How to Dry & Treat Wet Wood
Most wood sold for deck building is considered wet and has a moisture content of over 30 percent water weight. Wet wood will shrink as it dries out and is less stable, which can cause it to check and warp. It also provides an environment where fungi and bacteria produce rot and insects thrive. Dry wood is lighter, easier to work with and less likely to split. You can buy lumber that has been kiln dried, but this will cost you a premium price. If you have purchased green or wet lumber, you should dry it out as best you can before working with it by stacking it on spacers and storing it in a shaded, dry and well ventilated area so the air can circulate evenly. You can check the moisture content by using a moisture meter at your lumberyard or cross cutting a board and examining the interior wood. Wood shrinks in all dimensions as it dries, but most problems are caused in how the boards handle the shrinkage in width and thickness.
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.
Best Deck Material Options: Composite, Wood & More
Homeowners can choose between several deck material options nowadays, but which one is right for your home? Compare types of deck materials at Decks.com.
How to Read Lumber Grade Stamping
Any lumber you purchase should have a grade stamp, which provides info about the characteristics of the wood. Learn how to read lumber stamps at 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.
Prevent Deck Sinking
Sinking deck footings can lead to serious problems. Learn what can cause concrete footings to sink. Properly installed footings will resist sinking.
Do I need to use rebar?
Our inspector discusses using steel rebar for deck footings.
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Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

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

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
How to Dry & Treat Wet Wood
Most wood sold for deck building is considered wet and has a moisture content of over 30 percent water weight. Wet wood will shrink as it dries out and is less stable, which can cause it to check and warp. It also provides an environment where fungi and bacteria produce rot and insects thrive. Dry wood is lighter, easier to work with and less likely to split. You can buy lumber that has been kiln dried, but this will cost you a premium price. If you have purchased green or wet lumber, you should dry it out as best you can before working with it by stacking it on spacers and storing it in a shaded, dry and well ventilated area so the air can circulate evenly. You can check the moisture content by using a moisture meter at your lumberyard or cross cutting a board and examining the interior wood. Wood shrinks in all dimensions as it dries, but most problems are caused in how the boards handle the shrinkage in width and thickness.
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.
UltraDeck
UltraDeck encapsulated composite decking is manufactured by Midwest Manufacturing Extrusion in Eau Claire, WI.
How to Dry & Treat Wet Wood
Wet wood shrinks as it dries out and becomes less stable, which can cause it to check and warp. Learn how to dry out and treat wet wood at 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.
Installing footings on a sloped yard
Our inspector explains how to install concrete deck footings on uneven ground.
Retaining Walls
Avoid problems related to digging deck footings near retaining walls. Learn some tips from the pros for how to handle these difficult situations.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

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

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights