Decking How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our decking step-by-step tips & ideas.

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How to Build a Deck Gate

This sturdy but simple exterior gate is affordable, easy to build, and will make any porch or deck a safer place to hang out. Follow this guide to learn how to build a deck gate yourself.
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How to Refinish Deck Railings

This Old House paint expert Mauro Henrique shows a homeowner how to breathe new life into those old, splintery handrails.
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How to Install Deck Rail Lighting

Ask This Old House master electrician, Heath Eastman, installs undermount, LED deck railing lights for a homeowner whose only deck lighting includes a single, bright spotlight.
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How to Build Storage Under Your Deck

Need more storage? Here’s how to use the area under your deck to create additional storage space for all kinds of items.
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How to Restore a Weathered Deck

Read these techniques for refurbishing an old deck.
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How to Attach a Deck to a House

Install a new deck, or reattach an existing one, that is set up to last.
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How to Fix a Wobbly Deck

Learn more about the two common causes for a wobbly deck and how to stabilize your space.
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Protect a Deck with Pot Feet

This quick fix will keep your deck and your plants happy
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Prepping to Stain Like a Pro

Nick Slavik demonstrates how to prep and clean two very different decks—one old and weathered, and one brand-new pine— in anticipation of restaining and finishing with two very different coatings from Behr.
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How to Repair Rising Deck Boards

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps diagnose a problem with composite decking coming loose
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Add a Drainage System Under Raised Decks

Keep the area dry for storage or added living space
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Build It | Cedar Deck Box Planter

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a deck box planter using western red cedar.
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How to Add a Little Mood Lighting to Your Deck

Use energy-efficient LEDs to cast a warm glow on the deck, stairs, and trees, and you can extend the party (safely) into the night
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How to Install Decking

On a new front porch, Tom Silva shows Kevin O'Connor how to install mahogany decking with hidden fasteners and perfectly mitered joints
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How to Install Fiesta String Lights

Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron helps a homeowner install fiesta string lights to get the party started in Texas
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How to Install a Shade Sail

This Old House host Kevin O'Connor has two simple sun-blocking solutions for keeping a deck and home cool during the summer
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How to Install a Cable Deck Railing

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva installs a cable railing on a deck in Greenwich Village, New York
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How to Revive a Beat-Up Deck

Coat cracked and dried-out boards with sand-impregnated paint to bring them back to life
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All About Hardwood Decking

Ipe is the gold standard, but plenty of other species stack up quite nicely on looks and longevity, often at a lower price
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How to Restore a Deck

Follow the prep instructions carefully and paint on a specialty coating to preserve weathered boards for years to come
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16 Ways to Customize Your Deck

16 upgrades and add-ons to create a more attractive and usable backyard deck
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How to Replace a Deck Post

Shoring up an old deck with new supports with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva
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How to Pour a Concrete Deck Footing

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to dig and pour concrete supports
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DIY Backyard Projects for Summertime

Here are a handful of ways to create a more beautiful and relaxing outdoor space.
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How to Replace Deck Stair Balusters

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares some tricks of the trade for accurately cutting and assembling railing supports
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How to Safely Attach a Deck to a House

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to save a wood deck from a catastrophic collapse
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How to Install a Sliding Glass Door

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to open up a wall for a large glass slider
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How to Build a Durable Backyard Retreat

Composite decking is a beautiful, high performance, and environmentally-friendly way to create the outdoor oasis you've always wanted
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With Deck and Patio, a Backyard Fully Built for Family

Forget grass: For this young family, a handsome wood deck that steps down to a brick patio comprises the ideal chilling, cooking, playing, and entertaining space
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How to Choose a Deck Finish

In this instructional video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor discuss picking the perfect wood-deck finish
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Read This Before You Build Your Deck

Don't lift a finger without our time-tested guidance on making all the right choices for this popular outdoor project
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Deck Design Ideas

From built-in planters to shade-producing pergolas to railings and more, explore innovative decking ideas.
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Fix Now, Save Later

Our experts help you address 9 little trouble spots around your home before they cause big—as in big bucks—damage down the road