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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 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.
Composite Decking - Clean Lines
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 How to Design a Deck Brown Composite Decking Ideas & Images Get inspired by our collection of brown composite decking ideas and images. Find the best brown deck designs to fit your home and personal style with Decks.com.
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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.
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 Decking Installation Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite No; this is not a recommended practice.
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 Decking Installation 10 Common Deck Building Mistakes & How to Avoid Them Building a deck can be a complicated process. Learn how to avoid falling into common deck building pitfalls with tips and advice from the experts at Decks.com.
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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.
Mixing your wood stain with a stir stick.
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 Deck Finishing How to Seal Your Deck & Best Deck Sealers Once you clean or stain a deck, it is ready to be sealed. Learn how to properly seal your deck in order to protect it from damage caused by harsh climates and weather at Decks.com.
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 Deck Cleaning Preventing & Treating a Slippery Deck Inclement weather can cause both wood and composite decks to become slippery and potentially unsafe. Learn how to prevent and treat a slippery outdoor deck at Decks.com.
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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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