Bark Side Up vs. Best Side Up
Usually, the best policy to use for surfacing an attractive wood floor is to always expose the best side of the board. If your deck boards are wet, some carpenters prefer to install them bark side up to prevent cupping. This technique will orientate the visible growth rings in a downward arc like a dome to eliminate any protruding corners and allow water to run off the boards. Another reason to install the decking bark side up is because the pith side is prone to shelling, especially in trees that have dense latewood growth rings like southern pine. As a general rule, the drier the decking, the fewer problems you will have no matter how you install it. Also, consider that there is more sapwood on the bark side of a board, and sapwood more easily accepts stains than heartwood. We recommend you consult with your lumber supplier for a recommendation based on the species of wood and the climate in your region.
Capped Composite Decking
What is capped composite decking? It's a great option if you like the look of wood but not the maintenance. Learn about capped composite at Decks.com.
Aluminum Decking Reviews, Pros & Cons, and Costs
Everything you need to know about aluminum decking including pricing information, top brands, and the types of aluminum decking. Get started with Decks.com.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Do I need to use rebar?
Our inspector discusses using steel rebar for deck footings.
Installing footings on a sloped yard
Our inspector explains how to install concrete deck footings on uneven ground.
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Footings
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Learn structural framing methods
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Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
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Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
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Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
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Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
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Materials
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Fence Post Spacing: How Far Apart Should Fence Posts Be?
Spending a little more time and effort up front on determining the best fence post spacing for your deck project, could save you a bunch of time and money when it comes time to build it. Here’s how to do it…
Dream Deck
Dream Deck vinyl decking is manufactured by Thermal Industries in Pittsburgh, PA.
How many footings do I need?
Learn how to determine the number of footings and support posts you need for your deck when designing your deck frame.
Can I use pier blocks?
Our inspector explains the pros and cons of using pier blocks for deck foundations.
Installing footings on a sloped yard
Our inspector explains how to install concrete deck footings on uneven ground.
Explore Articles by Topic
![Footings](/media/3vsas025/all-articles_footings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
![Framing](/media/5wrarsgy/all-articles_framing-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
![Decking](/media/meljt4np/all-articles_decking-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
![Stairs](/media/2sopl0br/all-articles_stairs-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
![Railings](/media/hpwbuyzr/all-articles_railings-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
![Features](/media/tvcahlmk/all-articles_features-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
![Design](/media/3bvpzvtz/all-articles_design-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Design
The basics of deck design
![Planning](/media/qdenqrqv/all-articles_planning-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
![Porches and Patios](/media/sg5bst1z/all-articles_porches-and-patios-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
![Ledger](/media/0htjl4uu/all-articles_ledger-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
![Care](/media/qdpnwkry/all-articles_care-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
![Materials](/media/zqfflkeo/all-articles_materials-2x.png?format=webpg&quality=80)
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights