The Great Stain Shoot-Out
Twenty-two finishes were applied to six different types of wood decking - here's what we learned at the midpoint of our testing. Read more
New Columns for an Old Porch
A New England contractor gives a classic front entry a facelift by replacing the failing wood millwork with composite columns and PVC trim Read more
Taking Better Deck Photos
A pro photographer breaks down how to get the most out of your camera, whether it's on your phone or the latest DSLR or mirrorless model. Read more
Older oceanfront decks are particularly vulnerable to structural problems because of salt corrosion of hardware and fasteners. Read more
LETTERS
Cable Railing Caution
Children may be tempted to climb a railing system with horizontally-oriented structural members, which should be taken into consideration in its design. Read more
TOOL KIT
Bull Bar Decking Removal Tool
This heavy-duty demo tool features an indexing head that rotates 180-degrees, which allows the user to select the best angle for maximum leverage and access. Read more
Q&A
Composite Fascia Installation Tips
It's a smart strategy to separate composite trim from the framing with shims, which allows for drainage and differential movement. Read more
READERS’ TIPS
Fast Method for Aging Copper
You can take the shine off copper pipes and panels by soaking them in sawdust that's been saturated with this special salt bath. Read more
PRODUCTS
Deckorators Cast-Stone Post Cover
Low-maintenance fiberglass-reinforced concrete post covers have the look of stone, but slip over 4x4 or 6x6 wood posts. Read more
DAYS’ END
Updating a Formal Fence
A decaying red-cedar fence was rebuilt using Boral TruExterior fly-ash-based trim Read more
PRODUCTS
Dock on a Rock Brackets
Adjustable galvanized steel brackets can be bolted to rock to provide a solid base for docks, stair landings, and walkways. Read more
PRODUCTS
Impression Iron-Look Railing
These rail kits look like classic wrought iron but are made from aluminum, so the sections can be installed without welding equipment. Read more
PRODUCTS
Hanger-Buddy Joist-Hanger Tool
An adjustable jig for speeding up joist hanger installation. Read more
PRODUCTS
Grillbot Grill Cleaner
This rechargeable robot is equipped with brass or stainless steel brushes to automatically scrub your client's grill. Read more
PRODUCTS
Wolverine CarbonMAX Work Boots
These leather work boots have a thin-profile safety toe cap that reduces weight while still meeting ASTM standards for protection from rolling and falling objects. Read more
PRODUCTS
Avalon Aluminum Railings
Railing Dynamic's preassembled railing panels are rust-proof and available in three powder-coated finishes: white, gloss black, and satin black. Read more
PRODUCTS
Outwater Cable Railing
Pre-cut 316 stainless steel assemblies are available in 1/8-inch, 3/16-inch, and 1/4-inch diameters, and include threaded terminals and quick-connect fittings. Read more
PRODUCTS
Tytan High-Yield Construction Adhesive
This collapsing gel adhesive is applied with a gun or through a straw like spray foam insulation, and can be used to glue decking to joists. Read more
PRODUCTS
Boerboel Gate Hardware
Heavy-duty wrap hinges are available in stainless or zinc-plated powder-coated steel and will support 75-pound gates up to 6 feet wide. Read more
PRODUCTS
Panorama Universal Glass-Railing Post
This versatile post for glass railing systems can be surface- or fascia-mounted, and used at corners, ends, or inline. Read more
PRODUCTS
Silca Systems Tile Underlayment
Self-draining structural panels are designed for tile installations in exterior environments. Read more
