Deck Design & Construction Collection

Whether you're searching for inspiration when planning your new deck, or you just need the details and techniques to get the job done right, this collection of how-to and design articles is for you.

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Buyer's Guide to Decking
From wood to aluminum decking, the Buyer's Guide to Decking walks you through the various options currently available. Read more...

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Accent Lighting for Your Deck
Accent Lighting for Your Deck
Deck illumination falls into three key categories: safety lighting, task lighting, and security lighting. Accent lighting for decks can serve all those functions, depending on how it is deployed. Read more...

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What's the Difference: Deck stain
What's the Difference: Deck stain
Deck stain keeps new wood looking good and helps to refurbish old, weathered boards. In this article, you'll learn what the differences are between oil-based, water-based, and water-based epoxy-fortified deck stains. Read more...

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Design a Better Deck
Design a Better Deck
Deck design is just as important as deck construction. Follow these 7 guidelines to build the perfect outdoor space. Read more...

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Durable Deck Railing
Durable Deck Railing
Learn about low-maintenance alternatives to wood such as, cable rail, glass, metal, composites, and all plastic deck railing. Read more...

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Top 10 Deck-Building Mistakes
Top 10 Deck-Building Mistakes
In this article, NADRA technical adviser Glenn Mathewson shares his top 10 deck-building mistakes that you'll need to avoid in order to build a longer-lasting, safer deck. Read more...

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Site-Built Deck Drainage
Site-Built Deck Drainage
In this Master Carpenter article, editor Mike Guertin explains how to make an underdeck-drainage system from EPDM rubber-roof material and an aluminum gutter. Read more...

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Fasteners for Grooved Decking
Fasteners for Grooved Decking
If you are planning to build a deck these days, chances are that you will want to use hidden fasteners. These fasteners, which make for a blemish-free deck finish, come in a variety of styles but the most popular are grooved-decking fasteners. Editorial adviser Mike Guertin takes a look at a variety of the options now available for grooved-decking fasteners. Read more...

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The Complete Guide to Building a Deck
The Complete Guide to Building a Deck
Follow veteran deck builder Bobby Parks and his crew in this online-member article, as they construct a new raised deck on a Georgia home. Parks explains his approach step-by-step, with advice on framing, building stairs, setting posts, and adding railings. Read more...

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Choosing the Right Deck Finish
Choosing the Right Deck Finish
The options in penetrating deck finishes may seem confusing, but there are some clues to help you choose the right finish for the job. Read more...

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