Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
When building or renovating a deck, safety and accessibility should always be top priorities. One key element that often comes into play is the installation of graspable ADA-compliant handrails. These handrails are designed to provide a secure grip, making decks safer for everyone, including those with disabilities. But why are they frequently required? In this …
Which Performs Better on Boardwalks, Restaurant Decks, Docks & High-Traffic Spaces? When it comes to commercial decking projects, the stakes are much higher than a typical backyard build. Boardwalks, restaurant patios, hotel pool decks, docks, piers, marinas, and public waterfront spaces often see thousands of people walking across them daily. That level of foot traffic …
Hardwood decking is one of the most durable and beautiful materials you can choose for your outdoor living space. Species like Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood are naturally dense, resistant to rot and insects, and capable of lasting 30–50+ years when installed correctly. Hardwood decking is not pressure treated lumber. It is significantly denser, harder, and …
Deck railings come in more styles than ever before. While some designs are meant to serve as a bold architectural feature, other projects call for the opposite approach. When your deck overlooks water, mountains, woods, or a beautifully landscaped backyard, the goal is often to minimize the railing so the view takes center stage. If …
If you live in a northern climate — whether that’s New England, the Upper Midwest, or the mountain regions — your deck needs to withstand repeated freeze–thaw cycles every year. When water seeps into decking material and temperatures drop, that moisture freezes and expands. As it thaws, it contracts. Over time, this constant expansion and …
Winter can be brutal on your deck. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and constant moisture exposure can quietly take a toll on decking boards, framing, railings, and fasteners. That’s why a thorough deck inspection in spring is essential. Even if everything looks fine at first glance, hidden damage could lead to costly repairs—or worse, structural failure—if …
Building a hardwood deck is one of the most rewarding outdoor projects you can undertake—blending natural beauty, long-lasting performance, and timeless appeal. But choosing the right wood species means understanding how each performs in real-world conditions: from daily foot traffic to sun exposure, moisture cycles, and maintenance expectations. In this decking comparison guide, we break …