Articles
Plain-English guides to help you plan and understand your project.
Deck and porch Creating a welcoming deck stair railing
The stair railing is the first thing guests touch when they arrive. Getting the grip profile, post stiffness, and design flow right turns a functional requirement into a considered detail.
Deck and porch Wood vs composite deck boards
Wood and composite each make a compelling case. The right choice depends on how much maintenance you want to take on and what you want the deck to look like in ten years.
Deck and porch Deck railings: balancing safety and style
A railing has to keep people safe while still looking like it belongs. Here is how to think about height, material, and proportion before you build.
Deck and porch Designing deck stairs you actually want to use
Stairs are often the last thing planned and the first thing people notice. Get the rise, run, and width right and the staircase becomes one of the most used parts of the deck.
Deck and porch Choosing the right deck board width
A 6-inch board and a 4-inch board covering the same deck look like completely different projects. The choice affects how the boards move with the seasons, how the surface feels underfoot, and how much upkeep you will be doing in ten years.
Deck and porch Joist spacing and deck stability
The space between your joists determines whether a finished deck feels rock solid or slightly unnerving underfoot. Here is how spacing works and what to consider before you plan your frame.