Decks
Railings, skirting, lighting and the load questions to settle before a deck goes near a hot tub or pool.
Deck anatomy
Each numbered part opens the guide that covers it.
Swipe the drawing sideways on a phone.
Decide Pick the right project
Deck Skirting Ideas: 12 Ways to Close In a Deck
Deck skirting ideas from lattice to horizontal slats and stone — with the ventilation and access rules that decide whether skirting protects or rots your deck.
Deck Lighting Ideas: 14 Ways to Light a Deck Properly
Deck lighting ideas that work after dark: stair, rail, post and under-rail fixtures, a DIY low-voltage wiring plan, and the glare mistakes to avoid.
14 Deck Ideas Cheap to Build, With Cost per Sq Ft
14 deck ideas cheap to build, from $20 per sq ft floating decks to refinishing the deck you have, with sourced costs and which idea fits your yard.
Size it Get the dimensions right
Small Deck Ideas: Layouts That Work on 100 Sq Ft or Less
Small deck ideas with real dimensions — furniture that fits, layouts for narrow and square decks, plus the visual tricks that make a small deck feel bigger.
Above Ground Pool Deck Ideas (Sizes, Heights, Safety)
Above ground pool deck ideas from a ladder landing to a full wraparound: deck height, free-standing framing, barrier and gate rules, and the right build order.
Price it Know the real cost
Make it hold Load, fixings and code
Deck Railing Ideas: 14 Styles, Materials and Code Basics
Deck railing ideas by material and style — cable, glass, wood, composite and metal — plus the height and spacing rules every railing has to meet.
Hot Tub Deck Ideas: Design, Load and Placement
Hot tub deck ideas that hold up — the load math most galleries skip, plus flush-mount, sunken and platform designs, materials, privacy and access.
Build it Materials and methods
Pool Deck Ideas: Materials That Stay Cool and Safe
Pool deck ideas built around what matters barefoot: heat, grip and drainage away from the pool, plus layout zones, barrier rules and materials compared.
How to Stain a Deck: Prep, Weather, Coats and Dry Time
How to stain a deck in 7 steps: when new treated wood is ready, the 40-90°F weather window, one coat or two, and dry times from real stain data sheets.
How to Build Deck Stairs: Stringers, Rise, Run and Landing
How to build deck stairs: work out rise and run to the 7 3/4-in riser and 10-in tread limits, cut 2×12 stringers, set footings and a 36-in landing.
Deck Maintenance: A Yearly Schedule for Wood and Composite
Deck maintenance schedule: inspect the ledger, flashing and fasteners yearly, clean in spring and fall, recoat wood every 1-3 years, and clear snow safely.