Plain Sawn vs. Quarter Sawn Wood
Most framing lumber is plane-sawn, meaning that it is cut roughly on the tangent or parallel to the wood grain, leaving the end grain appearance of loops and growth swirls. This is the simplest method of milling where a tree is cut square and sawed lengthwise. Quarter-sawn, or vertical grain lumber, is cut on the radius or perpendicular to the grain allowing for a uniform parallel orientation to the trees growth rings. Quarter-sawn wood is cut into quarters and then is flipped 90 degrees back and forth to saw off each board. Quarter-sawn wood maintains a straighter grain and a board that is 50% more stable. A plane-sawn board will shrink in width more and is more likely to warp than quarter-sawn boards. Quarter-sawing lumber requires more labor to produce and will be more expensive. Many species of wood display a beautiful pattern of rays when expressed with a quarter-sawn cut.
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.
Lockdry Aluminum Decking
Lockdry aluminum decking uses a continuous locking seal to create a watertight maintenance free seamless floor surface.
Post Base Connectors
Post base connectors are hardware items designed to attach the deck' support posts to the top of the concrete footing pier learn more 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.
Can I use pier blocks?
Our inspector explains the pros and cons of using pier blocks for deck foundations.
How to Buy Concrete: Hiring a Ready-Mix Truck
Hiring a truck to deliver ready-mixed concrete for your project may make better sense than mixing it yourself. Learn how to order concrete for your deck at Decks.com.
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
Plain Sawn vs. Quarter Sawn Wood
Most framing lumber is plane-sawn, meaning that it is cut roughly on the tangent or parallel to the wood grain, leaving the end grain appearance of loops and growth swirls. This is the simplest method of milling where a tree is cut square and sawed lengthwise. Quarter-sawn, or vertical grain lumber, is cut on the radius or perpendicular to the grain allowing for a uniform parallel orientation to the trees growth rings. Quarter-sawn wood is cut into quarters and then is flipped 90 degrees back and forth to saw off each board. Quarter-sawn wood maintains a straighter grain and a board that is 50% more stable. A plane-sawn board will shrink in width more and is more likely to warp than quarter-sawn boards. Quarter-sawing lumber requires more labor to produce and will be more expensive. Many species of wood display a beautiful pattern of rays when expressed with a quarter-sawn cut.
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.
Evergrain
Evergrain composite decking is manufactured by Epoch Composite Products in Lamar, MO.
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.
Footing Size
Learn how large to make your deck footings. Use our table for maximum allowable loads to determine the proper size for your soil type.
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