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Deck

Design the perfect deck or patio using these ideas. Our handy checklist means you know the result will be safe. Learn how to preserve and maintain your deck, then make it beautiful with plantings. Inspirational photos show railing designs as well as ways to create privacy.

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How to Refinish Your Deck

The right tools will make refinishing your wooden deck seem like a breeze.

"… many other projects, refinishing your deck depends on good preparation. That means … There are several ways to clean a wooden deck , and, chances are, you'll need more … broom can be an effective way to prep a deck . It may not scour tight corners or deep …"

Articles

Deck Lighting and Amenities

… amenities based on how you want to use the deck . At a minimum, consider outdoor lighting … little, but it extends the use of your deck into the nighttime hours, increases its … secure, even when you're not using the deck . Lighting a deck takes a little planning …

Making Deck Access Easy

… they can spell the difference between a deck that enhances your home and one that rarely gets any use. A deck you can see from inside your home -- one … create effective visual access, locate the deck where you can see it through windows or …

Deck Shape Ideas

Deck designs can be imaginative, but the overall … Ground-level decks are the least complicated deck forms. They are typically found on flat yards … sleepers over an existing concrete slab. For a deck that appears to float, extend the edges beyond …

Videos

Wood Deck Maintenance

Learn How To Clean and Protect Your Deck .

Thu, 5 Aug 2010|More from Design Ideas
|Deckfound at0:09, 1:33

These homeowners added this wood deck a few years ago and probably didn't realize how much maintenance there would be in order to keep this deck looking good, and that maintenance always starts with cleaning it thoroughly, meaning that cleaners contain harsh chemicals, so it's important to protect your eyes. A pump up garden sprayer is ideal for this kind of application because you want the cleaner on all of the deck surfaces, both vertical and horizontal. After the compound works for a while, the real cleaning begins. A pressure washer is absolutely the best tool for this job. Depending on the unit that you buy or rent, these machines spray water at pressure from 1000 to 3500 pounds per square inch, and that won't only get your deck clean, but it can also damage the wood itself if you aren't careful; so, take your time. For higher pressure models, you can also get attachments like this deck scrubber. They are great for large open stretches of deck . After your wood deck is nice and clean, you will realize how much better it looks, but you'll also probably realize how rough some of the

the point where it might be unsafe, and you can keep a deck looking really nice over the years and protect it so that it will last as long as it should by applying a stain or sealer. Because stains and sealers tend to be thinner than paint, the application is in some ways easier. For example, you can use the same pump up sprayer you use for the deck cleaner to apply the sealer. Once you coat the surface, you wanna back brush the sealer to work it into the cracks and crevices. The ability of these products to soak into the pores of the wood is what protects the deck , but also means you have to work fast. If you don't brush out the drips and puddles quickly, the deck can look uneven or splotchy because more sealer will soak into those areas. But, if you work carefully and cover one small

Deck Railings: The Ultimate Guide

Learn important terms for a safe and stylish deck railing: posts, post caps, rails, rail caps, balusters, and more.

Thu, 5 Aug 2010|More from Kitchen Bath Ideas
|Deckfound at0:08, 1:49

-A deck's railings are where fashion meets function. Hi, I'm Lacey Howard, and first things first. Railings, they're about safety. Most building codes require them, but they can also be part of the charm. Learn just a few terms and you'll be able to talk about railings like a pro. Posts are thick, vertical elements that connect with the deck floor. Depending on your deck style, and local building code, plan to have a post every 4 to 8 feet.

Now, just combine the two to create the perfect railing for your deck . Who knew safety could be so stylish!

Heating Your Deck : The Ultimate Guide

Create a warm, cozy outdoor space with outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire bowls, grills, chimineas, torches, space heaters, and more.

Thu, 5 Aug 2010|More from Kitchen Bath Ideas
|Deckfound at0:09, 0:48, 1:11, 1:42

Are you ready for a hot time on your deck ? I'm Lacey Howard. Adding heat to a deck makes it cozy on a chilly evening and you can enjoy it earlier in the spring and later in the fall. Try these hot products to add some sizzle to your deck tonight. An outdoor fireplace brings warm ambiance to a deck or patio. Just like inside, outdoor fireplaces can burn wood or gas, whatever heat source you choose,

planning, you can build the fire pit into a new or existing deck . Work with a contractor to create a cement cylinder. Fill it with gravel and line with fire bricks. Fire walls come in

the ball is portable and easy to clean. To protect the wood deck , set the fireball on top of a noncombustible hearth pad or brick pavers. Nothing spices up a deck like hot food prepared on the grill. Start with gas or charcoal and then expand your outdoor kitchen include side burners for

block views, so set them in a well ventilated corner of your deck . Torches are mainly decorative, but their open flame creates a warm ambiance. Yes, bamboo tiki torches are still available, but look for ceramics and metal options in various styles and sizes. Space heaters are safe and efficient way to make your deck warm and cozy.

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Deck Landscaping Ideas

A deck offers impromptu spaces for gatherings. -- Before you include a freestanding fire pit on a deck , make sure that you've chosen one that … metal base and cover. -- Dress up simple deck structures with the addition of built-in …

Deck Designs: Ideas for Platform Decks

A platform deck involves a fairly simple design. They're usually built … necessary. Here, built-in benches help define the deck perimeter. Though platform is the most basic deck style, nothing beats a deck that seamlessly incorporates …

Before and After Deck Makeovers

Create a color theme to give your deck a new look without spending a lot of money … plants. Create a color theme to give your deck a new look without spending a lot of money … chartreuse plants. This ordinary builder's deck created usable space, but no style. The …

Deck Tours: 4 Distinctive Designs

… boost that consisted of wrapping the back deck around the house to the front. Now, two … stains make the columns, pergola roof, and deck railings stand out against the siding … add a decorative flourish to the front deck railing. A deck and pergola stretch across …

Before & After Deck Makeovers

… and define space, instead of letting the deck blend into the wooded background. Some … and define space, instead of letting the deck blend into the wooded background. Some … The innovative fusion of a multilevel deck and a balcony redefines this Massachusetts …

Deck Decor Ideas: 11 Ways to Dress Your Deck

Furnish your deck with accessories that add comfort and style … suggestions to get you started. From Garden, Deck & Landscape ® magazine. Select one special … to heavy use and weather. From Garden, Deck & Landscape ® magazine. Craft a colorfully …