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By Carl Hines in The Family Handyman - June 2003

Build A No-rot, No-maintenance Deck

Use treated framing, composite decking, aluminum balusters, engineered wood trim and fiber cement siding to make a deck that will never rot.

by David Radtke in The Family Handyman - April 2006

Decks And Frost Heave

Shallow deck footings can be pushed up when the ground freezes

By the experts at The Family Handyman in The Family Handyman - June 2004

Do Composites Meet Deck Standards

Building codes and how they apply to Trex and other plastic/wood deck materials

By the experts at The Family Handyman in The Family Handyman - June 2003

Dream Deck Plans

These plans show how to build a 16 ft. by 18 ft. deck that's loaded with special features. It has a large pergola that gives pleasant shade, a lower level that gives a sunny spot and a graceful transition to the yard, cantilevered bays to add more space, and low-maintenance decking and rails. There are unusual details underneath, too, with special metal joist hangers and a different joist arrangement that gives design flexibility. Copper railing give the deck a classy look that contrasts nicely with the natural cedar in the pergola.

By Jeff Gorton in The Family Handyman - May 2004

Gap Deck Boards According To Moisture Content

Adjust the gaps between deck boards based on how wet the wood is, since wet wood can shrink substantially as it dries.

by Brett Martin in The Family Handyman - May 2006

Hidden Deck Fasteners

Build a deck without exposed screws or nails.

By the experts at The Family Handyman in The Family Handyman - April 2004