


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...Categories
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