Decking
Get information about how to tackle your latest decking project, including materials, installation, and repairs.
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 Give Your Deck a Spring Cleaning
Wash, sand, and stain your deck to give it a fresh look for the spring.
Tips for Building a Deck Around Your Above-Ground Pool
Follow this helpful guide for all the tips and tricks to be aware of when building a deck around your above-ground pool.
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.
How To Restain a Deck
In this edition of DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique teaches a homeowner how to restain her mahogany deck.
Tom and Norm Build a Small Deck
Tom Silva and Norm Abram team up to make quick work of framing a small deck. Did the chisel come out of Norm's pouch? Of course it did
Home Inspection Nightmares | Dangerous Deck
Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, general contractor Tom Silva and mason Mark McCullough share some wild code violations submitted to them by home inspectors
Why Wood Decks Never Go Out of Style
Read our guide to find out how wood's natural beauty, affordability, and availability has made it a popular and timeless choice for decking.
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.
Building a Deck? Read This!
Whether you're a skilled DIYer or plan to hire a pro, our expert tips will help you plan smart for a deck that fits your wallet, and your family's lifestyle
Add a Drainage System Under Raised Decks
Learn how to keep the area under a raised deck dry for storage or added living space.
The TOH Guide to Decks
Kick off the warm season with the ultimate hangout spot
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 Get Your Deck Ready for the Summer
Before you start entertaining guests on the deck this summer, give it a little TLC by following these expert tips.
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.
Deck Safety Checklist
This deck safety checklist helps you identify issues before they become serious. We also provide deck maintenance and inspection advice.
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
Exterior Wood Staining Made Simple
Learn how to stain exterior wood such as decks and fences the right way for a professional-looking, long-lasting result.
17 Stunning Decks to Inspire Your Backyard Transformation
Think outside the standard wood platform with smart design ideas for a range of settings and budgets
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