Durable Deck Details
Practical advice from deck builders and building scientists on how to build better, longer-lasting decks. Read more
Installing Site-Built Under-Deck Drainage
Mike Guertin shows how to build a cost-effective under-deck drainage system using an EPDM roofing membrane and off-the-shelf gutter parts. Read more
Rethinking Deck Joist Layout
Fine-tune your joist spacing to fit your decking, rather than cutting your decking to fit the layout. Read more
Simpson strong-tie’s compact metal brackets make tt easy to fasten wood fence rails to metal posts
Metal Fence Post Bracket
Tension Tool
Feeney’s CableRail tensioning tool promises faster, easier cable installation. Read more
Faster Hidden Fasteners
Duralife’s new step-clip hidden fastening system promises quicker, easier installation Read more
Privacy Act
Blue spruces once screened an extraordinary water feature in the front yard of this Eden Prairie, Minn., home from the street and neighbors. But the 30-year-old spruces started dying, and the homeowners weren’t willing to wait years for a new row of trees to mature and fill in. Since the city wouldn’t permit the family to put up a tall privacy fence, we replaced the trees with a series of freestanding timber-framed architectural panels and a space-saving barn-door entry gate. Read more
