Decking How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our decking step-by-step tips & ideas.
How to Choose and Maintain Cable Railing Systems
In this video, This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert shows host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about installing cable railings and maintaining them over time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Restore a Weathered Deck
Read these techniques for refurbishing an old deck.
How to Attach a Deck to a House
Install a new deck, or reattach an existing one, that is set up to last.
How to Fix a Wobbly Deck
Learn more about the two common causes for a wobbly deck and how to stabilize your space.
Protect a Deck with Pot Feet
This quick fix will keep your deck and your plants happy
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.
How to Repair Rising Deck Boards
Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps diagnose a problem with composite decking coming loose
Add a Drainage System Under Raised Decks
Keep the area dry for storage or added living space
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.
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
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
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
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
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
How to Revive a Beat-Up Deck
Coat cracked and dried-out boards with sand-impregnated paint to bring them back to life
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
How to Restore a Deck
Follow the prep instructions carefully and paint on a specialty coating to preserve weathered boards for years to come
16 Ways to Customize Your Deck
16 upgrades and add-ons to create a more attractive and usable backyard deck
How to Replace a Deck Post
Shoring up an old deck with new supports with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva
How to Pour a Concrete Deck Footing
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to dig and pour concrete supports
DIY Backyard Projects for Summertime
Here are a handful of ways to create a more beautiful and relaxing outdoor space.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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