Decking
Get information about how to tackle your latest decking project, including materials, installation, and repairs.
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 Deck Stain Protects Wood
Paint expert Mauro Henrique helps host Kevin O’Connor understand which stains to apply the most common (and luxurious) deck boards for the best balance of color, grain, finish, and protection.
How to Build a Concrete End Table
This Old House DIY expert Jenn Largesse details the steps to building a concrete end table to complement deck or patio seating.
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.
Volunteer Day 3: Framing and Landscaping
Host Kevin O’Connor takes us back to the Rebuilding Together Boston job site to rebuild the deck while also giving the yard some fresh new landscaping.
Volunteer Day 4: Completion
The crew and an army of volunteers fight the rain to bring the Rebuilding Together Boston project to completion.
Considerations for Building a Wrap Around Deck
Deck space is always at a premium, and who doesn’t want to bring in more style to their outdoor area? A wrap-around deck will extend your lounge space and improve the look of the home and its landscape. But before setting out to build a new deck or add onto the old one, here are a few key considerations for building a wrap around deck.
How to Build a Deck Gate
This sturdy but simple exterior gate is affordable, easy to build, and will make any porch or deck a safer place to hang out. Follow this guide to learn how to build a deck gate yourself.
Deck Maintenance Checklist: How to Keep Yours in Tip-Top Shape
Decks are a charming addition to your house. Keeping them maintained will provide lasting beauty and functionality. However, improper care can lead to serious problems. Here are tips to keep your deck in tip-top shape.
The Ultimate Summer Maintenance Checklist
The summer months have arrived, meaning certain areas of your home may need some tending. Here are some maintenance tasks to pay attention to this season.
How to Refinish Deck Railings
This Old House paint expert Mauro Henrique shows a homeowner how to breathe new life into those old, splintery handrails.
11 Ways to Create an Inviting Space on Your Rooftop
Your house or apartment’s rooftop deck offers lovely, even jaw-dropping views, but it’s seriously lacking in the design department. Nevertheless, it holds many possibilities—as a tranquil place to begin or end the day, a spot for socializing, or as a retreat that lets you take in fresh air and sunshine above the fray. See our ideas for decking out your roof deck to make the most of the space.
Beautiful Floating Deck Designs
These nine stunning ideas for floating decks will give you the urge to build one yourself in your backyard.
Understanding Supply Chain Shortages
The entire Ask This Old House team sits down to discuss how supply chain shortages affect their businesses and customers.
How to Build a Deck Railing
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert builds and installs a railing for deck stairs that will match the original railing around the rest of the deck.
How to Paint Outdoor Railings
Painter Mauro Henrique paints an outdoor railing that Nathan just built to match the original railing around a homeowner’s deck.
Ingenious Hot Tub Deck Ideas
Give your hot tub the extra special touch it needs with these great deck ideas.
How to Replace a Deck Joist Hanger
Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner repair her deck by replacing rotted hangers and re-securing the joist to the structure.
How to Install Deck Rail Lighting
Ask This Old House master electrician, Heath Eastman, installs undermount, LED deck railing lights for a homeowner whose only deck lighting includes a single, bright spotlight.
10 Design Ideas for Small Decks
With a little planning, small decks and patios can provide the same entertaining value as larger outdoor spaces. See our simple ideas to maximize the space of your small deck.
5 Best Deck Paints (2024 Guide)
In this review and buying guide, our team recommends the best deck paints to fit a range of outdoor spaces, preferences, and climates.
Low-Maintenance Exterior Material Options for Your Home
They may cost more up front, but these low-maintenance materials save later on frequent repainting and replacement—without skimping on curb appeal.
How to Drain a Hot Tub
Hot tubs are meant for relaxation, but there’s one aspect of owning one that may be stressing you out: draining the water to clean the tub. Read our guide to learn how to drain your hot tub.
How to Paint a Mandala on a Deck
Mandala designs have increasingly been on the rise in the Western world for a few years now. They’re everywhere: on apparel, linens, in adult coloring books, and are especially popular as tattoo designs
How to Build Storage Under Your Deck
Need more storage? Here’s how to use the area under your deck to create additional storage space for all kinds of items.
3 Types of Awnings to Cover Your Deck
Awnings reduce sunlight, protect patio furniture, and make outdoor living more enjoyable. Let’s take a look at the different styles and costs of awnings.
How to Restore a Weathered Deck
Read these techniques for refurbishing an old deck.
Decking: An Overview
Learn about decking basics — from safety inspections and protocols to construction and maintenance. Know what you can DIY and when to hire contractors.
Decking Material Options to Consider
Explore a range of different possibilities before building your deck.
Deck Ideas for Your Backyard
Design ideas to consider when remodeling or building your deck.
How to Attach a Deck to a House
Install a new deck, or reattach an existing one, that is set up to last.
How to Fix a Wobbly Deck
Learn more about the two common causes for a wobbly deck and how to stabilize your space.