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Mike Guertin

Fine Homebuilding Ambassdor

Remodeler/Builder/Trainer/Writer
East Greenwich, RI

The only thing Fine Homebuilding editorial adviser Mike Guertin likes better than building new homes is remodeling old ones. After 35 years, he’s still challenged every day to find more-efficient ways to build things better. Like a true Rhode Islander, he doesn’t take jobs farther than 15 minutes from his home in East Greenwich. Mike’s written over 100 articles for FHB and appears in dozens of videos.

Instagram: @mike_guertin

Website: www.mikeguertin.com

Reinforcing an Existing Deck Guardrail

Secure a weak guardrail system by installing metal connectors or blocking and screws to reinforce the structural guardrail posts.
Code-Compliant Guardrail Post Connections

Resource guide for guardrail post framing connections using metal hardware
Shop Class: Critical Deck-Framing Connections

In this 10-part series, home-building pro Mike Guertin outlines the details you need to make a deck safe, solid, and code-compliant.
Attach a Deck Ledger Over Brick, Foam, and Other Thick Claddings

A trio of hardware options for installing a ledger-supported deck over non-structural claddings.
Deck Footing Options

Sort through the code-approved solutions for supporting the structure and loads of a deck.
Options for Fastening Deck Posts to Footings

These hardware and fastener options are as much about lateral loads and uplift as they are about solid bearing surfaces.
Options for Fastening Beams to Deck Posts

Get an overview of post-to-beam hardware choices for single, double, and triple beams.
Options for Fastening Deck Guardrails

See all the fastening options for rock-solid deck railings: inside the rim, outside the rim, and surface mounted.
Building Strong Deck Stairs

Learn several fool-proof methods for supporting and connecting stringers and guardrails when building an outdoor staircase.
Lateral Load Deck Connector Options

Get to know the options for this structural insurance policy, meant to tie the deck to the house without relying on the ledger.