Deck Materials

DIY Projects for deck materials including buying deck lumber, comparing deck wood, cedar decks, composite decking and more.

  • 1-20 of 21 projects
  • Low-Maintenance Decks

  • Composite or synthetic decking is the ultimate choice for a low-maintenance, long-lasting deck. Learn about decking choices for building your…

  • Backyard Decks: Build an Island Deck

  • Built with composite decking and hidden fasteners, this maintenance-free backyard deck is designed to go together fast and to fit in anywhere in…

  • Set and Nail Decking Perfectly

  • Building a deck? Learn tricks for straightening crooked boards; making crisp, straight cuts on the board ends; and avoiding problems like hammer…

  • How to Build the Deck of Your Dreams

  • Learn key features and techniques for building first-class decks, including planters, shading ideas, stairs, durable materials, privacy screens,…

  • Repairing Decks and Railings

  • Easy fixes for common deck problems like rotten boards, wobbly railings and loose nails. Plus, see how to stiffen a bouncy, wobbly deck

  • How to Choose Composite Decking

  • Simplify shopping for composite decking by weighing the importance of 7 key issues, including budget, sunlight, moisture, appearance, building…

  • Dream Deck Plans

  • This small deck is packed with features: composite decking, cantilevered seating nooks, a cedar pergola, custom railing, cascading…

  • Build a No-Rot, No-Maintenance Deck

  • Build this spacious, semi-private deck, which features planters, a handsome railing, low voltage lighting and a wide range of low maintenance,…

  • How to Choose Deck Hardware

  • Use triple-zinc or stainless steel joist hangers for most decks to ensure long-term strength and durability. Coastal building codes require…

  • How to Build a Wood and Stone Deck

  • Construct an eye-catching cedar deck surrounded by a veneered stone wall that provides both privacy and seating. The article includes full…

  • Choosing 4x4 Wood

  • Not all pressure-treated wood is equally decay-resistant. Different parts of the tree absorb treatment differently. Learn how to spot the best…

  • How to Install Joist Hangers

  • If you install them properly, joist hangers will keep your decks and floors strong as wood dries, twists, shrinks and ages. We'll show you a…

  • How to Buy Deck Lumber

  • Choosing good lumber will make your deck look better, last longer and go together faster. These 10 tips that will help you choose better lumber.

  • How to Build a Garden Pond and Deck

  • Let us show you how to add this easy-to-build pond and easy-care deck to your garden. This serene retreat can be built by a novice and…

  • Structural Screws vs. Lag Screws

  • High-strength structural screws are beginning to displace traditional lag screws as the fastener of choice for structural applications.…

  • Identifying Treated Lumber

  • The amount of chemical treatment needed to preserve wood depends upon the chemicals used. Read the treatment tags carefully to get what you need.

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