Deck Education

Why You Should Consider Upgrading To Cocktail Deck Railings If you’ve been exploring the idea of building a deck, you’ve probably heard the term “cocktail rail” or “drink rail” a few times already. It’s the popular upgrade that homeowners love and builders recommend.  But what exactly are cocktail railings for decks? Can you customize them to enhance your deck’s design? …

Stair riser lights are one of the best add-ons you can install on your deck.  If you’re sitting in your backyard on a patio or next to your deck, they create a beautiful, warm, and inviting glow. Also, riser lights make it exponentially safer to use deck stairs at night. In our eyes, there’s no doubt that lighting up your …

Building a new home is exciting, especially if you’ve had a hand in designing it to be perfect for you and your family. But you may face a couple of decisions that you wouldn’t have otherwise if you were moving into an already built home. And a big one has to do with the outside space. Not all newly constructed …

Cracking (also referred to as checking) in lumber is somewhat inevitable.  Over time, you’ll likely begin to notice these cracks in the lumber that makes up your deck’s framing. They seem to happen without warning and can look rather concerning. Wanting to learn more is entirely understandable and the right move to make.  So are cracks in deck posts or …

There comes a time when every deck reaches the end of its days. It’s no longer a source of joy but a bit of an eyesore or even a safety concern (and a to-do). You’re ready to say goodbye and excited for something new.  When this happens, homeowners often ask us if they can be the ones to demo their …

Building a deck can be very exciting and rewarding. It’s an extension of your home into the outdoors, where you can easily spend hours unwinding or spending time with friends and family.  But it isn’t without its challenges. Several unforeseen problems can occur during the build, even with the most experienced builders. These issues can quickly become a significant source …

Decks that are low to the ground don’t generally have any issues with swaying and wobbling. It’s the taller, 8-14 foot decks that we hear more concerns about from homeowners. Most commonly, “will my second story deck sway?” and “how can you give a higher off the ground deck more stability?”. You likely won’t spend much time on your deck …

As humans, it’s only natural that we change our minds once in a while or get a little indecisive. Especially when it comes to big decisions, like the design or layout of a deck. After all, it’s likely going to last you for decades before it needs replacing.  But what happens if you want to make changes after signing the …

With so much happening during a deck build, it’s understandable to be concerned about your lawn getting damaged. After all, a well-kept yard takes a lot of work and is something to be proud of maintaining. But even if your lawn is speckled with weeds or ruts, we understand how important it is to respect your property as if it …

Today, we’re talking all about composite decks vs. patios to help you answer that difficult question on your mind: What should I build? Both decks and patios are great additions to your home. They expand your useable living space and get you out enjoying the outdoors. Both allow for clearly designated zones to create a beautiful gathering place for friends, family, and …