Professional Deck Builder May-June 2014

Making Porch Floorboards Last

During many years as a restoration contractor, I bet I’ve replaced over a mile of rotten porch floorboards. Today’s fast-growth lumber has very little natural resistance to rot, so it’s vital that you completely seal the boards before they’re installed. Read more

Designing Porch Roofs

Sure, shed roofs are easier to frame, but a gable roof will add a 'wow' factor to your next porch project. Read more

Stone Paver Deck

Manufactured stone pavers are a durable, cost-effective alternative to wood and composite decking Read more

Letters Cooked Decking

Reflected sunlight can overheat a deck, but can it lead to premature fading (on composite decks) and coating failure (on wood decks)? Read more

TOOL KIT Ridgid 18-Volt Heated Jacket

A three-level heating system allows you to stay comfortable without shedding or adding layers Read more

Letters WordPress Websites

WordPress is a useful tool that allows non-pros to create a website and optimize it for both desktop computers and mobile devices Read more

Flooring an L-Shaped Porch

What’s the best way to frame a T&G fir floor on an L-shaped porch to get sufficient slope for drainage in both directions? Read more

Building a Deck Over a Gas Meter

Be careful to consider access, freeze/thaw cycles, and ventilation Read more

Letters Another Deck Failure

NADRA is sending the wrong message to homeowners when it warns the public about an alarming increase in deck failures Read more

Editor’s Letter Less Talking, More Doing

Making decks safer is a better strategy for the deck building industry than scaring homeowners with deck collapse statistics Read more

Letters Another Suggestion for Connecting Posts to Shallow Joists

Through-bolts and blocking might help eliminate metal hardware from a tricky post-to-joist connection, but they don't solve the central problem: that 2x4 joists will crack and split Read more