Decks

by Chris Ermides

Herringbone corners and hidden fasteners require slight framing modifications, but the results look spectacularby John Michael Davis

by Joshua Copp

Most stains are engineered to color and protect wood in a single coat and are available in oil-based, water-based, and water-based epoxy-fortified mixturesby Matthew Teague

Keep an eye on the stringline, and have a handful of spacers and a board straightener within easy reachby Mike Guertin

Ledger brackets, flexible flashing, and a joist-hanger jig are a few field-tested tricks for overcoming construction challengesby Mike Guertin

Soyguardby Justin Fink

Smart framing eliminates the ledger and adds a shady seatby Michael Ayers

Build this simple foundation with basic tools and ingredientsby Rick Arnold

Smart details for ledgers, posts, and joists create a solid, attractive frame that should last as long as the houseby John Spier

Now available in a variety of colors and textures, this durable array of products won't rot, splinter, or crack. What's not to like?by Chris Green

With a rubber membrane and careful flashing, you can create an outdoor room above and shelter the living space belowby Gregory Burr

Often overlooked and often regretted, the critical joint between your house and deck must hold fast and shed waterby Scott Grice

A temporary form and laminated plywood stringers make building these stairs easier than you might thinkby Mike Guertin

by Mike Guertin

The EPA is banning CCA lumber. The replacements are safer, but they may change how you build a deck.by Daniel S. Morrison

by Forrest McCanless

by John Spier

PVC rails and fiberglass columns keep the look classic and the maintenance minimalby Keith J. Mazzarello