The Deck Store has been helping home owners, business owners, and professional contractors better understand deck and patio construction for decades. We hope to expand the reach of that knowledge through our blog.
Maintenance
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Read the full post »Why Taking Care of Hidden Fasteners Matters
Hidden fastener systems make decks look nice without visible screws. To keep your deck safe and looking good, you need to take care of these hidden helpers. This guide will show you how to check and maintain your hidden fastener system so your deck stays strong and beautiful for a long time.
Taking care of your hidden fasteners is really important. It stops big problems from happening, keeps your deck safe, and makes it last longer. If you check your fasteners often, you can fix small issues before they become big, expensive ones. Plus, a deck with well-maintained hidden fasteners looks awesome and makes your home worth more.
Key Things to Remember:
Hidden Deck Fastener Facts
- Makes your deck look smooth and clean
- Safer because there are no screws sticking out
- Works best on decks that are above ground and have good air flow
- Better with thicker, narrower deck boards
- Takes more time to install than regular screws
- Costs more at first than regular
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Read the full post »When it gets cold outside, it's time to get your deck ready for winter. Taking care of your deck helps it stay nice and last a long time. Let's look at a checklist for keeping your deck in good shape during winter.
Key Takeaways
- Clean your deck well before winter
- Check for and fix any damage
- Put on a good sealant to keep water out
- Be careful when removing snow and ice
- Protect your deck furniture
- Check your deck after winter for any problems
Getting Your Deck Ready for Winter
Before it snows, you need to prepare your deck. Here's what you should do:
Winter Deck Preparation Steps
- Clean it well
- Look for any damage
- Put on a protective coat
- Move or cover your furniture
- Put up good lights
Cleaning Your Deck: The First Step
Start by cleaning your deck really well. Get rid of all the leaves, dirt, and stuff between the boards. You can use a special deck cleaner to make it extra clean. This helps you see if anything's wrong with your deck and makes sure the protective stuff you put on later works
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Read the full post »Installing deck lighting can make your outdoor space more inviting and useful at night. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring someone, having the right tools is important. Let's look at the tools and methods you need for good deck lighting installation.
Key Points for Professional Deck Lighting Installation
- Plan your layout carefully before starting
- Use proper tools for safe and efficient installation
- Choose weatherproof components for outdoor use
- Organize wiring for safety and good looks
- Make secure connections with weatherproof connectors
- Test all connections and fixtures thoroughly
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for each product
- Consider solar vs wired options for your project
- Prioritize safety and follow local electrical codes
- Consult professionals if you're unsure about anything
1. Wire Strippers and Cutters
Wire strippers and cutters are really important for any electrical project. They help you remove insulation from wires and cut them to the right length. For deck lighting,
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Read the full post »Deck lighting can make your outdoor space safer and more inviting. Smart systems give you control and customization options. Here are some popular smart deck lighting choices and their features.
Key Things to Know About Smart Deck Lighting
Smart Deck Lighting Systems
- Enhances safety and ambiance of outdoor spaces
- Uses LED technology for energy efficiency and long life
- Popular types: post cap lights, accent lights, light strips
- Key features: brightness levels, color options, weather resistance
- Smart home integration for easy control
- Post cap lights: mounted on railing posts, provide light and style
Types of Smart Deck Lights
Post Cap Lights
Post cap lights sit on top of deck railing posts. They light up the deck and add a nice touch to the railing design. These lights serve a dual purpose of illumination and decoration, enhancing the overall look of your deck. Check out our selection of post cap lights to see different styles that can complement your deck's aesthetic.
Accent Lights
Accent
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Read the full post »Deck drainage systems protect your investment and make the most of your outdoor living areas. These systems can add years to your deck's life and create usable space underneath. Let's look at how you can install one yourself and explore the benefits, types, and installation process.
Key Takeaways: DIY Deck Drainage Systems
- Extends deck lifespan by 5-10 years
- 85% of deck failures due to poor water management
- Average installation time: 10-15 hours
- Can reduce lifetime costs by 30%
- 3 main types of deck drainage systems available
- Proper planning and material selection are crucial
- Regular maintenance ensures long-term effectiveness
- DIY installation can lead to significant cost savings
Why Install a Deck Drainage System?
Water is a deck's worst enemy. Without proper drainage, moisture can seep into the wood, causing rot, mold, and structural damage. A good drainage system keeps your deck dry and extends its lifespan by 5-10 years. Plus, it turns the area under your deck into a dry, usable space
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Read the full post »Deck drainage systems protect your investment and make the most of your outdoor living areas. These systems can add years to your deck's life and create usable space underneath. Let's look at how you can install one yourself and explore the benefits, types, and installation process.
Key Takeaways: DIY Deck Drainage Systems
- Extends deck lifespan by 5-10 years
- 85% of deck failures due to poor water management
- Average installation time: 10-15 hours
- Can reduce lifetime costs by 30%
- 3 main types of deck drainage systems available
- Proper planning and material selection are crucial
- Regular maintenance ensures long-term effectiveness
- DIY installation can lead to significant cost savings
Why Install a Deck Drainage System?
Water is a deck's worst enemy. Without proper drainage, moisture can seep into the wood, causing rot, mold, and structural damage. A good drainage system keeps your deck dry and extends its lifespan by 5-10 years. Plus, it turns the area under your deck into a dry, usable space
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Read the full post »Composite decks are great. They last longer than wood decks, are water resistant, and look fantastic but they do need a little TLC every now and then. Even if composite decks require much less maintenance than real wood decks, they require some cleaning and care to keep the material in tip-top shape. Below are some tips on how to care for composite decks.
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Read the full post »Every couple of years deck owners must add the task of staining the deck to their project list. Usually, this only takes a couple of hours to do and is quite a simple task, but there are tons of questions out there when it comes to this project. You probably have heard to do it in cloudy, cool weather, thicker coats last longer, and your new deck needs to sit for a couple of months before applying the stain. Are these true? Or myths that have been shared among others for years? Below you’ll find the most common questions we are asked and what the answers are to each one.
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Read the full post »Before I started the project of cleaning my deck this weekend, a question popped into my head. After doing some landscaping in my backyard I was concerned the deck cleaning product could kill my grass and freshly planted flowers. I did a quick Google search but it was hard to find an answer so I decided to write this blog post so others with the same question can get a clear answer. I also wanted to add some amazing and easy-to-make all-natural cleaning products that I ran across during my research.
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Read the full post »Painting a deck is great to get that updated new look without spending a lot of money or hiring a professional. Paint acts a lot like deck stain where it also protects your deck from damage. Painting a deck that looks professional is not rocket science by any means but you will want to follow the steps below to get the best results.