How to Build Outdoor Stairs

Maybe you want to build a raised deck out your back door, add a hot tub, or maybe you are new to a home that has quite a step down into the yard. You may be wondering how to build outdoor stairs to make the transition from one location to the other a little easier. Thankfully, it's easier than you might think.

Here's what you need:

2x4s that have been treated to hold up to the weather are wisest
1x6s that have been treated to hold up to the weather are wisest
Stair Stringers
Stair
A box of 2-inch galvanized screws
Saw
Drill
Tape Measure
Ruler

The first thing to consider is how high and long your stairs should be. This is done by measuring the height from the ground where you will start the stairs and then consider how much of a slope you want the steps to take, to make them easy to use.

Now you need to decide on the right size of stair stringers to use. Stair stringers are pieces of wood that are already cut in the shape of the sidewall of steps. All you have to do is build a frame for these pieces and attach the wood to complete them. For the most part stair stringers come in sizes from three steps to seven. You can choose which ones are right for the height you have to climb.

Measure the space where the stairs will go to be able to line up your two stringers. Most stairs are 30-36 inches wide.

Now you need to secure this in place. There are hardware brackets that can be used to attach the top of the stringers to the edge of your deck. At the bottom, you should use hardware brackets to attach the stair stringers to a piece of pressure treated wood or a wooden walkway if that is where the stairs will end.

For additionally support, you may also want to sink two 2x4s by the top of the stairs and attach the stringer to that as well as the deck. You can reinforce those 2x4 by using an extra piece of wood to create an H-bar, connecting them.

Next, it is time to install the blanks. Take your time and measure out the 1x6s to the right length to create each of the steps on your stairs. Mark and cut all of the pieces and then begin to screw them in place.

You may need to start this process by making a pilot hole with a smaller bit as treated woods can be a bit difficult to work with.

Once all of the step planks are in place you need to consider whether or not you want solid stairs, If you do, you will need to also create planks for the 'wall' of the step' Keep in mind, this means there is a little less stepping room, as feet will be forced to stop at the wall. If your steps are not especially deep, you may want to avoid this step.

How to Build a Deck on a Budget

Learning how to build a deck can be a real money-saver for the do-it-yourself homeowner, and more and more homeowners are learning to build beautiful, durable and attractive decks without having to hire out expensive contractors to do the job for them.

Deck building can be taught by a local community college course. This of course is the most expensive option when trying to learn how to do it yourself. Registering for a class on general deck construction will probably cost right around one hundred dollars, but will give proper instruction on all the information that you need to know about the subject and will also give some hands on experience with some one on one interaction with the instructor.

Another source on information on building your own deck is at home improvement store. There are some home improvement stores that hold periodic seminars in the store and there is a good possibility that one of those seminars will focus on this very subject. This is an excellent option because the seminar is typically free and there is hands on experience and one on one time. Of course a free seminar is probably only an afternoon long but it can provide the basic knowledge on how to do it yourself.

There are books that are available that can provide information on deck and patio building, which can be purchased or checked out from the library. There are also videos that are available that will give you detailed instructions on building them as well.

Choose the material that you will be building it from and take measurements reflecting the length and the width of the desired size of the deck. Taking the length and width as well as using that information to figure out the square footage of the deck will be a good way to estimate the cost of the materials. These measurements can be supplied to the home improvement store where the materials will be bought from and they can easily supply costs. Once the materials have been secured, then the construction of the deck can begin.

Hiring someone to build a deck and then watching them build it will allow you to learn the quickest, though that option is not always possible.

A beautiful deck or patio can be a great addition to any home. If you want to save a little money, building your own deck [http://howtobuildadeckinfo.com] can be a great way to keep costs low.

How to Build a Deck Step by Step

If you're wanting a new deck and would like to do it yourself, then you need some good instruction on how to build a deck step by step. Building a simple deck is not that difficult and can be done by almost any novice woodworker. You just need a good plan and some detailed tutoring. This article will give you those step by step instructions.
Before I begin to tell you how to build a deck step by step, you need to decide on a design. You need to answer a few questions like:

• What size of deck you want?
• What will be the shape of your deck. Will it be square, rectangular, or L-shaped?
• Where will the stairs be located and how many do you want?
• What type of decking will you use and how will you fasten it?
• Is railing required? If so, what style do you want?
• Do you want to incorporate any built-in benches or planters?

Sometimes this pre-construction process can take a good bit of time. And it should. Building a deck can be quite expensive, and the last thing you want is to do it wrong.
To get deck ideas, drive around your town and see what types of decks other people have built or look in home magazines. You can even surf the web for design ideas.
Once you have answers to all these questions, you're ready to build a deck.
The first lesson in how to build a deck step by step, is to set your concrete pier pads. Make sure the piers are exactly where your plans show them. Also you need to make sure they are level and are solidly setting on the soil. You don't want any "rocking". What I do is smooth out and level the ground with a shovel.
Once the pier pads are set correctly, it's time to measure and cut the posts. These are the posts which will hold up the support beams. Sometimes this task is easier if you fasten the ledger to the wall first. The ledger should be at least the thickness of the decking below the door going on to the deck.
Using a long, straight board with a level on top, place one end on the ledger and hover the other end over the pier pad you're measuring for. Have a helper hold the board and level perfectly level while you measure the distance to the pier pad. Subtract the thickness of your floor joists and the support beam, and you'll have the length of the post.
After you've repeated the above steps for each post, you can set the support beams. Toe-nail the beams to the posts. If you have multiple beams in the same row, toe-nail them together, too.
The next task when learning how to build a deck step by step, is to install the floor joists.These are usually 2x6, 2x8, or 2x10 boards. The ledger you fastened to the wall earlier should be the same size as the floor joists. It's best if your nail the joist hangers the ledger before you lay the joists. Having a joist hanger to rest one end of the joist in makes it easier. Also make sure you start at the same end when you layout the ledger and the support beam. It's also important to install a rim joist on the ends of the floor joists. To get that straight, snap a line 1/2" in or so, and trim the joists.
Now it's time to lay the decking. Here's a little trick I use to make my decks look nicer. I start laying my deck boards from the outer edge and work my way toward the house. This way if you end up with a skinny ripped board, it's kind of hidden up next to the house. Another thing you want to do is space the boards slightly. This allows for expansion and contraction of the decking, and allows rain water to drain well.
Your deck boards can be fastened with either nails or screws. Make sure the nails are hot-dipped galvanized. Screws should be actual deck screws, not drywall screws.
The last steps in learning how to build a deck step by step are railing, if it's needed, and stairs to the ground. If your deck is more than 30" above the ground, railing is required. I usually fasten 2x2 cedar balusters vertically, with a 2x6 rail at the top. Make sure you have 4" or less between the balusters and the top rail is at least 36" above the decking.
Building stairs is a little tricky, and it will require another article to cover that topic properly.
So this concludes my little tutorial on how to build a deck step by step. I hope it was helpful.

How to Build a Simple Wooden Deck Rail

Decks over 30" above the ground usually require railing as a safety measure. There are many different ways to build a rail but this article will discuss the easiest, fastest, and cheapest method. This rail system uses 2"x 2" wooden balusters and a 2"x 6" top railing.
Use either an outdoor wood made for exposure to weather, redwood, or cedar, which is my personal favorite. I prefer cedar because it's easy to work with, has a long life expectancy, and is almost impervious to weather.
Most building codes require a maximum of 4" between the balusters. If your balusters are 1 ½" wide, they will need to be 5 ½" on center to maintain the 4" minimum spacing.
To get an idea how many balusters you need, measure the perimeter of your deck where railing will be installed. Multiply that number by 2.5 and that will tell you approximately how many 2"x 2" wooden balusters you need.
The next step is to cut the balusters to the proper length. The minimum height of the top of the rail is 36" in most locales. The top of the baluster should be 34" above the deck floor and extend a minimum of 7" onto the side board of the deck. If your deck joists are larger, you could extend the baluster even further for more stiffness.
Layout the baluster positions by making pencil marks every 5" to 5-1/2" apart around the deck perimeter. Draw a vertical line on the deck joists using a speed square.
Once the layout marks are drawn on the deck, cut 2"x 6" top rails to the correct lengths. Stand the top rails vertically around the exterior edge of the deck and transfer the layout marks from the deck rim joists onto the top rail. Use a speed square to draw light pencil lines.
Pre-drill two holes with an 1/8" drill bit about 1" and 6" from the end on each baluster. With the top end of a baluster 34" above the deck floor, insert two 3" screws through the baluster into the deck side board. Make sure each baluster is plumb using a short level. Repeat this for every baluster.
Now, holding the 2"x 6" rail vertically against the balusters and 36" above the deck floor, fasten the balusters to the top rail with 2-1/2" deck screws.
Repeat the same procedure above for all the top rails, screwing each baluster to the top rail. Also fasten the ends of the horizontal rails together with 3" deck screws.

How to Mix and Match Deck Railing Materials

One of the best ways to beautify your backyard or garden patio is to add a deck. This structure is normally elevated to make it a center of attraction in any outdoor space. With this deck, a family can spend a relaxing time outdoors or entertain friends and guests on special occasions especially during a warm night.

Many homeowners prefer a deck made from wood. Wood evokes a classic look and promotes a cool ambience. When maintained properly, people can even go barefoot while spending time on their outdoor deck.

Decks won't be complete without a railing. The railing is an important component of a deck and one which provides security to the people who use it. The truth is, if you see a garden deck from a distance, the first thing that usually catches your eye is the railing. With the deck railing, it feels nice to hold on to something when moving around the deck or just standing there marveling at a great view such as beautiful plants and flowers or at the star-filled sky?

Deck railings can be made from various materials. Even though the deck flooring is made of wood, the railing can be of another material to achieve a unique look.

A modern trend in installing an outdoor deck is by mixing and matching materials. For instance, you can use iron railings to create a unique look. Iron is more durable compared to wood and can stand bad weather. It also requires little maintenance which is why it is ideal for outdoor use. You will just have to apply a coat of paint every now and then to get rid of rust buildup. A great advantage of iron is that it can be bended and made into beautiful designs to suit your personal style.

One way you can use iron is by having your railing designed in a way different than the usual. Instead of the horizontal balusters, you can choose an intricate design in accordance with a certain theme you like. There are a wide range of pre-made designs available today on the market. If not, you can have your own design customized.

Did you also know that you can mix wood with glass in your deck railing? It is now very possible and you can choose to use the glass baluster type or the glass panel type. The glass used is normally tempered to make it last long. For the glass, you have a choice between the clear, tinted and opaque or frosted glass look.

Another material you can match with wood is the vinyl railing. This is great for outdoor decks because it needs little maintenance, is a durable material as well and can endure bad weather conditions. Compared to wood, the vinyl material does not splinter and the edges are smooth which means it does not pose any harm to people using the deck.

Achieving your own personal deck railing design is a matter of mixing and matching materials. You need not go with the trend all the time because what stands out is your own creativity.

How To Install Deck Railing - In 5 Easy Steps

Does local building code require you to install deck railing?....Well don't worry, anybody can install railings with a few simple steps. On several occasions I have had to install railings to meet the local building code, and if you read on I will show you 5 easy steps for how to install deck railing.

Step 1:
This first step is easy. Get a square, consult the plans for your deck, and mark with the square along the header and outer joists the locations for each of the railing posts. Make sure the posts are no more than 1.8 meters or 72 inches apart.

Handy tip: Make sure you mark both edges of the railing posts at each location, It will make life that much easier.

Step 2:
This next step requires the use of your drill. Here you need to pre-drill two holes at the base of the railing posts. These two holes are for the bolts in order to attach the posts to the deck. Be careful and make sure you keep the drill straight.

Step 3:
Now for the easiest step of them all. Install the rail posts by bolting them to the deck with either "through" or "lag" bolts.

Step 4:
In order to attach the balusters we need to install a railing between each post. Screw the railing between the top of the posts, and ensure they are level, or fall evenly as required.

Step 5:
The final step is to install the balusters. Calculate how many balusters you need between each post and mark accordingly. Make sure the gap between each baluster is equal. Now screw in each baluster at the top and bottom, with a minimum of two screws.

So we now have a nice and appealing railing that will more than satisfy most local building codes. Knowing how to install deck railing is not too difficult is it?

A Further Option To Consider:
Above I gave instructions on how to install deck railing that was attached to the outside joists. Yet, another option exists. If you plan on installing a railing from the outset of building your deck, your deck support posts can be installed to double as your deck railing posts.

So there we have it. Not only do you now know how to install deck railing, once you follow the above mentioned steps, you will also see how simple it is to install deck railing.

Vinyl Deck Railing on Your Pool Deck

The Beauty of a Pool Deck

Among many changes going on in the world is the fact that people are spending more and more time outdoors. They work because they have to work to pay the bills. However, in their spare time they're choosing to spend their time outdoors. The addition of decks to the home gives them the perfect place to spend their time outdoors. Cooking out, reading, laying in the sun, entertaining or just relaxing are some of the many things people do on their decks. Whether your deck has a vinyl deck railing or elaborately designed wood railing, you deck is a place for fun as well as adding beauty and value to your home.

Another choice many homeowners are making is adding a pool and pool deck to their home. This is the perfect way to add some beauty to an otherwise drab backyard. It's also something your entire family will enjoy. Your backyard will also be the envy of your friends. Although a pool by itself is a great addition to your home, this will enhance the beauty and functionality of the home. A pool deck will change your pool from a place for swimming and sunbathing to a place that is perfect for entertaining.

Types of Pool Decks

The pool deck is the area around the pool, depending on if your pool is below or above the ground. Regardless of which type of pool you have, you can easily install a pool deck to match the pool and enhance the beauty of your home.

If you have an above-the-ground pool, you can choose to install a matching pool deck with vinyl deck railing. This type is usually made of redwood, pressure treated wood, cedar and various other types of wood. This wood is treated with compounds to help prevent rotting and termites. You have your choice of enclosing your entire deck or making a partial deck. Always check with your local officials on building permit laws in your area before you begin your construction.

If you have an in-ground pool deck, you have a few more choices available in the line of pool decks. You can use wood for your decking as well as stones, tiles or concrete all around the deck flooring. With the varieties of stones or tiles, you can choose from many textures and finishes. Make sure the wood in maintained regularly to keep it from rotting.

Traditional pool decks are made with concrete blocks. Although these are strong and durable, they require a lot of digging to get the concrete footings properly installed, unlike floating concrete blocks, which are kept on the ground. Many homeowners are choosing to make a combination pool deck with a raised deck by their above ground pool and a lower attached deck flooring with stones or tiles and attached vinyl deck railing.

Curved Deck Railing

The use of a curved deck railing is very important on every deck. It is an art piece used to enhance the curve appeal of your deck, in case you are planning to build a curved one. Without it, your curved deck will not be as good looking as you would want it to appear. On top of that, it won't look complete at all. So while you are still in the planning stage of your deck, including it in the design if you want a curved deck will be best. This way, you wont have to try injecting it into the lay out and making the trouble of redesigning the entire task.

Building a curved deck railing is a bit difficult, which is why it is not recommended for DIYs. But there are real inventive and skilled people who can actually do the job. There are prefabricated curved deck railings that you can acquire for the building plans. These are perfectly crafted to match standard sizes and shapes of a curved deck so you will need no more cuttings or modifications on both your deck and your acquired prefab deck railing.

Construction of curved deck railings is just like constructing any other railing. It has to have a vertical baluster, a top railing, and a curved cap railing (which is not found in a standard railing). The vertical baluster is always included in this type of construction because it adds support and strength to the structure. The top railing is its highest profile, while the curved cap rail is its completing part.

If you are wish to do the installation by yourself, you got to have a complete understanding of geometrical principals and the required skills in preparing detailed drawings. Some of the important drawing tools you will need are protractor, compass, and scale ruler.

You think that curved railing is just one of the types of railings? There are still many different types of curved railings you can find. Some of these are listed below for you to choose the best that will fit your railing construction plans:

Curved stainless steel. This is extruded steel that are modular curved. This is the type of curved railings that can be designed in every curve you have for that authentic and great looks you want for your railings.

Curved wooden. Laminating together four strips of 1 1/2 inch wide x 3/4 inch thick cedar plywood strips with heavy-duty exterior glue is how curved wooden railings are made. This type of railing can be DIYed with the use of clamps to hold them in place and slightly bending the plywood strips.

Wrought iron. For more durable kind of curved railing, you can also use wrought iron. This type of material needs special equipments to have it bend.

Aluminum. Aluminums are very durable type of material for your planned deck railing less the weight.

Give Your Outdoor Deck or Backyard Retreat a Facelift

Are you tired of using the same outdated patio furniture every single year? Are you embarrassed to invite your friends over for a backyard bar-b-q because your current outdoor dining table looks like it got into a fight with a sledge hammer and lost? If your backyard space is more than just a little bit depressing, it may be time to do something about it.

From Drab to Fab: Your Outdoor Space

When your outdoor space is looking dreary, there is plenty you can do to give it a little more spice. Here are just a few fabulous ideas.

• Outdoor Furniture- When you first bought your home, you were on a budget. Plastic or wooden furniture was acceptable, because you were young and didn't have the money for anything better. Now that you are a sophisticated adult, however, it is time to toss out this type of furniture and opt for a more stylish choice, like rattan furniture. Rattan or wicker furniture will give your garden a whole new look. It is also easy to clean, resistant to stains, and comfortable to sit on, so you won't ever have to worry about inviting your friends, and their kids, over for an outdoor party.
• Use Colour- Once you have your new rattan outdoor dining set and wicker sectional, throw in a bit of colour to liven up your space. Purchase new cushions, table clothes, and pillows for your furniture. If your dining area or sitting area is located on a covered back porch, use some colourful fabric and drape it between the porch beams to add a bit of elegance.
• Under Your Feet- Although you are outdoors, you don't need to sacrifice comfort. Use a colourful outdoor rug to pull all of your outdoor wicker furniture together. This will bring your colour scheme all the way down to the ground and allow you to sit barefoot in the morning outside while you enjoy a cup of coffee
• Supply Some Shade- Your friends may be turning down your invitations because they don't like to bake in the hot sun. If your yard doesn't have enough trees in it to supply you with shade, supplement it with removable canopy. This will keep both your outdoor furniture and guests cool and comfortable.
• Privacy- While you may enjoy starting your morning off with a cup of coffee while you are sitting on your outdoor sectional, this doesn't mean you want your neighbour to see you in your pyjamas with no makeup and messy hair. Create a sense of privacy with drapery panels or tall lattice fences.
• Glamour- Your outdoor living and dining area may be in the great outdoors, but that doesn't mean it can't be glamorous. Add some bling by draping twinkle lights over your dining table or hanging a crystal chandelier.

If your outdoor dining area and outdoor living area is looking a bit down in the dumps, don't worry. With a little help, you can turn your outdoor area into a smart, fun, and comfortable place your family and friends will love.

The Outdoor Furniture Shop is your place for beautiful and contemporary synthetic wicker furniture. Whether you are looking for an outdoor dining set, a chaise lounge, an upscale wicker daybed, or sectional seating, perfect for a cozy conversation area, The Outdoor Furniture Shop has exactly what you are looking for.

Different Varieties of Garden Furniture

The main thing to remember when deciding on purchasing garden furniture is that it needs to compliment your style, as well as your garden. Some garden furniture that you may want to consider for your special garden may include the following:

Table and Complimentary Chairs - The size of the table needs to compliment the size of your outdoor area, without being either too small or too large. When choosing the appropriate color of your chair and table set, pick something that makes you feel happy and relaxed and matches the blossoming flowers of your garden. There is no right or wrong color of furniture for your garden. It should always be based on your design taste, and what is pleasing to your sight. Always remember, if you are picking the furniture that is made of cast iron, you want to ensure that you pick appealing cushions to also compliment your garden and your style. Rocking chairs are another option for your outdoor garden, which can be matched with a small table that is just the right size for your reading material and a warm or cold drink. Bench style furniture is also popular for a garden, which comes in either marble or stone that is very appealing in an outdoor garden.

Garden Umbrella - A garden umbrella is a great addition to a garden to provide sun protection and shade while enjoying time in your outdoor garden. It is great for the summer season, or if you live in warmer climates. To keep your outdoor garden looking fresh and inviting, remember to pick a garden umbrella that compliments your garden as well as surrounding furniture.

Decorations and Accessories - Adding a few outdoor decorations and stylish accessories can turn any ordinary garden and garden furniture into something extraordinary. Some items that you may consider are bird baths, bird houses, ornamental statues, and outdoor lamps. These items can naturally complement the style of your outdoor garden. Even adding a fountain, pond, or mini waterfall can be an excellent addition to your garden of serenity. Many of these items are solar-powered, which means great convenience without extra energy costs.

No matter what style and type of outdoor furniture you may choose, always remember to pick what complements your outdoor garden as well as complements your style. This is your special place to retreat to and relax, so make it your own by picking items that add to the comfort and peace of your outdoor garden.

Define Your Outdoor Space With Stamped Concrete Patios

A thoughtfully designed patio helps to define outdoor space and lends character to your home. Well landscaped gardens, water fountains, and decorative patio surfaces are some of the many features that can help to enhance the beauty of your house. Speaking of decorative surfaces, a report by the National Association of Home Builders indicates that the number of people, who have opted for stamped concrete patios, has increased considerably. Here are some of the several advantages of using concrete flooring:

Design Versatility: Stamped concrete can be used to duplicate a wide variety of textures. Your patio flooring can be used to duplicate cobblestones, sea shells, wood, and even stone. In fact, a polished concrete floor can be acid stained to look like a polished stone floor. Acid staining gives out a translucent and spotted finish that is ideal for patios. And unlike paint or pigment, this does not peel or flake. Yes, it does fade, but only after several years of exposure to the sun. Before you choose to acid stain your stamped floor, ensure that the colors used are promised by the manufacturer to be 'fade-proof'.

Cost: Your patio flooring can be made to emulate the appearance of natural stones marble, granite and other expensive flooring at just half the cost. The job isn't labor intensive and easy to install and also minimizes the wast caused when laying natural stone surfaces. Concrete can take any shape and hence accommodate space restrictions, unlike natural stone flooring.

Easy to Maintain: Unlike wood, stamped concrete does not rot and warp. Stamped concrete patios do not allow weeds to grow between the supposed 'cracks' as they are one continuous surface. The cracks are mere impressions that go only partially through the surface. They are built to withstand the harshest of weather, and even if its cracks or looks faded new concrete can be poured over the old concrete.

You can either ask a professional contractor to lay the concrete for you, or do it yourself. There are several DIY kits available through home improvement stores. The process of laying decorative concrete is an art and not ideal for someone who struggles with creativity. A professional can ensure that the job is done thoroughly with creativity and lasts.

As earlier said, concrete is a versatile material and can be made to look like a wide variety of natural surfaces. Rather than spending money on imported stones, it makes sense to choose decorative flooring.

Protect the Pleasure of Your Backyard Haven With Professional Deck Repair From Your Local Contractor

Nothing beats the pleasure of being outside and relaxing on your very own deck. Yet years of exposure to the elements can take a serious toll on the condition of pretreated woods and other deck surfaces. That's why general deck repair should be a routine part of your annual property maintenance. With a little bit of preventive care and timely attention to problem areas, you can enjoy this delightful addition to your home for many years to come.

Pressure washing and staining are two easy ways to restore the luster of your backyard deck and keep it looking like new year after year. So whether you're getting ready for an upcoming celebration or just preparing for warmer weather ahead, now is a great time to contact your local property maintenance provider and make an appointment for a professional power washing service. Unlike your standard garden hose, high-powered pressure washing provides precisely the right level of detergent, heat, and water strength to blast away all that day-to-day built-up grit and grime. After just one treatment, your deck will not only look better, it will be safer too, as the gunk that accumulates on the surface of your deck can create slipping hazards. Once clean and dry, simply apply a new coat of stain to finish the job and help to protect your deck's newly revitalized surface.

Of course, if your deck is in need of more than a good cleaning and staining, your local property maintenance and handyman service can assist with that as well. They can help home- and business owners with a variety of common deck repairs, including changing out rotten boards, replacing support joists, and rebuilding damaged railings. Count on them to make these relatively easy repairs for you today. It could very well prevent the need for more complicated restorations down the road.

Depending on the severity of your deck repairs, you can always choose to tear down your existing structure and build anew. Here's your opportunity to start from scratch and work with a custom deck builder to design a backyard haven with all of the amenities you want in your outdoor recreation space. Elect to include features such as built-in benches and tables. Expand the dimensions to accommodate more family and friends. Change the style of the embellishments to better match your home or the decking material for lower maintenance requirements. The options are virtually endless. Just be sure to follow up with a yearly property maintenance plan to keep your new deck from falling into disrepair.

Whatever the extent of the damage to your deck, trust your local property maintenance professionals to protect this cherished part of your home's backyard. From simple power washing and staining to total reconstruction, they have the tools and the training for every aspect of deck repair.

How to Protect Your Wooden Deck From the Elements

Your backyard deck plays host to barbecues, dinner parties, sunbathing, family game time, and more, and thus you want to keep it looking its best. Unfortunately, outdoor wooden structures are susceptible to weather damage over time; rain and sun exposure alike can contribute to a wooden deck's aesthetic and structural deterioration. To help prevent this damage, you can apply a variety of weatherization products and sealants yourself, depending on the scope of the project and your level of home improvement skill, or you can contact a deck restoration professional to tackle the job.
Water Damage
Excessive moisture can cause wood to warp, rot, or grow mold. During and after a rainstorm, water can seep into the boards of your deck through cracks or splits in the wood, as well as through nail or screw holes. The longer the boards remain damp, the greater the chance of permanent damage. While certain types of wood resist rot more than others, most decks need to be resealed every one to two years.
So how do you know if your deck is becoming water-damaged? If the wood looks like it's absorbing water after a rainstorm, rather than the water beading on top of the wood, it's time to give your deck some TLC. Start the deck repair process by replacing any weakened, warped, or rotten boards. Sweep the deck and wash off any dirt using a deck wash or high-powered hose. Let the wood dry completely. Then, apply the waterproofing sealant of your choice, based on your particular deck's construction and materials. For best results, apply weatherization products when the sun is out and the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees.
Sun Damage
Direct sunlight and extreme heat can fade wood, leaving your once-vibrant deck a dull gray. Heat can also dry out wooden boards, and dry boards are actually more susceptible to water retention. Bring back your wood's former color by applying a deck-brightening solution, available at most hardware stores. Or, take the opportunity to transform your deck by staining the wood. You can apply stain yourself, or hire a deck staining company for a professional, uniform finish.
After the stain has dried completely, apply a weatherization product that blocks UV rays. This will protect the wood and the color from further sun damage. As with waterproofing sealants, apply sun-protecting products to clean boards on a sunny, mild day.
Temperature Changes
Sudden temperature changes can stress wood. A major drop in temperature will cause wood to contract, while a sudden increase in heat will cause wood to expand. If the temperature jumps back and forth repeatedly, you might see an increase in popped-up nails as the boards shift around. Hammer these nails back into place or replace them with longer nails or wood screws to allow for some movement. Replace boards that have cracked to prevent people from tripping or getting splinters.
When doing any deck restoration or repairs, always check the structural supports as well as the top boards. Severely weakened wood can collapse, leading to personal injury as well as property damage. Even if your deck doesn't look like it's deteriorating on the surface, it is always a good idea to assess it once a year. Whether you make repairs yourself or call in a professional, a well-maintained outdoor deck will add value to your home and bring joy to your family for years to come.

Patio Lighting Tips

You can light your deck or patio in many different ways. Inexpensive tiki torches are quick and easy. If you want to run electrical wiring there are many different routes you can take with your patio lighting.
If patio lighting is planned properly before installation, it can make a deck or patio become an extension of the home. It will increase the quality of the time spent outdoors and more than likely, increase the amount of time spent outdoors. Not only will it be more enjoyable to spend more time on the patio, it will be safer.
Using low voltage lighting has the benefit of using less electric energy. By using less energy, you place less strain on our environment and keep your electric bill from getting out of hand. The great thing about low voltage lighting is that with today's technology, you can get more light than you ever could with the older style incandescent bulbs. Most energy savings through light fixtures is done with the bulbs that are used so if you can't see much of a difference between light fixtures, spend a few minutes looking at the bulbs to see what type of bulb you want to use and get fixtures that will accept those kinds of bulbs.
There are kits available to help you install the lighting yourself if you don't want to pay to have someone else to do it for you. Some kits come with the light fixtures, hardware, and wiring to go along with detailed instructions. If you do choose to install lighting yourself, make sure you turn off the power before you begin wiring into the established electric lines in your home. Safety is never something to take for granted when you deal with electricity. If this is your first time working with electricity make sure you educate yourself before starting the project.
Accent lighting can create any mood that you desire on your deck or patio. You can accent the steps or railing on your deck. Accent lights can show off plants or a grill area or anything you want to put focus on. Well planned accent lighting can be enough lighting to bring an entire area to life at night.
Planning out your lighting before beginning your installation can save you a lot of headaches down the line. Map out your wiring plans and where you will place each light. Having an idea of how much light each fixture will emit is good planning, as well.

How to Build a Simple Wooden Deck Railing

Decks over 30" above the ground usually require Deck railing as a safety measure. There are many different ways to build a rail but this article will discuss the easiest, fastest, and cheapest method. This rail system uses 2"x 2" wooden balusters and a 2"x 6" top railing.

Use either an outdoor wood Deck railing made for exposure to weather, redwood, or cedar, which is my personal favorite. I prefer cedar because it's easy to work with, has a long life expectancy, and is almost impervious to weather.

Most building codes require a maximum of 4" between the balusters. If your balusters are 1 ½" wide, they will need to be 5 ½" on center to maintain the 4" minimum spacing.
To get an idea how many balusters you need, measure the perimeter of your deck where railing will be installed. Multiply that number by 2.5 and that will tell you approximately how many 2"x 2" wooden balusters you need.

The next step is to cut the balusters to the proper length. The minimum height of the top of the rail is 36" in most locales. The top of the baluster should be 34" above the deck floor and extend a minimum of 7" onto the side board of the deck. If your deck joists are larger, you could extend the baluster even further for more stiffness.

Layout the baluster positions by making pencil marks every 5" to 5-1/2" apart around the deck perimeter. Draw a vertical line on the deck joists using a speed square.

Once the layout marks are drawn on the deck, cut 2"x 6" top rails to the correct lengths. Stand the top rails vertically around the exterior edge of the deck and transfer the layout marks from the deck rim joists onto the top rail. Use a speed square to draw light pencil lines.
Pre-drill two holes with an 1/8" drill bit about 1" and 6" from the end on each baluster. With the top end of a baluster 34" above the deck floor, insert two 3" screws through the baluster into the deck side board. Make sure each baluster is plumb using a short level. Repeat this for every baluster.

Now, holding the 2"x 6" rail vertically against the balusters and 36" above the deck floor, fasten the balusters to the top rail with 2-1/2" deck screws.Repeat the same procedure above for all the top rails, screwing each baluster to the top rail. Also fasten the ends of the horizontal rails together with 3" deck screws.

How to Build Deck Railings

There are numerous designs that can be applied into your desired deck railings aside from safety features. Traditional railings are the easiest to construct and place while other variations may need the help of an engineer to build to ensure their safety. It is very important that a railing meets the safety standards because it is use keep individuals safe.

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR BUILDING A DECK RAILING
The materials that you need to acquire for your project are one by three inches outdoor stock, one by two inches outdoor stock, sandpaper, nails, screws and bolts and glue that is typically used for carpentry.

TOOLS
The tools needed in building your platform railings are a drill with complete bit set, saw, hammer, marker, paper, level, chalk line and yarn or string.

STEPS

This kind of system is a very simple to place down and construct. The vertical parts of your project are called stiles. Carefully cut as many as you needed to the length that the building code in your area requires. Although there are visible differences that you should follow, most building codes require about four inches of space in between the stiles.

If you are constructing a traditional railing, you have to decide whether you will be placing the stiles just to the elements of your deck rail or to the joist below your platform. Divide the stiles to your local building height codes. Divide the outside portion of the upper part of the stile at any angle that you want for additional design. Place a pair of screw holes into the divided part of the stile-one at upper portion and the stile's countersink.

If the posts place in the corner of the platform does not reach the upper portion of the deck, you should trim the deck in order to continue placing the post. But you can just utilize a bigger stock for your corner post.

Utilize the lower part of the joist as a pattern when placing the stiles. A hole that is pre-drilled in the structure is appropriate for nails that needed to be galvanized. Make a jag for spaces in between the stiles and secure them in place with a nail.

When you reach approximately ten inches, place another support for the header portion. This board will help stabilize the upper portion of the stiles and is usually ten inches long. As you continue to place stiles in your railings, start to install the header board. This will connect the whole thing together. Put the drill into the hole that you previously drilled at the stiles and continue placing the hole into the joist.

Connect the stile to board with a screw. For additional strength, place nails that are galvanized into the cap and header area. Connect the two parts with a nail. For a finishing touch, you can either varnish or paint your project. If you divided the stiles of the railings, it will be simpler to varnish before you put them together.