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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 $23 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
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Hand Drill (1)

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.

Install Deck Ledger And Attach Flashing Ch04 Step02 17

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

Decking Installation

Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite

No; this is not a recommended practice.

Tile Deck

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 around an inside rail post.

Decking Installation

How to Install Composite Decking

Learn about how to install composite decking. Topics include expansion and contraction issues and hidden fastener systems.

Cut along the line.

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.

Trex Hideaway Hidden Fastener

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.

floor patterns

Decking Installation

Deck Patterns, Layouts & Design Ideas

Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.

Running a border around an angled corner.

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.

Overhead Deck

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.

FILTER BY CONTENT
All deck decking content
Decking Installation
Hand Drill (1)

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.

Install Deck Ledger And Attach Flashing Ch04 Step02 17

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

Decking Installation

Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite

No; this is not a recommended practice.

Tile Deck

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 around an inside rail post.

Decking Installation

How to Install Composite Decking

Learn about how to install composite decking. Topics include expansion and contraction issues and hidden fastener systems.

Cut along the line.

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.

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Trex Hideaway Hidden Fastener

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.

floor patterns

Decking Installation

Deck Patterns, Layouts & Design Ideas

Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.

Running a border around an angled corner.

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.

Overhead Deck

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.

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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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