Decking How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our decking step-by-step tips & ideas.
Deck Design Ideas
From built-in planters to shade-producing pergolas to railings and more, explore innovative decking ideas.
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
How to Clean and Restain a Deck
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva breathes new life into a weather-beaten wood deck
How to Square Joists for a Deck
TOH general contractor Tom Silva gets joists square by using the Pythagorean theorem
How to Install a Retractable Screen Door
This pull-down screen door model is unlike anything you've ever seen
How to Build a Small Deck
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to build a simple entry-level deck.
How to Fix a Sliding Door
Go from sticky to smooth in a few easy steps
How to Deck Over a Concrete Stoop
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to conceal ugly concrete with wood-composite lumber
How to Build Deck Stairs
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares his stair-building secrets
How to Attach a Deck to a House
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva gets all decked out
How to Install Composite Decking
In this how-to video, learn to create a maintenance-free deck with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
How to Spruce Up a Worn-out Deck
Give those tired old boards a refreshing makeover in six easy steps
All Eyes on Deck
Imaginative details can raise a deck to extraordinary design heights
Deck-Railing Brace
Eliminate the sag in a long handrail
How to Build a Simple Deck
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva's method for constructing a handsome on-grade deck.
Deck Cleaners, Stains & Sealers
Looking for the best decking treatment? A guide to the cleaners, finishes, and techniques for making your wood deck look new again.
Go From an Old Deck to New in 4 Steps
There's no secret to deck maintenance—repair the deck, clean it and protect it. But learning tricks the pros use can make the job go faster and the results last longer.
Building a Safe Deck
A deck can handle even the rowdiest gang of fraternity brothers as long as the beam that carries the floor joists is properly bolted to the side of the house. Unlike bolts, nails can pull out — and without warning.