Wood Rot in Decks and Porches

by Benjamin Hardy | Mar 30, 2019 | Deck, Deck, Porch & Patio, HowTo

  Rotted structural members can go unnoticed. This ledger board was rotted up against the house but went undetected until the decking was removed. Exposure to the elements and proximity to the moist ground can leave wooden decks and porches susceptible to rot....

Alternative Decking Options: Composite Wood, PVC and More

by Benjamin Hardy | May 4, 2009 | Deck, Deck, Porch & Patio, HowTo

Wood decks are notorious for their maintenance needs. Pressure-treated lumber—the popular and inexpensive wood choice—requires regular cleaning, sanding and staining to maintain its appearance. First-generation composite decks sought to fulfill consumer demand for a...

Deck Maintenance: Sealing and Staining

by Benjamin Hardy | May 22, 2008 | Deck, Deck, Porch & Patio, HowTo

A wood deck requires regular sealing to prevent splitting and cracking. Back-brushing to distribute the stain or sealer evenly will give a level finish. A properly applied stain or sealer is part of regular maintenance to protect your deck from stains, mildew and...

Routine Deck Maintenance

by Benjamin Hardy | Jun 13, 2007 | Deck, Deck, Porch & Patio, HowTo

Decks require scheduled maintenance to refresh their beauty and strengthen their protection against the elements. Maintenance-free decking is a no longer an industry term—manufacturers know that all decks require maintenance if they are going to last. So, it’s...

Designing Multi-Level Decks for Outdoor Living

by Helen J. Simon | May 30, 2006 | Deck, Deck, Porch & Patio, HowTo

Much the same way front porches connect a house to the streetscape, decks establish a bridge between the indoors and the outdoor, natural environment. Decks add value and living area to a house by creating outdoor “rooms” that host activities from grilling to sunning,...

Wood Deck Alternatives

by Benjamin Hardy | Jan 27, 2005 | Deck, Deck, Porch & Patio, HowTo

Composite decking looks more like wood than plastic lumber, but must be installed over a pressure-treated lumber base and frame. Few aspects of a home require as much maintenance as a wood deck. Exposed to the elements, a wood deck needs sanding, resealing or painting...