty and natural resistance to rot and decay make cedar an optimal choice for...

Wood is arguably the most popular material used in deck building. The introduction of wood stain offers a seemingly endless number of color possibilities. Not every deck is created equal, creating...

Patio covers are an ideal way to protect furniture from rain and snow, create a shaded enclosure or platform and offer a new addition to a home. With a variety of choices from which to choose,...

Painting the wood deck on an outdoor pool is a task that requires precautions be taken so as not to damaged the wood or the pool. If the right steps are taken and the right tools used, this can be...

If there is space underneath a deck that is at least 10 inches high, there is still enough room to create storage. In many cases, you won’t be able to reach deep inside the space underneath. One...

Removing deck stain takes a number of different materials, tools and time to ensure that all the stain in the wood has been properly removed and the wood itself is not damaged. Stain is usually...

Determining the best type of deck stain to use depends mainly on whether your deck has been previously treated and its level of exposure to the sun. You'll also have to take into consideration...

A greenhouse is essentially an area with a glass covering over it where plants can grow in a regulated temperature. The glass above allows suns rays in but doesn't allow heat to get out easily...

A deck can be a significant investment for your home. In order for the wood to last, it must be periodically cleaned and resealed. Cleaning with an oxygen bleach is environmentally safe, and it is...

Pressure-treated wood is the best choice for building a long-lasting outdoor deck. Galvanized screws are used more often than galvanized nails in deck building because of their staying power....

Pergola patios and porches are ideal outdoor structures. They give the space a sense of definition while allowing you to experience the elements with subtle covering. Making a pergola often seems...

The area under a deck is usually wasted space unless it is over a certain height and can be used for storage or another room. The area becomes a place for lost baseballs and tennis balls, animals...

Sanding is integral to the life and look of a wooden deck, allowing you to properly apply finish and water seal to the wood. Sanding is also important for the look and comfort of the deck,...

A concrete deck with a wooden rail gives homeowners the best of both worlds: a low-maintenance deck with warm, wood accents. Trying to mount a wood fence post on a concrete deck to support your...

Bubbles in paint or stain are a common problem. Bubbles can stem from a number of factors: fluctuations in temperature, improper preparation or even use of a low-grade product. Finding a solution...

Outdoor living areas such as decks and patios offer freedom and tranquility to homeowners. These are spaces where you can relax outdoors or entertain guests under the trees with all the comforts...

Taking advantage of your home patio and deck is a great way to bring your family together to celebrate birthdays and other occasions. So make sure your deck looks its best. Part of outdoor deck...

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...

Many outdoor projects require exterior wood stain and preparation, especially when they have recently been built outside or are in the process of being built outside. Wood stain helps the life of...

Composite decking materials are a combination of plastic and wood, with the benefits of each. It offers the aesthetically-pleasing appearance of wood and the durability of plastic. Unlike wood...

Patio covers provide shade and make the patio a more comfortable place to hang out. Patio covers also add architectural interest to a home. The trend toward decorating patios as outdoor rooms...

According to CorrectDeck.com, mildew is made up of airborne spores that feed on the dirt and debris that settles on your deck. Mildew on your deck will create a film that can block the sun from...

Mold can accumulate anywhere there is moisture inside and outside your home. Just because mold is accumulating on your deck outside does not mean you should ignore it. Black mold and other forms...

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...

Adding a deck to your home can be a simple weekend project when you use a do-it-yourself deck kit. These kits contain everything you need to install a deck in the design that you choose with the...

A deck represents a large investment of both time and money. You certainly don't want to leave that type of investment exposed to the elements without protection. A properly applied stain will...

Exterior wood floors have many uses, as free-standing decks, pavilion floors, picnic-table platforms or places to store firewood for the winter. They range from small-sized convenience structures,...