Deck board spacing: How to choose the right gap
How much space should you leave between deck boards? Here is a practical guide to gaps, moisture, material type, and how spacing affects your material estimate.
Installation
Build guides for foundations, joists, deck boards, and add-ons.
Hidden deck fasteners: When should you use clips?
Hidden deck fasteners can create a clean surface with no visible screw heads, but they are not right for every project. Here is what to check before you buy.
Deck Screw Spacing Guide: How Many Screws Per Board?
Not sure how many screws each deck board needs? Use this practical guide to plan screw placement, estimate totals, and avoid common fastening mistakes.
Which Way Should Deck Boards Run?
Board direction affects drainage, joist layout, cuts, and how balanced the deck looks. Here is a practical way to decide before you start building.
What Joist Spacing Should You Use for a Deck?
Trying to choose the right joist spacing for a deck? Here is a practical starting point for on-center spacing and the main things to check before you build.
Deck Building Tools: The Complete List for a Smoother Build
Building a deck takes the right tools and equipment to get a solid result and an efficient build. A practical checklist of hand tools, power tools, specialty gear, and safety equipment.
Deck Drainage: How to Keep Water Away from Your Deck Structure
Effective drainage protects a deck against water damage and extends its life. A practical guide to slope, draining base layers, drainage products, and maintenance under the deck.
How to Build a Deck Step by Step: A Practical Guide from Layout to Finish
How to build a deck yourself, step by step: planning and rules, footings, framing, laying deck boards, stairs and finishing – with concrete measurements and numbers for every stage, plus a deck board calculator.
Deck Extensions and Modifications: How to Expand an Existing Deck
Expanding an existing deck? How to plan the extension, get a seamless transition between old and new boards, and estimate the materials for the added section alone.
How to Lay Deck Boards for a Clean, Professional Result
Laying deck boards correctly is the key to a good-looking, durable deck. A step-by-step guide to laying patterns, board spacing, and fastening methods for a professional result.
Deck Framing Basics: How to Build a Stable, Durable Substructure
A solid frame of beams and joists is the foundation of a stable, long-lasting deck. A step-by-step guide to installing beams and joists with the right spacing and fastening.
How to Build a Solid Deck Base
A strong deck starts with a stable base. Here is a practical guide to support options, installation order, and the details that help the structure last longer.
Common Deck Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Building a deck is an exciting project, but a few common traps can cost you both time and money. Here are the most frequent mistakes — and how to avoid every one of them.
Building Deck Stairs and Railings: The Practical Basics
A deck becomes safer and more usable with solid stairs and well-planned railings. Here are the practical basics to plan and build them more confidently.