Many homeowners ask themselves at some point “Should I add a deck to my backyard?” and the answer is of course you should. The real question you should be asking is should you build the deck by yourself or hire a professional to do the job for you? Well this all depends on your confidence in your carpentry skills, the type of deck you want to build, as well as how much you’re willing to risk if things don’t go as you plan since you will be solely responsible for anything that happens while you’re building your deck and long after if any issues come up when you’re entertaining your guests. If you want to build a simple deck that is from a pre-designed deck plan and you have average carpentry skills then you can reasonably assume that you can build your deck yourself but don’t take the building lightly because you will need to research the materials you use as well as any local codes that are in place regarding deck additions to homes. You can always head down to your local hardware store and ask a store associate for advice on the best material options available.

Do It Yourself With Free-Standing Decks

Free-standing decks are one of the easiest kinds of decks to build with one huge advantage. They don’t have to be attached to anything like traditional decks and honestly one of the hardest things about designing a deck is attaching it to the home since this is where lots of things like mold, mildew and dry rot like to form if it isn’t secured to the home correctly. You will have to remember even though it isn’t attached to your home there are still laws and codes that you will have to check to make sure your deck is not breaking any rules and is within all the right deck dimensions allowed. One disadvantage to free-standing decks is that they will need to have support on each side of the deck which means buying extra support posts.

Pick the Right Tools and Materials

Most homeowners who are considering building their own deck already have a pretty decent repertoire of tools available at their disposal but before you begin you should double check that you have the right tools and materials that you will need specifically for building your deck. Make sure you choose the right decking material and any wood you choose has been pressure-treated since most wood decking warps. You should also look for deck screws that are designed exactly for the decking material you want to use since regular nails can cause certain decking material to splinter and can hold water if it rains and start to rot or develop mold or mildew.

Other materials you will need that you should take into consideration will likely include:

• Post caps. Which come in a variety of styles and can even have lights added to them to brighten up your deck at night.
• Railing. If your deck will be above a certain height off the ground you will be required to have railing.
• Steps. If you are required to have railing you will also be required to have steps and there are certain dimension requirements for steps so you should make sure you learn about those as well.
• Deck fasteners. Instead of having those unseemly looking nails showing you can use hidden deck fasteners to hold your decking together without taking away from the beauty of your deck.
• And many more. There are tons more materials that are involved with building a deck but just how much and what type of material you need will all depend on how elaborate or simple you want your deck design to be.

Why Should I Hire a Contractor?

Most decks are considered a major home improvement project and something that many will want to last for a long time. While designing a basic deck that you can save money with building yourself sounds good it most likely will not last nearly as long as a professionally build deck would. Having a professional build your deck also takes any liability away from you and puts it on the contractor who should always be insured.

Adding a deck to your home is a big decision to make and a huge commitment since it will be with your for at least 10 years if it was designed and built well so if you are planning on trying to build a deck yourself remember that the simpler the design the better but if you are a little uncomfortable with the idea of taking on such a huge task then you should definitely look into hiring a professional.

When you are getting ready to hire a contractor to build your deck you should thoroughly research their building history, get at least three estimates, and always ask them questions. This will help make sure that you are being dealt with fairly and that you will hire a contractor that you will be comfortable with and feel at ease allowing them to come to your home often since building a deck can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month.

There are many deck builders available for homeowners to choose from and many of the ones available are up for any job presented to them so it is up to you to choose the one that is best for you and your home. Give each deck builder you interview an equal shot at being able to complete the job and when searching choose a contractor who has a great eye for design and is still passionate about their job. Someone who is passionate about their job will take pride in their work and will do their best to deliver a beautiful, eye-catching deck.

Questions You Should Ask Your Potential Deck Builder

If you decide to build your own deck then you should make sure you know how to do it correctly and so it is up to code. If you decide to hire a deck builder then here are some questions to ask them so you can be sure that you will be getting the best person for the job.

• How long have you been building decks?
• Were you professionally trained or did you learn how to build through an apprenticeship program?
• Are you licensed and registered?
• Do you have any insurance?
• Can you give me the name of your insurance carrier?
• Are you a part of any professional contractor associations?
• Do you have any references that wouldn’t mind being contacted?
• Do you give warranties for your work?
• How long will it take you to complete the deck?
• What decking material options can you provide?
• Do you specialize in working with specific decking material? For example, hardwoods like Red Balau or PVC material like Gossen?
• Will you have a supervisor on-site while work is being done?
• When could you start working on the project?

Another great way to make sure you will be choosing the best deck builder is to ask their past customers about how their experience was.  Some questions to ask references are:

• Were you happy with your deck once it was finished?
• Was it finished on time?
• Did you have any unexpected expenses you had to pay?
• Would you work with this deck builder again?
• Do you give a recommendation for this deck builder?

Tips on How to Get The Most Out of Your Deck Builder

A properly designed deck is a great addition to many homes. They provide a nice outdoor area for homeowners to relax and invite guests over for entertainment. Because of the traffic your deck will receive it is essential that it is built correctly so there are no accidents or potentially harmful things that could occur. Here are some tips on how to choose your deck builder.

1. Plan your deck out thoroughly. Before you go to a contractor you should have a good idea about what you want your deck to be and what materials you would like to use. When you go to your contractor they will help you finalize your plans and give you any recommendations they may have. Some things to consider are:

• What deck layout you want to have
• Will it be one or two stories
• Will you have a staircase
• What material you want to use
• Do you want railing
• What is your budget for the project

1. Check online reviews and recommendations. The best advice on how a contractor will complete their job for you is by finding out from others what their experience was and how the contractor worked for them. Websites like Angie’s List are great for viewing people’s opinions about contractors all over the country.
2. Get a written estimate. When working on big projects like decks it is very important to get everything in writing for your records and to protect yourself should any legal issues may arise. Each deck builder you look at should be able to give you a written estimate breaking down the cost of materials that will be used and how much labor will cost as well.
3. Make your decision. Once you’ve done all the research and interviewed potential deck builders it’s time to make your final decision and sign a contract with your chosen deck builder. The contract should include:

• the total price of everything all together
• all the work that will be done
• a copy of the contractor’s license and insurance
• it should have a date the project will start and when it should be finished
• any liabilities the deck builder will take on

Building a deck is a great time for many home owners and knowing that a good contractor built it will ease your mind and make it that much more enjoyable so take your time when looking for a deck builder and always do your research.

When it comes to adding a deck to your home they already instantly add value to your home but if you were to make sure that your deck was eco-friendly you could not only add more value to your home but help protect the environment. After all, what’s more green than designing a place where you will be spending time outside with nature? Most decks that are eco-friendly are low-maintenance and last a long time.

How Going Eco-Friendly Can Help Both You and the Environment

Many people don’t waste a second thought when they decide what material they want to use to design a deck, but if everyone would take the time to choose materials that are beneficial to our environment then the world would be a much better place both economically and environmentally. Going eco-friendly means less waste for the environment and a longer deck lifespan for home-owners. Imagine the piece of mind you will have knowing that you designed a deck that’s your dream deck as well as eco-friendly.

What to Ask Yourself Before You Decide to Design an Eco-Friendly Deck

• Do I have the budget for this? Upfront eco-friendly deck material is more expensive than traditional decking material like wood and if you have a tight budget you may not be able to buy all the materials you need for your deck.
• Does my contractor have experience with eco-friendly material? The worst thing about building a deck is having to put it in someone else’s hand to build it. If you are working with a contractor you should ask them if they have ever installed any eco-friendly decks and if so what type of material have they used and
• Do I want to do a lot of maintenance? If you know you’re not the one who wants to be out there spraying their deck down and wiping down all the furniture than a low-maintenance deck is perfect for you. Most eco-friendly decks are low-maintenance and can outlast most other decking material choices.

Will it Cost Me More to Go Green?

Most of the time when people hear the words “green” or “eco-friendly” they immediately think that it will cost them more but that is not always the case. When designing your deck the initial cost for eco-friendly material like PVC will be more than conventional deck material like wood but in the long run you will end up spending less since you will not have to buy cleaning products as often and the material itself lasts longer than others.

What Deck Materials are Eco-Friendly?

Eco-friendly materials are those that have not been in contact with harmful chemical treatments like pressure-treated woods. PVC decking is extremely eco-friendly since they are made out of recycled materials. They don’t need to be treated, painted or sealed and can come in gorgeous stains that can mimic the appearance of wood like Trailways PVC decking.

Other materials you can use to make sure your deck is eco-friendly are solar lighting products like Pegasus or Polaris. They can charge all day and then light up the night for you well into the late hours and you won’t even have to use any energy doing it.

Tips About Designing a Green Deck


One of the biggest challenges to designing an eco-friendly deck is finding decking material that doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Here are some tips to help you get started building your eco-friendly deck.

• Incorporate any existing trees on your property into your deck design so that you will be able to natural shade.
• Make sure water runs away from your foundation if it rains instead of towards it, which can cause moisture problems and lead to rot and mold, which can mean devastation for your deck.
• To keep your deck cool build your deck so that it is facing the south of where you live so that it is not facing the sun so that during the summer months it is not extremely hot but during the summer and warm during the winter.
• If you plan on grilling on your deck then choosing propane-fueled accessories is better for the environment than grills that use charcoal.
• Invest in natural, eco-friendly furniture that you and your guests can enjoy like chairs, hammocks and even awnings.

Going green for anyone can seem a bit overwhelming at first but once you have the knowledge you need and the items to match there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to build the deck of your dreams that’s good for the environment as well.

In the summertime there’s nothing quite like a deck for cooking out, entertaining, or simply relaxing. In addition to boosting outdoor living space, a deck can be an asset when you sell your home. Adding a deck will give you a significant return on your investment, depending on where you live and size of your deck and according to the 2014 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine. Planning a successful deck requires careful consideration of your site, your budget, and the features you should or shouldn’t include. Here are some things you should keep and mind and use when evaluating your home and determining whether or not you should add a deck.

Decide on the Size and Location of Your Deck

Your deck will be a popular place, so give careful thought to where it should be located. Begin by working out how to access it from the house. The ever-handy back door to the kitchen probably won’t do the job; it will force traffic toward the cooking area, making a shambles of any large-group entertaining. A better solution is a French door or slider that gives primary access from a living room, dining room, or family room while being handy to the kitchen. If the doorway can also be positioned to offer an expansive view, all the better. 

Next, make sure the deck neither swamps your yard, nor becomes lost in it. Your local codes may set standards for how much of your lot can be occupied by a deck, and how close a deck can be to your lot line. Check these limitations early in your planning with your city or county building department.

Decide where to locate stairways off the deck so they provide unobtrusive access to the backyard. Also consider the path of the sun and the location of shade trees; sunlight may be pleasant in the morning but unbearable later in the day — having a shade tree to the west of your deck will help block the harsh late-day sun. Work out how to preserve your privacy and how to screen your deck from prevailing winds.

How Much Should you Spend?

If you are considering a deck the size of a helicopter landing pad, with all the additional bells and whistles imaginable, then you better think again. Extravagant does not always mean better and in the case of decks simple is easiest and the best looking. For example, a medium-size (16-by-20-foot) deck made of pressure-treated wood provides the best return, averaging about 87% nationally. PVC decking (Trailways, Passport, and Tongue & Groove are some well-known brands) makes great sense from a maintenance point of view but will be more expensive than other types of material. Composite material costs about 45% more than pressure-treated wood and will allow you to recover an average of 74.3% of your cost to build it if you choose to sell your home. If you own an upscale home, a more decadent deck may be appropriate to keep up with the Johnsons, but don’t expect a high pay back: A two-level, 400-sq. ft. deck with upscale features such as composite decking, decorative railings, and built-in lighting offers only a 65.1% pay back.

Hankering for an even higher return? If you’re reasonably handy, you might want to go for the gold and build the deck yourself. Labor costs typically make up more than half the cost of residential construction. That means you can spend as little as $4,000 in materials for a wood deck of mid-range size and come away with a resale value of more than $8,000 a reasonable return.

However, plan on spending four to six weekends building a 16×20 foot deck yourself. If you choose this route, consider buying a ready-made deck plan. Or, put to use one of the many websites with interactive design aids, such as Lowe’s Deck Designer, and Deckorators.

Think about Your Area/Environment

To recoup a good portion of your investment, your deck needs to be right for your market. Appraiser Dick Koestner of Davenport, Iowa, recommends the simply checking out other decks in your area. “Don’t make it too extreme [compared with] what’s typical in your market,” he counsels. “Definitely don’t make it less than what is expected in the market.” 

Koestner also emphasizes the importance of obeying local codes. “A lot of potential purchasers are having a home inspection done,” he says. “If the home inspector finds the deck isn’t built to code, most of the purchasers are saying, ‘Hey, fix it.’”

He emphasizes that codes exist not just to preserve property values, but promote safety. For example, railing balusters spaced too far apart can constitute a falling hazard for small children (most codes stipulate 4-inch maximum gap). In addition, a deck inadequately attached to the house can collapse, often during a party when the structure is loaded with the extra weight of many people, creating mayhem like something out of the Poseidon Adventure. So get a permit from your building department and follow their requirements.

Of course, by dint of taking out a building permit your tax assessment will rise, but only to the extent that the value of your property is increased. The effect should be minimal: Decks are considered an outdoor improvement much like a new driveway or upgraded landscaping, not additional living space.

Although it’s hard to put a dollar value on how to make your deck look amazing you should take some time and think about how it will blend in with the design of your house and the layout of your backyard. You may decide to add railings to give it some pop and complement your home or some lights to make it stand out long after the sun goes down.

Dry rot is a tricky enemy to fight for many homeowners. It is a fungus that can cause mildew, mold, staining, or decay in wood and like any fungus, all that’s required is some heat, moisture, dirt, and a dark place to grow. Here are some tips to help you determine whether or not your deck suffers from dry rot and what you should do to prevent it.

1. It All Starts With an Inspection

Though it loves the outdoors, dry rot can happen inside the house as well: under sinks, around windows, within shower stalls, on door frames, in the attic. But it often occurs in thresholds between a home’s interior and exterior because it thrives on outdoor structures, such as fencing, wood siding, eaves of roofs, and of course, decking. However, before looking for a solution, you must try to find every trace of it so it doesn’t continue to grow and enter into the home. A licensed professional should be able to conduct a thorough inspection of dry rotting decks, paying special attention to earth-to-wood contact, such as posts and under potted plants. They should also check out your house’s foundation, siding, and interior.

2. Identify Whether or Not You are Actually Dealing With Dry Rot

It often appears grayish and covers surfaces in long sheets of mold. But sometimes the wood will simply look dark and decayed. In this case, it’s important to determine if its fungus or pests causing the damage. Sometimes it could be a combination of both since dry rot can attract termites and other wood-eating insects. But often the main problem with dry rotting decks is that you cannot see all the fungus. Therefore it’s a good idea to hire a professional who is trained to detect all areas the disease may be hiding.

3. Remove and Replace any Dry Rot Discovered

Portions of the dry rotting deck must be immediately removed and replaced. However, as we’ve said before, you must be able to detect everything. Simply replacing the visually damaged areas won’t do any good if there is an adjacent piece of lumber infected. The disease can spread and immediately contaminate the new installations. So make sure you have a professional who is trained to find the unseen corrosion and immediately substitute it with fresh wood.

4. Prevent Dry Rot From Returning

Dealing with dry rot doesn’t end once you remove it. Just because you found it all and replaced the infected pieces doesn’t mean your decking is safe. You have to find out where the source of the problem occurred so it doesn’t happen again. Look for plumbing leaks in and outside the home (especially around hoses and faucets). Inspect your gutter system for proper alignment. Check out your eaves to see if they are correctly installed. Examine the grading of your yard so water won’t collect at the home’s foundation. Also, look to see if your sprinkler system is appropriately placed: maybe it’s hitting the exterior of your house, causing unnecessary over-saturation. Also, keep up with maintenance issues: ensuring the wood is clean from dirt helps to prevent a fertile soil for disease. And make sure to treat your decking with wood preservative to help seal it and keep the moisture out.

5. Use Materials to Help Protect Your Deck

Wood rot is a common problem with hardwood decks that have been installed with screws that have been vertically installed right into the decking. People falsely assume that just because a nail or screw fit into a hole, that nothing could also enter that hole. Unfortunately, water is an element that damages wood and is a major reason why mold and mildew are also common problems for wood and composite decks. When it rains on your deck, water tends to accumulate around and seep into screw and nail holes. As the water literally sits in the hole, microorganisms work their magic and rot starts to occur. LivBuildingProducts has a Rot Not Protection Deck System that allows water to run off and away from the deck’s joists and and plank connections so the water doesn’t sit and make the perfect environment for rot. You can also help prevent rot from occurring by using materials like Tiger Claw hidden deck fasteners that don’t swell up or retain water like deck screws do and are specifically designed so that your deck remains durable and sturdy enough to last for years.

So when it comes to protecting your outdoor decking from rot remember to inspect your deck often, detect and determine whether or not you are looking at dry rot, remove it and use products to help prevent it from returning otherwise you could end up having to completely replace what was once a beautiful deck.

Whether you have a tiny balcony or extensive garden, you should always be able to step outside your home and step into the perfect outdoor retreat. If you have been tempted to spend more time outdoors then adding an outdoor living space to your home is the perfect solution. You can do various things to make it completely unique to you like installing a canopy or roof, adding a kitchen or a pizza oven, among other things. Designing the perfect oasis for your home will all depend on the research and thought you put into it before even purchasing your first board.

Designing Your Outdoor Space

When designing a deck you will first need to decide where exactly you want your deck to be. Go outside and look at the layout of your back yard. Do you want your deck to be an extension of your home or do you want it to be freestanding? If your back yard gets a lot of sun or a lot of rain you will need to take that into consideration when determining what kind of deck material you will want to use. A great way to keep track of what you want your space to look like is by creating a scrapbook that will hold your “wish list” of the items you want. Take into consideration the lifestyle you live or want to live when your deck is finished when designing your deck. Do you want to have your deck be open and big making it perfect for parties and late-night star watching? Do you want it to be an enclosed space so that you can host private dinners and get-togethers without worrying about your neighbors watching or being disturbed? Or do you want a closed off room that’s meant to be an extension to your living room so you and/or family can have more room for entertainment? Whatever the reason for adding a deck to your home you will find the options available to help you do it.

Designing a Deck within Your Budget

If you plan on entertaining company and hosting parties at your home you will need to have a table large enough to entertain them as well as enough comfortable chairs for all your guests to sit on. You will also need to consider all the extra things you will need as well. If you want to cook outside you will have to build an outdoor kitchen that will let you easily cook an entire meal for your guests as well as a refrigerator or cooler to keep your beverages nice and cold.

Before you go out and just start purchasing deck accessories just because they look pretty, take a moment and set a budget that is simply for deck extras and separate from the money you will use to actually build your deck. If your budget is low you can always purchase add-ons like Invisirail railing (if you are not required to)  later but your main focus should always be on getting your deck built. Once you have your budget set up go around and visit local home department stores and outlets with your scrapbook and see how much they charge for the items you want to get. Then, go online to the manufacturer’s website and see how much they charge and whether or not they have a product similar to what you want at a lower price. Once you’ve done your research determine which items you can afford and absolutely want and mark them in your scrapbook. Don’t go to one store and simply pay what they’re charging because costs vary widely among stores and you could pay almost double for an item if you don’t compare prices among stores.

Deck Accessories that Add Flair

Food Preparation Accessories

Many deck owners add items like a fire pit, a barbecue grill or a pizza oven in order to make meals outside but there are a number of other items that can help you create meals or handle food outdoors like; a cocktail bar, a sink, a dishwasher and/or a refrigerator.

Furniture

For outdoor atmosphere you will want to purchase weather-resistant furniture that can include; a table, chairs, hammocks, shade umbrellas, and more.

Lighting

Not all get-togethers stop when the sun goes down so lighting can help keep the party going well into the night. There are lighting options like built-in step lights, post cap lights, candles, and more. You can even add a roof to your deck and add a ceiling fan with lights if you want. The choices are almost endless.

So, no matter what your budget is or what your design ideas are, your goal should be to create an outdoor space that connects to you, your lifestyle, as well as your home and landscape. It should be a place for you to relax, feel serene and escape any troubles you may be experiencing and double as an area to entertain your guests and family.

If every time you step onto your deck you feel like you’re on the surface of the sun it may be time for you to add some shade to your deck. There are tons of options available from large canopies to awnings so you can find the best choice for you and your budget. And, if you do it yourself there are shade options that are easy to put together and very inexpensive. Check out some of the options available below.

Canopy Awnings

Canopy awnings are a shade solution that is permanently installed onto your house or attached to your freestanding decks frame that has fabric attached that can be removed and replaced. Most canopy fabrics last around 15 years so you will not have to change it out very often unless you just want to change your fabrics every season for aesthetic purposes. A great addition to canopy awnings is outdoor lighting accessories like Pegasus lighting which work great to illuminate both your deck and your awning.

Like all things there are pros and cons to canopy awnings. They are good for providing full shade of small decks and partial shade of larger decks and are made of tear-resistant shade cloth that can withstand many types of outdoor elements like rain, hail and very strong winds. One downside to canopy awnings is that unlike retractable alternatives there is no real way to let in sun quickly if you want to because it is a two man job to even remove the fabric.

Pergolas

If you are not interested in having your entire deck in the shade a great partial-shade solution is to build your own pergola. Pergolas come in all different shapes and colors so they are easy to blend in with the size and style of your deck and they are very easy to build and add to your deck. You can add fabric to your pergola as a shade option or you can plant vines so that they grow all over your pergola and provide a more natural shade option.

Retractable Awning

Retractable awnings are awnings made out of a metal framework that is then covered with shade fabric after it is mounted directly onto the side of your house. Large retractable awnings need the support of a diagonal arm while smaller awnings have hidden lateral arms that support them. You can use a hand or motorized crank in order to retract the awning when you like and let in some sun.

One of the best things about retractable awnings is just that, they’re retractable. They provide all the shade you need while allowing you the option to catch some rays quickly without the hassle of having to find someone to help you remove the fabric.  The downside is that they do not stand up extremely well to strong winds and won’t be able to provide complete shade for large decks. Also, unlike easy-to-build pergolas and canopy awning options it is not recommended for homeowners to install their retractable awnings themselves.

Portable Shade Canopy

One of the quickest and easiest shade options portable shade canopies take minutes to set up and you can move them to wherever you want shade on your deck. It is essentially a tent with four posts and can be found at your local home department store.

Sunshade

Add some flair and function to your railing options like Fortress with a sunshade. They fasten directly onto your deck railing and are great at blocking the sun when it is rising and setting. A feature a lot of shade structures that are overhead like awnings can’t provide. You can find a variety of sunshade options available online and at your local home improvement store.

Natural Shade Options

For a more “green” alternative to shade you can plant trees around your deck that will provide shade all year round and look and smell nice. A great option that will last all year is evergreens since they grow tall enough to provide shade and can be planted in a planter so you can move them around. For other options on the best types of trees or plants to add to your backyard you can go to your local nursery and ask them about the best choices for your climate and backyard.

So the next time you step out on your deck and have to shade your eyes from the intensity of the sun know that there are options available to you to help you protect you and your guests from the sun as well as add complexity and depth to your deck.

Sitting around the fire is a tradition that goes back farther than we can trace and it’s a tradition that’s stuck throughout the years for many reasons. One simple reason is that sitting by the fire is just a relaxing feeling. Combat chilly weather by spending evenings gathered around the fire with family and friends. Thanks to fire pits becoming more common and popular people are no longer having to wait to go camping in order to enjoy a fire at night.

Adding a Fire Pit to Your Deck

Designing a fire pit to add to your backyard is pretty simple and an inexpensive project that you will be able to enjoy for seasons to come. You can add a simple fire pit to your deck or go all out and make it a complex, eye-appealing project. The type of fire pit you add to your deck depends on your wallet size as well as your skill level. Here are some things to consider when you are deciding to start your fire pit project:

1. Check for any local ordinances or building codes that are related to open flames or fire pits in your area. Make sure you thoroughly understand any limitations there are before you start building so you don’t find yourself in trouble for breaking any codes down the road.
2. When determining the best spot for your fire pit you should take into consideration how close any location is to trees, structures, and your neighbors. Some building regulations state a specific distance from structures or property lines that fire pits must be so take those into consideration as well.
3. Make sure the material you use for your fire pit is suitable for the amount of heat it will have to endure. Concrete is one of the most ideal materials because it can stand high temperatures and can be formed into uniform sizes and shapes.
4. The best size for a fire pit is between three and four feet across which allows a fire to be large enough to warm up an entire area yet small enough to allow your guests to easily walk around your deck without being near any intense flames.
5. Make sure that whatever decking material you have is strong and durable enough to withstand the weight of a fire pit before adding one. A great example of strong deck material that is perfect for holding a fire pit is hardwood like Red Balau since it is extremely sturdy and fire resistant.
6. When you start to dig out your pit keep the sides of the holes perpendicular to the ground. A pit about a foot deep is  good size and to make sure you have good drainage you should fill the first 6 inches of your fire pit with gravel.
7. If you are using bricks to build your pit and they will be above ground a good idea is to leave a few narrow air gaps in between the stones of each layer, which provides places for the fire to draw air in and keep burning.
8. When laying your brick down you can use mortar or adhesives but when it comes time to repair or replace any broken bricks it is easier to do that if you dry lay your bricks, which means laying bricks without using any type of adhesive.

How to Stay Safe When Adding a Fire Pit

Many city and county codes require that any open flames on a deck cannot be within 20 feet of your home and for good reason. All it takes is one stray ember to ignite a fire that can not only destroy your deck but can spread to damage both your home and the homes of others. If you choose to use a fire pit on your deck and have checked all the codes and regulations involved then the best choice for safety is a gas fire pit that is designed to be used on a deck. You can buy one already made, build one yourself, or hire a professional to build one for you if you don’t feel completely comfortable doing it on your own.

Once you have your fire pit all set up and in place, remember there’s always more you can do to set up the perfect atmosphere around your pit. You can install lighting around your fire pit or leading up to it on your post caps. Solar lighting like Aurora Lighting is the best option since they use little energy and are good through all weather changes. Along with lights you can outfit your fire pit with accessories like speakers, iPod dock holders, and more making your deck the perfect place to spend your evenings.

After all the hard work you put into designing and building your deck you should be able to enjoy its beauty all day and well after the sun goes down. Which is why there are tons of options available like outdoor lighting that can help you be able to entertain your guests for as long as you like as well as just relax on your deck on those nights when the weather is beautiful without having to sit in the dark. Outdoor lighting can also help you bring attention to specific parts of your deck or can be used to illuminate your entire deck. Before making your choice as to which outdoor lighting option is best for you, you should ask yourself, “What is your reason for adding lights?” Is it to increase the safety and security of your deck, to allow you to use it for a longer amount of time, or simply for aesthetic reasons? There is no wrong answer and these are all good reasons to add exterior lights.

Three Basic Lighting Techniques

There are three basic lighting techniques that are used when installing outdoor lighting and they are; uplighting, downlighting and transverse lighting. Each of these terms refers to a specific placement of your light source in relation to the object you want to be highlighted by the light. Using an uplighting technique, the light will be placed below your subject so the light is cast up like with deck board lights that are placed directly into your decking boards. With downlighting the light is placed above the subject and is cast down. Just like when you’re walking under a street lamp and it casts light on you from above. Transverse lighting is when the light is simply placed across from the subject. Using table lamps or adding candles to specific areas is the most common way of doing this technique. If you don’t know exactly what basic lighting technique you want to use don’t feel like you have to narrow it down to one option because you can, in fact, use all three techniques if you like.

What Lighting Techniques Are There?

Some other well-known and useful lighting techniques that can be used to help illuminate your deck are:

• Spotlighting. Spotlighting gives you the ability to draw attention to a particular item, structure, or area that you want and uses a single beam that can be easily installed.
• Tree Lighting or Moonlighting. These are techniques that cast light either upwards illuminating the tree or downwards through the branches to create a moonlighting effect.
• Silhouetting. This technique involves placing a light directly in front of the object you want to illuminate casting a shadow. It is most often used during the holidays as an addition to outdoor decorating.
• Security Lighting. The goal of security lighting isn’t really to illuminate any attractive areas of your backyard. It is meant to catch lurkers or intruders who may hide in areas where your deck lighting may not reach and try to gain access to your home.
• Grazing. This technique is used to show off the texture of the item being highlighted. If you have a deck with an interesting railing design like Fortress railing this is a great technique to use to show off its features. You can think of this technique as your deck’s way of holding a flashlight under your face like when you tell ghost stories in the dark.
• Path Lighting or Spread Lighting. These techniques are most commonly used to illuminate walkways and certain features of the landscape around your deck. The lights used are partially shielded so they are not as intense as regular lighting and highlights only a small area. Great lighting options for this are Aurora Deck Lighting products like Polaris that is a solar powered lighting option that adds lights to the post caps that sit on top of your deck railing.

If you find yourself a bit overwhelmed with all the techniques available for you to use then you can simply go to your local home improvement store and speak with an associate there that will more than likely be able to help you find the best lighting technique for you and your deck. When used correctly all of these techniques can cause a dramatic difference to your deck and make it that much more fun to get out and enjoy your deck well into the late hours of the night. Some lights can even be installed with dimmers and timers so you can create the perfect mood you’re looking for once the sun goes down.

One of the most cost-effective home improvement projects homeowners can do is the addition of a deck. It is one of the few additions that has a high return on investment should you decide to sell your home.

You can ensure you’re getting the most from this smart investment with low-cost add-ons and special features that increase your deck’s appeal, and that will make your deck one of your home’s most enjoyable living spaces.

Hidden Fasteners for Decking

For years deck screws have been the preferred method for fastening deck boards together. They come in a variety of colors that blend in with various decking materials, don’t corrode, and secure boards extremely well. But, even with all of these benefits deck screws can develop splintered edges and trap dirt.

Hidden deck fasteners are a great alternative to deck screws because they hold deck planks down without being seen and leaving the deck surface looking sleek. There are plenty of deck fastener options available to match all the different types of decking materials. Hidden deck fasteners fall into three categories. One category fastens to the framing of the deck with a screw and grips the side of each plank. Another one fits into a groove in the side of the plank and is then fastened to the joist. And yet another type fastens from underneath the deck securing the decking onto the joists.

Installing hidden fasteners is extremely labor intensive so they are more expensive than deck screws. Although they may cost a bit extra many homeowners find that they are well worth the investment especially if you want your deck to have a seamless appearance. Tiger Claw hidden deck fasteners are a uniquely designed fastener that enhances the appearance of wood and is designed to install faster and easier than other fasteners.

Add a Sense of Flair with Planters

Give your deck character with planters. There are various shapes and sizes of planters that you can add to your deck to give it some color and quality. You can have built-in versions of planters that are often made of the same material as the decking and can be used as a way to separate certain areas of the deck from others. Built-in planters will need some means of drainage which means you will have to drill holes in the bottom of the container and any excess water will drain out the bottom of your planter. Along with planters there are also ceramic or cement pots that can be decorated in any fashion.

Make Your Deck More Visually Appealing with Cable or Glass Railings

Any deck that is more than 2 feet above ground is required to have railing in order to be considered up to code and safe but that doesn’t mean that if your deck falls below 2 feet you can’t add railing to your home for aesthetic appeal. There are many types of railing options available and one great railing type is cable railing. It is a thin stainless steel cable strung between wood or metal posts. Cable railings will also allow you to keep an amazing view of your landscape.

Another great option to keep your breath taking view is glass railings.  Glass railing, like Invisirail, is a low-maintenance railing that will not degrade over time and will protect you from your environment while lasting throughout all season types. It is easy to install and a perfect option for those who live near windy places like the ocean or open areas.

Shield Yourself From Harsh Rays With an Awning or Shade Sail

If you live in an area that gets a lot of sun then overhead structures like awnings can help shield your deck from the sun but they can be pretty expensive to install. Another alternative that is more eye-catching are shade sails. They are a UV-resistant polyethylene knit fabric that comes in a variety of colors. They provide shade by cutting the glare of sunlight while still letting a little light in. They not only provide shade they are also an aesthetically pleasing feature that many homeowners enjoy watching as they rise and fall in the breeze. Since shade sails are attached to the framing of your home it is highly recommended that you hire a professional to install it for you.

So if you’ve been looking at your deck for a while and feeling like a change is needed here are three ways you can easily upgrade your deck and make it look brand new.