Decks and Patios

Wood Decking Options

When spring approaches, our thoughts turn to outdoor activities and our imaginations run wild with dreams of pleasant summer evenings. A welcoming front porch, a large back deck for family fun, or a private balcony with a cozy hot... Read More »

Non-Wood, Alternative Decking

Are you tired of maintaining that old, faded wood deck? Although wood decks are nostalgic and full of natural beauty, they can require a lot of maintenance. For the busy homeowner, there are many beautiful alternatives to wood that... Read More »

Outdoor Furniture to Enhance Outdoor Living

When spring and summer are just around the corner, many of us begin to look longingly from our desks to the great outdoors. Thoughts turn to sprucing up the yard after the winter storms and preparing our homes for enjoyable summer days.... Read More »

Front Porch Lighting Possibilities

If you’ve ever been driving at night, you know the welcoming feeling of spotting the lights of a distant approaching town. Do you feel like your home becomes a dark hole at night? This not only limits the use of your front porch,... Read More »

Deck Lighting Options – Basic Considerations

With America's growing passion for outdoor living, decks are growing in popularity. In addition to extending the living area of your home, decks increase property value. They also offer flexibility for homes built on terrain with variances... Read More »

Custom Spas: Types and Installation

It may not sound so great right now, but the cooler months are rapidly approaching, and there is nothing quite like a relaxing soak in a custom spa. A spa is a large exterior bathtub that heats water and provides a massage through... Read More »

Stain Removal Tips for Decks

Leaves, mildew, food, grease, debris – these are just a few staining agents that often wreak havoc on decks. Decks are the launching pads for outdoor fun. They are no stranger to wayward footballs and barbeque sauce, muddy shoes... Read More »

Deck Building on a Slope

Quiet evenings, cocktail parties, family, friends, and nature at the doorstep; these are all reasons why homeowners are in love with decks. Decks are also popular do-it-yourself projects. Yet there is often more science to deck... Read More »

Spotlight on Mahogany

According to The Encyclopedia of Wood, "The first description of the qualities of mahogany came as early as 1595, from the carpenter on Sir Walter Raleigh's ship during an exploratory voyage to South America. The Spaniards began to... Read More »

Small Deck Ideas

A deck doesn't have to be huge to work its magic. Even a small deck can give you the benefits of having your own outdoor world, right outside your door. This article offers useful ideas for small decks, whether you are thinking... Read More »

Attached vs. Detached Decks

One of the most appealing and profitable features you could add to your home would be a deck. People are staying closer to home for entertainment and family events these days, so designing and building a deck could be a good decision... Read More »

Up on the Rooftop Deck

Even homeowners who live in the heart of downtown need a little outdoor space. In fact it was that feeling of enclosure that led millions of homeowners to the suburbs, but now urbanity is back as we try to reign in urban sprawl.So,... Read More »

7 Unique Decking Design Resources

Are you planning to add a deck to your property? Decks are a surefire way to add value to your home. They increase your home's living space, add beauty to your grounds, and offer unlimited opportunities for year-round outdoor living.Whether... Read More »

5 Accent Areas for Your Deck

There are countless ways to customize your deck. This article presents some options for 5 specific areas:BenchesPlantersRailingsRoofingStairsBenchesBenches can serve many purposes on a deck. In addition to their obvious use as seating, they... Read More »

5 Decking Materials Rated by Price

The holiday season is past and spring is just around the corner; have you given much thought to improving your decking situation before the warmer weather arrives? There is nothing like escaping the stuffy confines of the indoors... Read More »

Is the Deck Safe for a Barbeque?

Okay, with spring approaching it’s time to throw the stakes on the grill for some outdoor cooking, right? For those of you who like to grill on the deck, you better make sure it’s safe and sound. North American Deck and Railing... Read More »

Five Ways to Transform Your Porch

In wintertime we tend to hide away. We bundle up by the fireplace, consume hot beverages, and try not to venture outdoors unless we're well prepared. Summertime, on the other hand and as far away as it sometimes seems, is a different... Read More »

Luxury Upgrades to Your Deck or Patio

Some say the deck or patio is just an extension of the house, so why not splurge a little bit and add some accessories? Some of these luxury items might not be absolute necessities, but they’ll certainly enhance the time you spend... Read More »

Changing Your Porch Posts, Step by Step

If you have an older house and can spot water or insect damage on the porch post it may be time to change it out. It can be a complicated process, so finding a contractor to remove and install a new post may be the way to go. If... Read More »

Is there a Difference between a Sunroom and Patio Room?

The short answer is: Not really. That is, it depends on who you're speaking with. Patio rooms, solariums, patio enclosures, even screened-in porches all fall under the more general nomenclature of sunrooms. If anything, a patio... Read More »

Porch Posts, Types, and Styles

You’ve decided it’s time to build a new porch or you just want to beef up your existing porch that was built with standard 4x4 posts. Choosing the right porch posts is important with regard to blending with your home’s architectural... Read More »

5 Things to Consider When Building a Deck

The backyard is often seen as an extension of the home, giving families more space for enjoying each other’s company, entertaining guests, cooking and dining and other fun activities. As such, a deck can be viewed as an outdoor... Read More »

Farmhouse Porches

Some of my fondest memories took place on my grandparents’ farmhouse porch. I remember sitting upon a white wicker sofa as a young girl with my two cousins on either side of me staring at the chipping white columns and warped... Read More »

Outdoor Furniture for Kids

Spending time outdoors in our own backyards can bring such memorable times. Kids love to pretend they’re big people by walking in our shoes or sitting in our oversized chairs, but they love being “just right” for outdoor furniture... Read More »

10 potential Dangers of the Outdoor BBQ

Everything's better in the warmth of summertime, especially cooking. It's so special that outdoor grilling has become a national pastime in its own right. More and more people are moving their kitchens outdoors with full bars, countertops... Read More »