Decking How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our decking step-by-step tips & ideas.
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Prep and Protect Your Deck for Winter
Deck maintenance during the summer is important, but winter deck care is just as necessary. Extreme changes in temperatures and precipitation during the cold months can damage your deck. Here are ways you can protect your deck in winter.
Deck Defense: How To Protect Your Outdoor Space
Looking for the best decking treatment? Here's a guide to the cleaners, finishes, and techniques for making your wood deck look new again.
How To Choose and Maintain Cable Railing Systems
In this video, This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert shows host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about installing cable railings and maintaining them over time.
How To Build a Deck Gate
This sturdy but simple exterior gate is affordable and easy to build. Follow our guide to learn how to build a simple deck gate.
How to Refinish Deck Railings
Watch as This Old House paint expert Mauro Henrique shows a homeowner how to breathe new life into old, splintery mahogany handrails.
How To Install Deck Rail Lighting
Ask This Old House master electrician, Heath Eastman, installs undermount, LED deck railing lights to level up the outdoor ambiance.
Building Under-Deck Storage: A Comprehensive Guide
Need more storage? Here’s how to use the area under your deck to create additional storage space for all kinds of items.
How to Restore a Weathered Deck
Read these techniques for refurbishing an old deck.
How To Attach a Deck to a House
We'll show you how to install a new deck or reattach an existing one that is set up to last alongside This Old House's Tom Silva.
How To Fix a Wobbly Deck
Learn more about the two common causes for a wobbly deck and how to stabilize your space.
How To Protect a Deck With Pot Feet
Learn how to prevent moisture damage to your deck and elevate your potted plants by adding pot feet to your outdoor decor.
Prepping to Stain Like a Pro
Nick Slavik demonstrates how to prep and clean two very different decks—one old and weathered, and one brand-new pine— in anticipation of restaining and finishing with two very different coatings from Behr.
How to Repair Rising Deck Boards
Your deck boards may start rising or lifting out of place as your home ages. Learn how to correct this and make your deck look brand new in our step by step guide.
Add a Drainage System Under Raised Decks
Learn how to keep the area under a raised deck dry for storage or added living space.
Build It | Cedar Deck Box Planter
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a deck box planter using western red cedar.
Adding the Perfect Mood Lighting to Your Deck: A Guide
Use energy-efficient LEDs to cast a warm glow on the deck, stairs, and trees, and you can extend the party (safely) into the night.
How to Install Decking
On a new front porch, Tom Silva shows Kevin O'Connor how to install mahogany decking with hidden fasteners and perfectly mitered joints
How To Install Fiesta String Lights
Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner install fiesta string lights to get the party started in Texas.
How To Install a Shade Sail
This Old House host Kevin O'Connor has two simple sun-blocking solutions for keeping a deck and home cool during the summer.
How to Install a Cable Deck Railing
Watch our step-by-step tutorial with Tom Silva to add a sleek and safe cable deck railing to your outside space.
How to Revive a Beat-Up Deck
Coat cracked and dried-out boards with sand-impregnated paint to bring them back to life
All About Hardwood Decking: Wood Options and Maintenance
Explore hardwood decking options, benefits, and maintenance. Learn about durability, installation, and care tips for a long-lasting deck.
How to Restore a Deck
Follow the prep instructions carefully and paint on a specialty coating to preserve weathered boards for years to come
16 Ways to Customize Your Deck
16 upgrades and add-ons to create a more attractive and usable backyard deck
How To Replace a Deck Post to Shore up an old Deck
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows you how to improve safety and longevity by shoring up an old deck with new supports.
How To Pour a Concrete Deck Footing
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows a homeowner how to dig and pour concrete footing for a new deck.
DIY Backyard Projects for Summertime
Here are a handful of ways to create a more beautiful and relaxing outdoor space.
How to Replace Deck Stair Balusters
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares some tricks of the trade for accurately cutting and assembling railing supports
How to Safely Attach a Deck to a House
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to save a wood deck from a catastrophic collapse
How To Install a Sliding Glass Door
Follow our step-by-step guide to install a sliding glass door and enhance your home's style and accessibility.
How to Build a Durable Backyard Retreat
Composite decking is a beautiful, high performance, and environmentally-friendly way to create the outdoor oasis you've always wanted
How To Choose a Deck Finish
In this instructional video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor discuss picking the perfect wood-deck finish.
Read This Before You Build Your Deck
Don't lift a finger without our time-tested guidance on making all the right choices for this popular outdoor project