What Causes Those Black Stains on Cedar Decks and Fences?
Cedar fences and trim sometimes develop dark stains around nails and screws. In many cases the cause isn’t mold or mildew, but a reaction between cedar’s natural tannins and certain metals used in fasteners.
Composite Deck Fastening Systems: Screws, Hidden Fasteners, and Plug Systems
Composite decks are typically fastened using screws, hidden clips, or plug systems. Each method has different strengths, and many professional builders use a combination of them to balance appearance, durability, and installation efficiency.
A Faster, Headache Free Way to Install Impression Rail Express
When I started installing TimberTech Impression Rail Express, I liked it for the most part. It was clean, light, strong, and went together fairly easily — except for a few things…
Advantages of Hidden Fasteners for a Cleaner, More Durable Composite Deck
When building a composite deck, the method of deck board fastening can easily be overlooked, but plays a crucial role in both its appearance and longevity. Traditional composite screws, usually color matched to the deck boards, are often used, but we believe hidden fasteners offer a superior finish and longevity due to…
Pros and Cons of Different Deck Railings: Choosing the Best Option for Your Space
A well-designed deck railing not only enhances safety but also contributes significantly to the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. Along with decking…
How Much Does a Deck Cost in the Seattle Area?
Adding a deck to your home creates a great outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining, as well as increasing property value. It’s important to make sure you hire a reputable deck builder that will take the time to…
Best DIY/Construction Youtube Channels
Even with several decades under my belt, I still learn new methods regularly, and continually work on expanding my knowledge base. So today, I’d like to share several of my favorite educational content creators in the realm of Construction and DIY…
What is Pressure Treated Lumber?
Copper-based preservatives are forced into the lumber via high pressure. The chemicals bind with the wood fibers, which helps treated lumber retain its rot resistance for decades…
Is Deck Joist Tape Necessary?
Most decks are built with pressure-treated lumber, which is made of lumber that has been treated with a preservative to give it resistance to rot and pests. However…
Fact or Fiction - Does Composite Decking Get Hot?
Composite decking has a lot going for it, but it has a reputation for getting quite hot on long summer days, enough that it’s uncomfortable for bare feet…
Cedar vs Composite Decking
While cedar, a naturally rot-resistant wood, has long been a great value-option for decking, entry-level composite decking now…
Deep Dive: Structure of a Deck - Foundation
Most of us think of the ground as pretty solid, but with large compressive forces like a deck or house…