Deck building tips and tricks. Discussion about wood and much more!
Paige Philipps 
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 …
A well-designed room does more than look beautiful. It feels intentional. If your home office feels flat or your bedroom lacks warmth, the answer may not be new furniture or another coat of paint. It may be texture. Depth. Natural material. Exotic wood accent walls built with solid hardwood shiplap or tongue-and-groove planks add architectural …
Wood is an incredible material. It is strong, beautiful, and naturally engineered. But it is also hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture depending on its environment. In a living tree, water can make up more than half the total weight of the wood. Once that tree is milled into lumber, controlling that moisture becomes …
Cold weather does not have to put your decking project on hold. While winter installations come with additional considerations, decking can be installed successfully in colder temperatures when the right materials are used and proper installation practices are followed. Many professional builders install decks year-round. The key is understanding how different decking materials respond to …
When planning a deck, most homeowners focus on board species, color, and layout. One design detail that can significantly elevate the finished look is picture framing a deck. This popular decking pattern adds definition, protects exposed board ends, and gives a deck a clean, polished appearance. What Is Picture Framing a Deck? Picture framing a …
Cost vs. Home Value vs. Enjoyment When homeowners think about improving their outdoor space, adding a deck is often one of the first ideas that comes to mind. But with changing housing markets, higher material costs, and more options than ever, many people are asking the same question in 2026: Is building a deck still …
Homes near lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal areas offer incredible views—but they also place higher demands on decking materials. Constant moisture, humidity, UV exposure, and, in coastal regions, salt air can accelerate wear and shorten the lifespan of a poorly chosen deck. Selecting the right decking material is not just about appearance. It is about …