Project Planning
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A New Deck Is the DIY Project You’ll Actually E...
Ever had a home project that disrupted your entire life, and you only worked on begrudgingly? Maybe you couldn't cook in your kitchen for 6 months, or drywall dust was...
A New Deck Is the DIY Project You’ll Actually E...
Ever had a home project that disrupted your entire life, and you only worked on begrudgingly? Maybe you couldn't cook in your kitchen for 6 months, or drywall dust was...
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Using Grooved and Non-Grooved Deck Boards
Nearly all decking manufacturers make both grooved and non-grooved boards. Grooved boards were designed to accept a special hidden fastener that slips into the groove and is then...
Using Grooved and Non-Grooved Deck Boards
Nearly all decking manufacturers make both grooved and non-grooved boards. Grooved boards were designed to accept a special hidden fastener that slips into the groove and is then...
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What Size 2x Joists Should I Use?
Your choice for joist size should be determined by how big your deck is, how solid you want it to feel, and what you can get your hands on. 2x6,...
What Size 2x Joists Should I Use?
Your choice for joist size should be determined by how big your deck is, how solid you want it to feel, and what you can get your hands on. 2x6,...
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Making An Artificial Deck Look Natural
Does low maintenance decking look too much like plastic for your taste? Real wood is difficult to imitate, but artificial decking is hard to beat in its longevity. Getting the...
Making An Artificial Deck Look Natural
Does low maintenance decking look too much like plastic for your taste? Real wood is difficult to imitate, but artificial decking is hard to beat in its longevity. Getting the...
Deck Building How-Tos
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Blocking for Surface-Mounted Rail Posts
Surface-mounted railing posts are fastened with lag screws down through the post base and into the deck framing below. Typically, a large screw with a length of 4"-6" and a...
Blocking for Surface-Mounted Rail Posts
Surface-mounted railing posts are fastened with lag screws down through the post base and into the deck framing below. Typically, a large screw with a length of 4"-6" and a...
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Finishing Deck Edges and Board Ends
Hopefully, you're reading this and haven't started on your deck yet. But if your decking is down and you're troubleshooting, we still have a few ideas for you. ...
Finishing Deck Edges and Board Ends
Hopefully, you're reading this and haven't started on your deck yet. But if your decking is down and you're troubleshooting, we still have a few ideas for you. ...
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Correctly Securing Stair Stringers
The strength of a stringer comes from its "spine", which is the bottom few inches of the stringer that isn't notched out. Completely supporting this spine correctly is essential to...
Correctly Securing Stair Stringers
The strength of a stringer comes from its "spine", which is the bottom few inches of the stringer that isn't notched out. Completely supporting this spine correctly is essential to...
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Correctly Securing A Rim To Joist Ends
Decks that utilize a dropped beam need a rim that is attached solidly to the cantilevered joist ends. It's sometimes only secured with nails, which is a sure way to...
Correctly Securing A Rim To Joist Ends
Decks that utilize a dropped beam need a rim that is attached solidly to the cantilevered joist ends. It's sometimes only secured with nails, which is a sure way to...
Tips and Tricks
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Working With Ultralox Rail Cover Snaps
Ultralox and Impressions Express panels have hidden brackets inside the top and bottom rails that are covered by a top or bottom snap. Top snaps can be difficult to remove...
Working With Ultralox Rail Cover Snaps
Ultralox and Impressions Express panels have hidden brackets inside the top and bottom rails that are covered by a top or bottom snap. Top snaps can be difficult to remove...
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Cutting Aluminum Railing
Cutting aluminum with a miter saw and nonferrous blade is the best method for getting a clean, straight cut. An angle grinder fiber chop saw wheel may work, but it...
Cutting Aluminum Railing
Cutting aluminum with a miter saw and nonferrous blade is the best method for getting a clean, straight cut. An angle grinder fiber chop saw wheel may work, but it...
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Tools For Building Efficiently
You may be a contractor hoping to save money by saving time, or a homeowner hoping to save your back and knees, there are a few tools that can make...
Tools For Building Efficiently
You may be a contractor hoping to save money by saving time, or a homeowner hoping to save your back and knees, there are a few tools that can make...
Understanding Deck Materials and Styles
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What Makes Diamond Piers Great?
A Diamond Pier is our footing of choice if you want to avoid digging, install on your own schedule, and skip your footing inspection. They're concealable, versatile, and simple. Get...
What Makes Diamond Piers Great?
A Diamond Pier is our footing of choice if you want to avoid digging, install on your own schedule, and skip your footing inspection. They're concealable, versatile, and simple. Get...
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Composite Fascia versus PVC Fascia
You don't have to choose a fascia board that matches your decking, choose what works for you and fits your home and style. We like PVC because it installs easier...
Composite Fascia versus PVC Fascia
You don't have to choose a fascia board that matches your decking, choose what works for you and fits your home and style. We like PVC because it installs easier...
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How Long Are Composite Deck Boards?
Typically, composite and low-maintenance deck boards are available in 12 foot, 16 foot, and 20 foot lengths. You may find that chain home-improvement retailers have other...
How Long Are Composite Deck Boards?
Typically, composite and low-maintenance deck boards are available in 12 foot, 16 foot, and 20 foot lengths. You may find that chain home-improvement retailers have other...
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Hidden Fasteners For Grooved Decking
Nearly all collections of artificial decking and even some wood deck types are available with grooves on the edges, designed to accept a hidden fastener clip for a...
Hidden Fasteners For Grooved Decking
Nearly all collections of artificial decking and even some wood deck types are available with grooves on the edges, designed to accept a hidden fastener clip for a...