Porches & Decks

Limestone paving is an aesthetically pleasing and durable alternative to traditional paving materials. But when installing limestone paving, do you need to seal it? Let’s take a look to see if this is a necessary step. Sealing limestone paving is vital for protecting it from the elements and keeping it looking as good as new. …

Are the dirt, grease, or other particles stuck on your Trex deck bothering you? You must be itching to clean them off with your power washer, but can you? Would doing so damage the deck? Don’t worry, as we’ve researched this topic for your convenience. Some Trex decks can be power washed, while some can’t. …

Limestone is a beautiful stone that many homeowners choose as a flooring material for their homes. If you are considering limestone flooring in your home, you may want to know if it can get slippery when wet. The last thing any homeowner wants is an unexpected slip or fall. When polished, limestone can be very …

Thunderstorms are an incredible force of nature that can bring both beauty and destruction. With that said, is it safe to sit on a porch during a thunderstorm? Let’s take a look at the facts. When it comes to thunderstorms, lightning is the biggest danger, and sitting on a porch can be particularly dangerous. Lightning …

As a homeowner, you may want to build a raised concrete porch but wondering how to go about it. Fortunately, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found. The following is a step-by-step guide for building a raised concrete porch: Prepare your working area  Mark the area  Create layers of …

When building a deck, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to attach the railing to the house. So, how should the deck railing be installed? We have researched this to compile some of the things you need to consider. Attaching to the house is not a requirement. However, there are pros …

If you’re in the planning stage or in the middle of constructing your deck stairs, you might wonder, how you can securely attach it to the ground. Don’t worry, you are in the right place! We researched if your deck stairs need footings, and here is what we discovered.  Yes, you need to have footings …

You probably want to build something out of concrete deck blocks. If you are wondering how to use concrete deck blocks, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done in-depth research on this method, and here’s what we discovered. Here is the guide on how to use concrete deck blocks: Select a feasible location Choose …

Have you decided to stain your deck? You may ask yourself if you should stain the deck in the evening, especially if you have read posts on the internet implying you should. To help you out, we’ve gathered the information you need. With that said, let’s dive in! Experts recommend staining your deck in the …

A simple mistake in pouring the concrete can cause inconveniences in many ways. Do you ever have sloping concrete in your patio and wonder how to fix them? Wonder no more! We already did the leg work to give you the steps you can do to fix this issue. Follow these simple steps in fixing …

Are you considering installing mahogany floors or already have a mahogany deck or flooring in your home? This hardwood is a classic and comes with its own set of pros and cons. This post lays out our research for you on all things mahogany decks and floors! Mahogany is known for its durability and rich, …

When building a structure, it’s essential to ensure the foundation will be solid. Among the many choices for deck foundations are deck blocks and concrete footings, but some people don’t quite understand the difference. We were also curious about this, so we researched this topic, and here’s what we discovered. Both used for foundations of …

Having a deck added to your house is a great way to extend spaces for you to entertain your guests. Since decks are additional floor space in the home, you’re probably curious if they count as square footage. It’s quite common for homeowners to ask, and here is what our research uncovered about his topic. …

Pergolas can provide both aesthetic and functional benefits to your outdoor living space. They are even a beautiful addition to any backyard, but can they be installed on a raised deck? Luckily, we compiled our research below to answer this question. You may wonder if you can put a pergola on a raised deck. The …

Building a new house is very fulfilling but designing it can sometimes be frustrating, especially when it comes to smaller details. If you want to have deck stairs in your house, it is important to know its measurement. So, what should your deck stairs’ width be? We have researched this question to bring you an …

Looking for a spot at your house for an outdoor gathering? Wooden decks can hold a lot of weight while remaining in good shape and can last longer than traditional materials. So, how much load can a wood deck hold? We have researched this topic for you and got some tips for you! To begin, …

Outdoor living spaces allow you to enjoy nature and get closer to your neighbors. There are many options for outdoor spaces. Balconies, patios, terraces, and porches are sometimes used interchangeably. So, what are their differences, and what are they? We’ve done the research and can tell you! Balconies are enclosed areas with an access point …

Tigerwood is one of the vast varieties of wood used for flooring. We have researched the qualities, pros, and cons of using the material to give you an informed choice for your home. Tigerwood is a durable and long-lasting type of wood though a bit expensive. Nonetheless, it is still suitable for decking and flooring …

Summer’s hot temperatures get people thinking about finding comfortable places in their homes. It would be good to go somewhere where it is cool, such as the deck. However, there is a tendency for the deck to be hot as well. We have consulted some construction experts to know how hot a wood deck gets …

Sanding is an important finishing step to ensure a smooth surface for your deck. Sandpaper is available in a wide variety of grits to do the job. But what grit sandpaper should you use for the deck? And which should you use for railings? We researched these questions and have answers to share. Use 60- …

Keeping your wood deck in tip-top condition is a must because it endures exposure to the weather, dirt, dust, UV rays, and more. It’s a beautiful addition to your home and a safe place for you and your family to enjoy outdoor activities and meals. So, protect your wood deck and coat it with a …

Applying a protective coating over your outdoor deck is a common DIY project that a lot of homeowners do. The problem, though, is that simple mistakes can happen for a rookie, leading to a terrible outcome. So, we asked professionals why a deck becomes sticky and tacky, and here’s the answer. According to professional deck …

There’s no better way to rinse away years of dirt buildup than through power washing. It can make any surface look as good as new! One surface that could use power washing is a wooden deck. However, should you use this method of cleaning? Let’s find out! Power washing is one way to clean a …

The amount of time your wooden deck will last is an important consideration when beginning to construct this addition to your home. Knowing the useful life of the deck will help you plan out when you need to budget for its replacement. If you are wondering how long these recreation areas last, we can help …

When choosing a decking design, the first steps involve choosing the boards, materials, and layout you would like. Once you have this information, getting an accurate estimate and drawing up plans is much easier. Thus, you are looking for a solid list of decking boards, materials, and layouts. In this post, we provide 12 options …

Nothing beats the ambiance that the flame of a fire pit adds to your outdoor living space. Spending time with loved ones around an outdoor fire is a great way to create memories.  Fire pits are both decorative and functional. They can provide heat for your outdoor nighttime get-together but also add a warm decorative …

From family barbeques in the heat of the summer to a nice cool morning with a cup of coffee, everyone loves spending time out on a wooden deck. What people don’t love, however, is sharing this sacred space with wasps. But how exactly should you go about getting rid of them? For your convenience, we …

You want a place for outdoor activities. You often picture yourself outside alone or with your family and friends doing various things. You have two choices in mind a concrete patio and a wood deck. Which is better? Which is more suitable and beneficial for you? How about its pros and cons? We went over …

Outdoor living spaces have become hugely popular and can be used as an extension of your existing home. The structural decor that a deck adds to your home is unmatched for spending time with friends and loved ones outdoors.   Shades of white and gray are popular colors in all aspects of home decor, including outdoor …

Various family outdoor activities are hosted on the deck during the warmer months. It’s undeniable that drawing on the deck with chalk is one of the favorite pastimes of kids in your family. If you are curious about how to eliminate chalk off your wood deck, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done complete …

Deck spaces are a great way to gather your family and friends for a get-together. However, uninvited guests like wood roaches might ruin the fun. Don’t worry! You can stop stressing because we have researched how you can eliminate them. Through the pests experts we found, we will present to you the right way to …

The most important rule in staining wood is never to stain it while wet. But how long should you wait for your wood deck to dry after being soaked in the rain or power washing it? How about after you have stained or painted it? We searched for answers regarding this, and here is what …

A small detail that makes a big difference to your home is the way you build your wood deck. If you are building it from scratch, you might be unsure whether it should have a slope. Look no further, as we have done the research for you in this post! A wood deck should have …

Want to know the deck joist dimensions? You are on the right page! We’ve researched this topic to help you address all of your questions. Your deck joists’ dimensions are determined by the International Residential Code (IRC). The most popular deck joists are 2×6, 2×8, and 2×10-inch treated lumber with a span of 9 ½, …

A deck is a great addition to your yard for entertaining or relaxing. Often, decks are attached and become an extension of your home. But if you’re wondering if a deck has to attach to your home, we’ve researched the topic thoroughly to provide an answer for you. Decks do not have to attach to …

Every deck project uses screws to fasten pieces of wood. While it is true that screws are very essential to the sturdiness of a deck, they can also leave obvious holes that can make your deck look unpleasant. If you are determining whether those holes should be filled or not, then you are on the …

If you have ever woken up in the middle of the night due to loud popping noises outside of your home, then know that you are not alone. This sort of thing happens frequently during cold weather. And if you’re wondering why is that, we already asked the experts to answer that question for you. …

Over the years, your deck may start splintering without prolonged no maintenance. Good thing you can repair them to be smooth again. We looked into how that can be done. Here is what we found! Repairing a splintered wood deck requires a few stages to accomplish. These include cleaning, repairing, sanding, and applying for deck …

Choosing the proper deck board spacing is a crucial part of the building process if you want to construct a deck that will withstand the elements. You may be wondering what the proper spacing is between deck boards. We’ve done in-depth research on this question and have answers for you. Providing space between deck boards …

Building a deck on your own requires more than just the know-how and lumber. Understanding multiple code requirements is essential to getting this job done correctly. If you are building a deck and are wondering what height will require a railing, we can help. We researched building codes in various states so that you’ll know …