Selecting lumber for your deck is a balancing act between budget, beauty, and the quality of the lumber. For example, the type of wood typically used for framing is different than lumber for decking ...

It’s hard to match the beauty of a wood deck. Manufacturers of composites have tried for years to mimic the look and feel. Some brands mix wood pulp into their formulations. And others, like Trex and ...

Spring is a popular time to build or replace a deck. But a lumber shortage is dramatically altering the decking landscape. If you’re planning on building an outdoor deck this year, brace yourself. A ...

When choosing decking, the three factors I consider first are appearance, durability and cost, and any other builder likely does the same. When building a standard deck — and not a high-end one using ...

The right lumber is key to a successful deck-building project. We’ll walk you through how to select lumber, examine the quality, and more. Selecting the best wood for decks is a balancing act between ...

Composite decking materials offer the look of wood without the need to stain. And as the material evolves, it continues to take on new colors and textures, as evidenced by several new products ...

A study in Forest Products Journal says wooden decks can deteriorate considerably in just two to three years. That means sooner or later, you’ll need to refinish your deck. Pressure-treated deck ...

Q. Am trying to decide whether to use pressure-treated decking or composite as a replacement for my deck, which is 11 years old. Being in the “Elderly Class,” we do not use the deck with any great ...

W hen Hurricane Isabel lashed the region in September, it toppled a towering oak in Alyse Graham's Northwest Washington back yard, destroying her deck and privacy fence. It also opened her eyes to the ...

Q: I am planning some landscaping that will include a deck. My back yard is level, so the deck will not be built on posts. Is it wise and possible to build a deck flush to the ground? A: Adding a deck ...