Can You Build a Deck in Cold Weather? Temperature Limits for Wood, Composite & PVC

deck maintenance shoveling snow

Most people think of deck building as a spring and summer job. Then, once the temperature drops, the tools go into the garage, the ground freezes, and deck season seems to end. But does it really have to? Well, not necessarily. And I’ll tell you, I’ve never been a big believer in letting the calendar …

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Iroko Deck Tiles: A Teak Look Without Teak Pricing

iroko deck tiles

People ask for teak because they want warm golden brown color and a floor that can live outside without falling apart. Fair enough. Teak earned that reputation. It also costs more than most budgets like. Iroko is the wood many of those same people actually use. Sellers often call it African teak, and that nickname …

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Is Joist Tape Worth It? What 30+ Years Around Deck Construction Has Taught Us

Joist tape install

If you’re building a deck with pressure treated wood framing, is joist tape worth the extra money and time? For most decks, probably yes. In fact, I think it usually is. And I’ll admit, years ago, joist tape wasn’t something everyone automatically thought about. You framed the deck, installed the boards, and moved on to …

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Should You Oil Your Hardwood Deck in the Fall or Wait Until Spring?

Ipe Oil with Roller

Every fall, homeowners with Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, Teak, and other hardwood decks ask the same question: Should I oil my deck before winter, or should I wait until spring? And I get why people ask. Once the leaves start dropping and the nights get cold, there’s often this feeling that you’ve probably got about …

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