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We spend a lot of time dressing up our windows. Shades, curtains, drapes, and blinds almost feel like a requirement in terms of interior design. But what about the outside? The exterior remains completely undressed and vulnerable, preventing the home from living up to its full potential. Why not take the decorating outdoors? Window awnings…

There are lots of ways we protect ourselves from the sun, wind, and rain. We wear sunglasses to save our eyes, hats to safeguard our heads, and visors to shield our face. So why would we expect less for our house, the ultimate example of shelter from the storm. But even our house sometimes needs…

Above ground pool decks are an essential addition to your backyard swimming pool project. A deck will give you an easier way to get in and out of your pool and extra lounge space while you supervise the kids. Your above ground pool deck plans can include an attachment to a house entrance or it…

Have you ever wanted to relax on a nice summer day without being exposed to all those outdoor nuisances? Do you ever have the desire to sit in a rocking chair and relax away the hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon, just like your grandparents did generations ago? Though the concept of screened-in porches was…

Want to add some extra living space to your home —just reclaim that unused space outside. Outdoor rooms are becoming very popular and not just in warm weather climates. Homeowners are remodeling their decks and patios into small—and full-scale—outdoor kitchens, dining and entertaining areas. They’re even upgrading their electrical and plumbing systems to accommodate outdoor…

Decks have gone from being a novelty to very common. This is because better wood treatments make wood more durable. While some decks are made with traditional redwood (which has natural preservatives in it), the majority of decks are now made from pressure-treated pine. Is Deck Maintenance Necessary? Most decks are made of pressure-treated pine….

On hot summer days you may find it hard to stay outside. Not just because of the rising temperatures but also because everything you touch burns you skin. Hot concrete patios, driveways, and sidewalks are sometimes impossible to walk on unless you’re wearing the appropriate footwear. But what about when you’re barefooted and swimming? Oddly…

After a long winter, it may be time to do an exterior inspection of your home. Your deck may be fading and wearing out. Your siding may have mildew growing on it. And your concrete will probably have suffered some new stains in the process. So as you knock the dust out of the rugs…

To replace a bad deck board you will need rustproof deck screws, a power screwdriver, a power drill and a pilot drill bit. If your deck boards are screwed down, simply unscrew the damaged board, cut a replacement to the same length, and screw it down with rustproof deck screws. It is best to replace…

On This Page: Before You Begin Anatomy of a Deck Planning for Deck Construction Construction Plan Examples Deck Costs Deck Construction Considerations Questions to Ask a Deck Pro Before the Deck Project A well-designed deck is what separates a good outdoor living space from a great one. And while many of us have the DIY…