The traditional way most builders go about building a deck is to randomly stagger joints. The result is that end-to-end deck boards share the 1-1/2-in. thickness of each joist. That c… See more

Home improvement books and TV shows always recommend laying out deck footings with batter boards and string, but I gave that up years ago. It’s faster and easier to build a layo… See more

There are so many reasons not to snug decks right under door thresholds. The screen and sliding door tracks on patio doors get full of debris. Storm doors have to bulldoze th… See more

When buying 4x4s, don’t just sight them for straightness; always look at the ends. Try to avoid 4x4s that include the center of the tree, especially anywhere near the center of the 4×4. Th… See more