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.
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
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.
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Before it snows, you need to prepare your deck. Here's what you should do:
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.
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, you'll usually use 18/2 gauge wire for LED lights or 12/2 gauge for incandescent lights. The gauge tells you how thick the wire is - lower numbers mean thicker wires that can carry more electricity.
When choosing wire strippers, pick ones that work with the wire sizes you'll be using. Look for ones with comfortable handles and clear markings for the wire sizes. Some even have a wire cutter built-in, which is handy. Check
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.
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 are small lights you can put in different spots on your deck. They can highlight certain areas or create a nice glow. These lights are great for
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.
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 perfect for storage or even an extra outdoor room.
Here's why a deck drainage system is a smart move:
- Proper drainage can extend deck lifespan by 5-10 years - 85% of deck failures are due to improper water management - Installation typically takes 10-15 hours for an average-sized deck - Regular maintenance can reduce deck costs by up to 30% over its lifetime
A well-installed drainage system can increase your property value and enhance the overall functionality of your outdoor space. It allows you to utilize the area beneath your deck, effectively doubling your usable outdoor area. This can be particularly beneficial for homes with limited
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.
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 perfect for storage or even an extra outdoor room.
Here's why a deck drainage system is a smart move:
- Proper drainage can extend deck lifespan by 5-10 years - 85% of deck failures are due to improper water management - Installation typically takes 10-15 hours for an average-sized deck - Regular maintenance can reduce deck costs by up to 30% over its lifetime
A well-installed drainage system can increase your property value and enhance the overall functionality of your outdoor space. It allows you to utilize the area beneath your deck, effectively doubling your usable outdoor area. This can be particularly beneficial for homes with limited
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.
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.
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.
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.