Decking Articles
An outdoor deck can give your backyard an attractive focal point, as well as a practical space to enjoy warmer weather or brisk evenings outside. Whether you opt for a professional installation by a licensed contractor or want to learn to install decking yourself as a DIY project, knowing what building a deck entails can help you gain an understanding of what’s involved. Whether you want a grand, multi-level deck or a simple wood patio, the installation process involves determining the type of design you want for your deck, choosing your materials, and understanding the various parts of a deck.
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Figuring out the cost of your deck is also another essential part of building your deck, especially if you have a set budget to work within. The types of materials you choose, as well as square footage all play a role in determining the cost to build your deck. On average, a composite deck costs between $30 and $60 per square foot installed, while natural wood decks cost about $25 to $42 per square foot including installation, especially for exotic or high-end wood like cedar and redwood.
Learning about the different types of materials you can use to build your deck -- and the level of maintenance involved in each -- can help you plan for your deck installation, as well as how to care for it in order to get years (or decades) of enjoyment from it. In this collection, you’ll find articles designed to walk you through every aspect of deck installation -- from information on how to install wood decking, composite decking, and outdoor deck installation tips to make for a smoother process.
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Decking Installation
Building an Outdoor Space with James DeSantis
Composite decking can not be placed directly on concrete. But a substructure can solve for this. Explore this deck project with James DeSantis
Decking Installation
How to Install Composite Decking for the Perfect, Long-Lasting Outdoor Space
Learn about how to install composite decking. Topics include expansion and contraction issues and hidden fastener systems.
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.
Decking Installation
6 Best Alternatives to Wooden Decking
While wood decking was previously considered the standard material for building a deck, that’s changed. Homeowners have been exploring and embracing different types of materials, and the availability of alternative decking materials has grown significantly.
Decking Installation
What to Consider When Building A Wrap-Around Deck
Looking to add a wrap-around deck to your home but unsure of what the process involves? Check out this guide to learn more about top considerations when building a wrap-around deck.
Decking Installation
Deck Framing Diagram – Explaining the Anatomy of a Deck
A comprehensive guide to help you learn the names and understand the functions of every part of your deck.
Decking Installation
How to Choose Fascia Fasteners and Install Deck Fascia Boards
Installing deck fascia can be easy if you have the proper tools, fasteners, and practical information that you’ll find right here.
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.
Decking Installation
Dos & Don'ts for Homeowners to Consider When Building a Deck
Your dream deck can take whatever shape you like. The trick is making it fit your budget and site conditions. While the deck doesn’t have to be built as a rectangle, there could be good reasons for doing just that.
Decking Installation
Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite
No; this is not a recommended practice.
Decking Installation
Can I Install Tiles on Composite or Wood Decks?
Installing tile over a standard deck frame in an exterior environment is a recipe for trouble.
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.
Decking Installation
Best Hidden Fasteners for Decking
Hidden fasteners create a clean deck surface and can be used with composite, wood and other materials. Learn about hidden deck fasteners at Decks.com.
Decking Installation
How to Install a Picture Frame Deck Edge
Install a picture frame or perimeter board to finish the edge of your deck with style.
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.
Decking Installation
Hidden Deck Fastening: 3 Ways to Fasten Your Composite Deck Boards
Hidden deck fasteners are the ideal option for DIY builders looking to hide their hardware, without sacrificing the stability of their deck. From nearly invisible deck plugs to color-matched deck screws, knowing how to choose and install these hidden fasteners is an easy way to level-up your deck project.
Decking Installation
Building an Outdoor Space with James DeSantis
Composite decking can not be placed directly on concrete. But a substructure can solve for this. Explore this deck project with James DeSantis
Decking Installation
How to Install Composite Decking for the Perfect, Long-Lasting Outdoor Space
Learn about how to install composite decking. Topics include expansion and contraction issues and hidden fastener systems.
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.
Decking Installation
6 Best Alternatives to Wooden Decking
While wood decking was previously considered the standard material for building a deck, that’s changed. Homeowners have been exploring and embracing different types of materials, and the availability of alternative decking materials has grown significantly.
Decking Installation
What to Consider When Building A Wrap-Around Deck
Looking to add a wrap-around deck to your home but unsure of what the process involves? Check out this guide to learn more about top considerations when building a wrap-around deck.
Decking Installation
Deck Framing Diagram – Explaining the Anatomy of a Deck
A comprehensive guide to help you learn the names and understand the functions of every part of your deck.
Decking Installation
How to Choose Fascia Fasteners and Install Deck Fascia Boards
Installing deck fascia can be easy if you have the proper tools, fasteners, and practical information that you’ll find right here.
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.
Decking Installation
Dos & Don'ts for Homeowners to Consider When Building a Deck
Your dream deck can take whatever shape you like. The trick is making it fit your budget and site conditions. While the deck doesn’t have to be built as a rectangle, there could be good reasons for doing just that.
Decking Installation
Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite
No; this is not a recommended practice.
Decking Installation
Can I Install Tiles on Composite or Wood Decks?
Installing tile over a standard deck frame in an exterior environment is a recipe for trouble.
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.
Decking Installation
Best Hidden Fasteners for Decking
Hidden fasteners create a clean deck surface and can be used with composite, wood and other materials. Learn about hidden deck fasteners at Decks.com.
Decking Installation
How to Install a Picture Frame Deck Edge
Install a picture frame or perimeter board to finish the edge of your deck with style.
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.
Decking Installation
Hidden Deck Fastening: 3 Ways to Fasten Your Composite Deck Boards
Hidden deck fasteners are the ideal option for DIY builders looking to hide their hardware, without sacrificing the stability of their deck. From nearly invisible deck plugs to color-matched deck screws, knowing how to choose and install these hidden fasteners is an easy way to level-up your deck project.
More Helpful Resources
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