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How-To Articles

Decks offers a variety of how-to articles to help you complete your next project. Jump right in with the DIY guide, or explore other topics below.

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DIY Guide

How to Build a Wood or Composite Deck

From planning and designing your deck, to choosing materials and finding a builder, we've got you covered! Learn how to build a deck step-by-step with these tutorials.

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Featured Deck Design Articles

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Patio Furniture Buying Guide
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 How to Design a Deck Deck & Patio Furniture Buying Guide Interested in buying furniture for your deck and don’t know where to start? Learn how to choose the best deck & patio furniture with our buying guide.
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 How to Design a Deck DIY Deck Remodel & Renovation Ideas There are lots of reasons to remodel your deck and lots of ways to do it. If your worn-out wood decking needs replacing anyway, give low-maintenance composite deck boards a try.
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 How to Design a Deck 10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.
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Featured Deck Building Articles

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How To Demolish A Deck 2 Min
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 Decking Removal How to Demolish & Remove a Deck At some point, it might become necessary to remove an old deck, due to age or condition. Learn more about what's involved in a deck demolition and removal project.
Cut along the line.
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 Decking Installation Deck Board Spacing Guide: How to Properly Space & Stagger Deck Boards Spacing between deck boards provides several critical functions, such as drainage & drying. Learn how to space and stagger deck boards at Decks.com.
Overhead Deck
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 Decking Installation When is the Best Time to Build a Deck or Patio? People often wonder when the best time to build a deck is. Learn why building a deck in winter or fall might be your best bet.
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Featured Deck Care Articles

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Remove Scuffs And Scrapes Hero
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 Repairs Composite Deck Repair: How to Remove Scuffs and Scratches from Composite Decking Removing scuffs and scratches can help make your composite deck look like new. Learn how to fix and prevent your composite deck from future scratches.
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 Repairs How to Restore & Refinish a Deck Decks need maintenance. A twice-yearly cleaning is needed at a minimum. But wood decks—even with good upkeep—can still warp, rot, or get termites. Plus, no stain or paint job lasts forever. Fortunately, you can reset the clock by restoring your deck and refinishing it.
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 Deck Cleaning How to Clean Outdoor Patio Cushions Keeping your outdoor furniture cushions clean helps extend their life and makes your deck or patio area look nice. Learn how to clean outdoor cushions.
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Explore Articles by Topic

Footings

Footings

Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing

Framing

Learn structural framing methods

Decking

Decking

Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs

Stairs

An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings

Railings

How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features

Features

An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design

Design

The basics of deck design

Planning

Planning

Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches and Patios

Porches & Patios

Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger

Ledger

Proper attachment techniques

Care

Care

Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials

Materials

An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

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