Decking How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our decking step-by-step tips & ideas.
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
Deck Design Ideas
From built-in planters to shade-producing pergolas to railings and more, explore innovative decking ideas curated by our experts.
Fix Now, Save Later
Our experts help you address 9 little trouble spots around your home before they cause big—as in big bucks—damage down the road
How to Clean and Restain a Deck
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva breathes new life into a weather-beaten wood deck
How To Square Joists for a Deck
In this guide, you'll learn to properly square joists for your deck, from basic techniques and essential tools to troubleshooting.
How To Place Piers for a Simple Deck
Learn how to place piers for a sturdy deck. This guide covers layout, spacing, digging, and setting piers for your deck foundation.
How to Install a Retractable Screen Door
Retractable screen doors are a great way to protect your home from the elements while still enjoying the sunshine and breeze.
How to Build a Small Deck
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to build a simple entry-level deck.
How to Fix a Sliding Door
Go from sticky to smooth in a few easy steps
How To Deck Over a Concrete Stoop
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to conceal a concrete stoop with wood-composite decking.
How To Build Deck Stairs
In this guide, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to build sturdy, attractive deck stairs for your home.
How to Install Composite Decking
In this how-to video, learn to create a maintenance-free deck with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
How to Spruce Up a Worn-out Deck
Give those tired old boards a refreshing makeover in six easy steps
Deck-Railing Brace
Eliminate the sag in a long handrail.
How to Build a Deck: Step by Step Instructions & Video
Watch as This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to build a professional-looking on-grade home deck.
Go From an Old Deck to New in 4 Steps
There's no secret to deck maintenance—repair, clean, and protect it—but learning the tricks the pros use can make the results last longer.
Building a Safe Deck: Essential Steps and Precautions
Decks can be dangerous if they're installed incorrectly. In this guide, we discuss safety precautions and installation methods for safe decks.