Decks

Backyard Decks

DIYnet — From canopies that simply just snap into place, to gadgets that'll keep you cool in summer and warm in the fall, we've got it all. Nothing expands outdoor space like a deck, but building one yourself can be expensive, time-consuming and a real ...More…

Decks - Installing Railings

Hometime — Deck railings are comprised of posts, top rails, bottom rails, spindles and cap rails. Posts (usually 4x4 stock) are installed first at the corners of the deck and at intervals no greater than about 8 feet. There can be a single post set at each ...More…

Decks and Railings: Stiffen a Bouncy Deck

Reader's Digest — A deck that bounces when you walk across it won't feel strong and solid, even if it meets structural requirements. The cause is usually long joist spans between beams or between a beam and the house. To stiffen a deck, you have to be able to get ...More…

Decks and Railings: Strengthen Wobbly Posts

Reader's Digest — You don't have to live with loose, wobbly railing posts when a couple of bolts will make them safe and solid. Measure the thickness of the post/framing assembly, add 1 in. and buy 1/2-in. diameter galvanized carriage bolts that length (plus a nut ...More…

Decks and Railings: Replace broken deck boards

Reader's Digest — You don't have to let a split, rotted or otherwise ugly deck board ruin the appearance of your deck. Simply replace it and in a year or so the replacement will blend right in. You usually don't have to replace an entire board. Just make sure to .. ...More…

Decks and Railings: Replace popped nails

Reader's Digest — Decking swells and shrinks as it goes through repeated cycles of wet and dry seasons. This frequently causes nails to loosen and pop up above the deck boards. You can drive them down again, but chances are that's only a short-term solution. ...More…

Great Decks are Made of Great Details

This Old House — The round "window" punctuating this lattice privacy screen serves double duty as a round-top gate. A 2x6 border, called a picture frame, neatly hides the ends of the deck boards. Have you decided to add a deck? If so, you've already thought ...More…

High-Tech Decks

This Old House — Plastic or plastic composite lumber is a low-maintenance and higher-priced alternative to pressure-treated wood. This deck in Highlands, Washington, is built with composite planks and railings made from recycled plastic and oak sawdust. Workers ...More…

Garden Platforms and Decks

Do It Yourself — Once upon a time, an essential component of the large manor house was its great porch or veranda. Reminiscent of that bygone era, decks and other types of garden platforms are a return to life outdoors - for enjoying the garden and its features ...More…

Terraces and Decks

Do It Yourself — Your first thought when contemplating how to decorate a balcony, terrace or deck may be that there isn't much choice; a couple of weather-proof chairs, maybe an umbrella for shade, and voila, right? Well, sure - but only if you're extremely short ...More…

Jay Oliver: Long Island's King of Decks

Decks — Long Island Decking Inc.®, located in Oceanside, New York, opened its doors for business in April of 1999, bringing owner Jay Oliver's vision to fruition. Oliver says from the get-go, he not only set out to be Long Island's premier decking ...More…

Building Relationships and Decks in Georgia

Decks — From building one deck at a time to building relationships that last a lifetime, John Lea, owner of DECKSOUTH Inc. in Marietta, Georgia, has constantly focused on offering excellent customer service, and in the process has built a successful ...More…