Railing Manufacturers Want Your Business
In a market dominated by site-built wood railings, makers of manufactured components are looking for an edge Read more
An experienced deck contractor is probably better qualified than a design pro to inspect a deck for possible problems Read more
High-end decks are just as likely to have construction defects as low-end decks Read more
Products
Deck Tension Tie
The new adjustable USP ADTT-TZ from MiTek is designed to resist lateral loads Read more
Products
Joist Flashing Tape
Add a layer of protection to the tops of deck joists and beams Read more
Products
Concealed Beam Tie
Simpson's CBTZ connects a beam with a post without a lot of metal showing Read more
Products
Outdoor Entertainment Centers
Continuing the trend of bringing the indoors out, Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens has introduced a line of entertainment centers for the backyard Read more
Products
Rice-Husk Composite
Unlike plastic-composite products made with wood in the mix, TruGrain decking and porch flooring are made from a composite material including rice husks Read more
Products
Inside-Look Deck Finish
Applied in two coats, Cabot Gold finish is designed to make a wood deck look more like an interior floor Read more
Products
Structural Vinyl Columns
The LandMarke Builder's Vinyl Column from Fairway can be cut on site to the desired height Read more
Products
Accent Light for Posts
The new powder-coated LED fixture from Feeney matches company's DesignRail aluminum railing Read more
Installing a Composite Rail Kit
Prefabricated components take the guesswork out of building good-looking railings for decks and porches. Read more
EYE FOR DESIGN
Midwest Deck Makeover
Lighted garden columns and a matching lighted corner post add a Craftsman aesthetic to this Detroit deck. Read more
Day's End
Playing With Fire
A waterfall built into a privacy wall dances in the firelight at night. Read more
How Neat Do Joist Hangers Need To Be?
Why shims probably aren't the best solution when there's a gap between the bottom of a deck joist and the seat of the joist hanger. Read more
Reader Tips
Pier Protection
Using contractor trash bags as drop cloths around footings makes cleanup fast and easy Read more
A deck builder recalls his surprise at seeing a photo of one of his ipe decks being used in promotional materials for bamboo Read more
Down on the Boardwalk
Built over wetlands, this handicap-accessible boardwalk was built on helical piles rather than conventional concrete piers to minimize its environmental impact. Read more