Resource Center

This is the first part of a three-part series to guide you through constructing a raised, attached deck. While we won’t specifically be covering floating decks, the basic processes are the same. This guide doesn’t work for covered front porches and grounded patio decks. We’ve broken this complex topic into three parts. This first part…

Everyday homeowners are faced with the question of doing a home improvement project themselves or hiring out the work. Often the momentum behind this is that homeowners want to try these kinds of projects for themselves, but often it is a case of money. Many people want decks, a new coat of paint, or new…

Though their presence is sure to be noticed, deck building companies are much less intrusive than many other home improvement contractors. Since deck building companies and deck contractors are going to be working almost exclusively outside, the hammering, cutting, and overall mess they’ll bring to your property isn’t likely to affect your daily life as…

Decks have become an extremely popular, low-cost way to add living space to a home. Decks make it convenient to enjoy sitting outside day or night. They open up the home and facilitate entertaining and outdoor dining. Yet, decks are also subject to the damaging effects of weather. As such, deck maintenance is critical to…

Awnings can be useful in a number of different ways. Over porches and decks, an awning can provide shade and a dry place to sit and relax. Over open windows, they can keep rain from entering the home. An awning over a door can protect the wood the door is made of from precipitation and…

Splintering decks are usually the result of one thing: homeowner neglect. Splintering decks don’t happen unless a long period of time has passed during which the deck has not been treated with a water sealer and stain. The lack of protection allows water to soak into the boards, eventually causing them to splinter and crack….

Pergolas are a great way to create a sense of wealth, luxury, and style for a reasonable price. They can provide cover for all sorts of outdoor living spaces, most commonly patios and walkways. Of course, patios and walkways come in different shapes and sizes, so you’ll probably need a pergola plan to get the…

If you have a two-story deck, it’s important to maintain its underside. Here are three benefits of under-deck staining: A boosted lifespan. A two-story deck is more vulnerable to weathering than smaller, one-story models. Under-deck staining helps lock out moisture and preserve your deck’s strength. Upgraded looks. The underside of a two-story deck can attract…

Wrap around porches are porches that “wrap around” the house, most commonly on two sides or around the entire home. Their popularity is easy to understand. Often associated with Southern or Caribbean architecture, these large, spacious home additions provide an inviting area to relax, put your feet up, socialize, and entertain. Furthermore, when they’re built…

Once you’ve decided you want a front porch for your home, you should also decide how you want that porch to work for you so you can find the right front porch design to match your needs. While you might think of a porch as a wood floor with a couple posts and a roof,…