Deck Materials Comparison There’s something liberating about spending time outside on a deck. Whether you make it a private retreat shaded by vegetation or an energetic entertainment area complete with a built-in BBQ, this outdoor living space is often the most enjoyable area of a home. It can increase the value of your home by…
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Articles about decks and porches including building and improvement ideas, deck materials, planning advice, maintenance tips, and more.
Pavers vs. Concrete for Patios, Driveways and Pool Decks Concrete Slabs A standard slab is a layer of about three to four inches of concrete poured to cover your driveway, patio, or pool deck. It’s a cost-effective, durable surface that is easy to install and protects the area, needing little maintenance. Stamped Concrete Stamped concrete is…
Cedar vs. Pressure-Treated Wood – Best Wood for Fences & Decks Cedar vs. Pine Cedar and pine are two types of wood with multiple species native to the United States. Compared to something like maple, both rate as softwoods. Cedar: naturally resists rotting ideal for decks and fences costs more than treated pine Pine: typically…
Composite Decking Materials Composite decking is rising in popularity for its durability, low maintenance needs and style. At $4 to $13 per square foot, this material has a more consistent pricing than wood, which can vary from $4 to $30 per square foot. There are many synthetic decking materials from dozens of manufacturers. Here are a few…
Composite vs. Wood Decks: Costs, Types, Durability & More On This Page: What Is Composite Decking? Composite decking is a combination of sawdust and some kind of plastic. Manufacturers may use polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or polypropylene. There are a few different types, including: Wood Composite: About 50/50 plastic and wood flour Capped Wood Composite: Has a hard outer…
What are the Differences Between a Deck and Patio? If you are planning some outdoor upgrades to your property this year, you might consider whether you want a deck and patio. How do you know which one to pick? This comparison guide will walk through the differences, costs, returns, pros and cons of both. On…
Need a Deck Built? A new deck is a substantial investment and a very visible addition to your home and landscape. Planning the deck itself requires significant thought. That’s why you need to take time to find a builder with the experience and know-how to get your job done right. Talk to a number of…
This is the second guide in a three-part series on how to build an attached deck. The last guide gave an overview of the planning and design process. Now we’ll get into installing the 4×4 posts and framework, including the ledger board, beams and rim joists. This guide assumes you have a good working knowledge…
This is the third and final deck building article. This will take you through installing the railings, laying boards and building stairs. Don’t use this guide for covered porches. However, it uses similar board and railing installation techniques for patio and ground level decks. Railings and deck boards are an easier project than the framing…
There are economical assembly services available to homeowners who struggle to DIY assemble furniture. The typical cost varies depending on the time of equipment. A grill only costs $45 on average while a shed might cost $400. While assembling outdoor features is not top-tier professional work, it can help you avoid the pitfalls of DIY,…
Homeowners across the nation are not only spending more money on remodeling – they’re tackling much larger, more aesthetic and more expensive home improvement projects than five or six years ago. Instead of just replacing a faucet and handle, they’re upgrading the whole sink (…and what good is an updated sink if it’s next to…
