Deck resources
Deck guides for homeowners
Straight answers to the questions people ask before, during and after a deck project — from choosing materials to knowing when a deck is no longer safe.
Guides
Maintenance, lifespan, safety and decisions
How-to
How to maintain a deck
Deck maintenance is the routine cleaning, inspection and refinishing that keeps a deck safe and extends its life. What it involves depends mostly on the surface material — but every deck's framing, ledger and railings need regular checks.
How-to
How long does a deck last?
A deck's lifespan depends less on any single number than on four things: the surface material, how well the hidden framing is protected, how carefully it was built, and how consistently it's maintained in your climate.
Comparison
Composite vs. wood decking
Composite and wood are the two most common decking choices. Wood costs less upfront and feels natural; composite costs more but trades staining and sealing for simple cleaning. The right answer depends on budget, climate, sun and how much upkeep you want.
Problem solving
Should you repair or replace your deck?
Repair a deck when problems are limited and the structure is sound; replace it when damage has reached the framing, ledger or footings in several places, or when the deck no longer fits how you live.
How-to
Deck permits: when you need one and how to check
Many jurisdictions require a building permit for new decks — especially attached, elevated or larger decks — and for major structural repairs. Rules vary by city and county, so the building department serving your address is the final authority.
Problem solving
Deck safety inspection checklist
A yearly deck inspection takes under an hour and catches most problems before they become dangerous. Work from the house outward and from the structure up, and bring a flashlight and a screwdriver.
Planning a new deck
- How to plan a new deck
Good decks are designed on paper first. This guide walks through the decisions to make — in order — before construction starts.
- What drives the cost of a deck?
Deck costs vary widely because every deck is different. Rather than publish generic prices, this guide explains the factors that move a project's budget so you can plan — and compare proposals — with confidence.
Choosing materials
- Decking materials compared
Composite, PVC, pressure-treated wood and cedar side by side.
- Composite Decking
Composite boards combine wood fiber and plastic. Most modern boards are capped with a polymer shell that improves stain, fade and moisture resistance.
- Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated lumber — usually southern yellow pine or other softwoods — is infused with preservatives that resist rot and insects. It's the most common material for deck framing and an economical decking surface.
- Cedar Decking
Cedar is a naturally attractive softwood prized for its warm color, straight grain and dimensional stability. Its heartwood contains natural compounds that help it resist decay and insects.
- PVC Decking
PVC (cellular polyvinyl chloride) decking contains no wood. It doesn't absorb moisture, is lighter than composite and is a popular choice around pools and in damp, shaded locations.
Still have questions?
Talk it through with a deck specialist
Call (888) 555-0123 to talk with a deck specialist about your project.