Easier said than done, right? Not necessarily. Here are some practical, proven ways to give you porch the “wow” factor without sacrificing any of the functionality you need. Built-in fireplaces Cozying up by a crackling fire isn’t something you can only do inside. Built-in fireplaces can give your porch or outdoor deck an extraordinary quality,…
Click here to view a full list of our learning center posts
First off, it’s good to determine whether you want natural wood or modern composite material for your outdoor deck. There are different types of natural wood, and various brands of composite—but in general, what are the pros and cons of each? Certain types of wood, such as cedar and redwood, are naturally resistant to insects…
This is obviously a good thing, as it gives you more control over your investment and your final results. It enables you to design and install the deck you want, and gives you a lot more room for creativity. On the other hand, it can lead to confusion and stress if you don’t know what…
For now, let’s focus on the choice between composite and wood. Here are some important questions to keep in mind while making this decision: What’s my budget right now? What’s the best and cheapest solution in the long-term? Is one material or another better suited to my home and tastes? Wood Who can argue with…
When routine maintenance requirements are ignored, the resulting repairs can leave you with an unexpected bill that’s annoying and upsetting at best. Here are some costly deck maintenance mistakes every homeowner should avoid. Not knowing your material The maintenance requirements for decks made with composite material versus decks made from natural wood are significantly different.…
It can also happen when you partner with a less-than-reputable deck builder who offers “professional services,” yet fails to perform the very basic task of securing legal permission for the work at hand. The consequences of failing to secure a permit Anybody who has been through this knows what a nightmare it can be. If…
Why have the fire pit out in the yard when you can build it safely right into your deck design? Many people find this to be a useful feature when it comes to relaxing on cool evenings, and getting more use of the deck when the weather cools down. In terms of design, there’s no…
Here are five things many homeowners forget during the process of building a new outdoor deck. Composite materials save $$$ in the long run People are sometimes put off by the higher immediate cost of composite decking materials. Natural wood also sounds appealing and looks great. But if you figure in the maintenance requirements of…
A deck is the statement piece that gives a good first impression of your backyard any time you are holding a home party. It is always important to make strategic plans before building a new deck. Once you have a design in mind, you need to determine the location, and the building materials you will…
There is something about the arrival of warm weather that sends everyone straight to the backyard to enjoy the sunshine. However, before you can even think of relaxing, there is so much to do to make your deck ready for it. Winter can be rough on your deck, leaving all kinds of damage from cold,…