It’s that time of year to do some serious outdoor reconstruction and preparation for the winter to come. Your deck has been serving its purpose for some time now and although summer is about over, there is still plenty of good weather to take a good hard look at your deck’s condition. What are some of the warning signs that it may be time to tear it down and reconstruct?

• Aged and outdated. The timber is old and the design is poor. This summer was perfect for more outdoor activities and a larger deck with room for a Jacuzzi, barbeque, and patio set would have been perfect. Take out the old and bring in the new; get ready for next year’s fun.
• Mold and mildew build up. Mold that appears at ground level or under the deck is a sign of too much moisture. Signs of mold and mildew are deterioration, graying boards, cracking, and splintering. Moisture is never a good thing for a wood deck. Was it built too close to the ground or without enough ventilation under the deck? Check with a professional to access the extent of the damage. If wood rot has taken over, the deck may need removing or reconstruction.
• Wood rot/dry rot. Both are results of moisture and fungus—nasty stuff. The fungus feeds on the moisture then breaks down the wood, causing decomposing. Both have discoloration as beginning signs. There are two main types of wood rot. One produces brown-colored spots and breaks off in cubes, thus called “cube rot.” The other type leaves a white or yellow color on the wood and gives it a spongy, stringy feeling; this is “dry rot.” Dry rot is described as very old wood that has long since rotted and dried out. Nevertheless, moisture was the culprit in the beginning. This is serious damage; see an expert before the deck retires itself. (more…)

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Arbors are popular and appealing shade providers for lawns, gardens, decks, patios, and anywhere a homeowner might desire shade. I have seen them from the beaches of Lake Michigan to the rocky outcroppings of the Oregon coast. Arbors, often called pergolas, are fairly simple projects that really do provide a good amount of shade. There is a small difference between arbors and pergolas which should be noted for argument’s sake. Arbors tend to be broader and may be connected to the building on one side while pergolas are always freestanding and usually narrow.

To build an arbor you will need the following materials: (more…)

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Although building a deck may seem like a simple weekend project, there are certain codes and requirements that must be adhered to. In some areas, you may even be required to obtain a permit for the process. It is up to you and your contractor to research the expectations for your area, but here are some universal guidelines to get you started. (more…)

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