Deck, Porch & Patio

Knowing how to identify, prevent and treat wood rot is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy deck that will last for years.

The alternative decking industry has experienced many changes in the last five years. The addition of a second-generation composite deck material as well as PVC decking products gives consumers more options than ever.

To ensure a safe deck with a long life, you need to properly maintain it. Sealing or staining the deck protects it from moisture and harmful ultraviolet rays.

Whether you simply wash off mold or re-stain every two years, proper deck maintenance ensures a new-looking, durable outdoor surface that can stand up to the elements and day-to-day use.

Multi-level deck designs are reshaping the way we configure outdoor space, taking decks beyond the rectangle to become visually interesting and functional living areas.

Composite decking and plastic lumber present low-maintenance decking options for consumers. Structural and maintenance questions remain, though, as consumers look for a decking product that is truly maintenance-free.

Eighty-five percent of all single-family homes have a deck or deck-like structure. The vast majority of these decks are made from pine and pressure-treated pine varieties. Many of these homes will replace that deck within ten years. High-end decking like cedar, redwood, and mahogany give homeowners beautiful long-lasting performance coupled with eye-catching beauty and elegance.

Before building a new deck, consider is size, placement, and how it will affect your house—and your neighbors—before you begin.