Why Do Deck Boards Crack, and How Can You Prevent It?

Outdoor decks are the highlight of many backyards, offering a perfect setting for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors. However, over time, many homeowners notice cracks appearing in their deck boards. These cracks can detract from the beauty of the deck, create safety hazards, and lead to more significant damage if left untreated. Understanding why …

Read more

Wild Land Urban Interface Building Codes

Ipe Wood

Wildfires are a natural and often devastating occurrence that have prompted a significant shift in building codes and material requirements, particularly in Wild Land Urban Interface (WUI) areas. The WUI, a zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development, has become increasingly prone to wildfires. As a result, the construction industry and regulatory bodies …

Read more

Installing a Hot Tub on Your Deck: What You Need to Know

Ipe Wood Hot Tub Deck

So, you’re thinking about adding a hot tub to your deck? It’s a fantastic idea! Not only does a hot tub offer relaxation and therapeutic benefits, but it can also enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of your home. However, before you dive into the warm, bubbling waters, there are some essential considerations to ensure …

Read more

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck? A Detailed Guide

deck build

When it comes to home improvement projects like building a deck, one of the most common questions that comes up is, “Do I need a permit?” In most cases, the answer is yes. But the details can vary depending on your locality and the specificities of your project. Why Do You Need a Permit to …

Read more

What is Joist Tape?

The joist tape that we recommend is: DeckWise® WiseWrap® JoistTape™ It’s a flexible polyethylene waterproof wood flashing designed to protect your decking structure. This high-quality material is fortified with a rubberized asphalt mastic adhesive, offering superior protection against moisture. Each roll comes in a generous size of 3 inches wide and 75 feet long, with …

Read more

Deck Safety – Proper Fasteners & Fastener Locations

It is that time of year again.  Old man winter has finally decided to make his annual retreat leaving us with warm days and warmer thoughts.  This month w shake off the sweatshirt and trade it in for a bathing suit.  Before you put the hot coffee down and run out for a cold beer there’s a couple things you should double check.  The thing that may take the spring out of your step the quickest, is a sprained ankle.

May is NADRA’s (North American Deck and Railing Association) “deck safety month” for good reason.  This is the time of year we really start to use our decks often.  Based on data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 6,000 people are injured each year in incidents involving the structural failure or collapse of a deck or porch.  The worst part of these accidents isn’t that they ruin a spring and summer but more that they are preventable with a little bit of forethought and diligence.  You are going to want to make sure that everything is sturdy instead of appearing sturdy.  One of the most common failure points is the ledger.  Here’s a couple things to look for on a ledger.

Read more

Here are 7 Tips To Install Your Holiday Lights Safely

Typically, decorations extend beyond just a porch. They will usually wrap windows and sides of houses
Typically, decorations extend beyond just a porch. They will usually wrap windows and sides of houses

The week after Thanksgiving was always a big deal growing up for me. It meant the trees came out of the box (yes, my family had artificial trees) and the lights went up outside. We decorated the front of the house, the walkway up to the front door, the bushes, and even the deck. The house was not complete until those red and green lights were wrapped around the deck railings.

Read more