Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [deck]

For questions generally relating to outdoor, semi-elevated, non-enclosed structures such as decks, gazebos, pergolas, etc.

831 questions
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Is there a case where nails are better than screws, from an engineering/structural standpoint?

Is there a case where nails are better than screws, from a structural standpoint? For instance: Say you used screws instead of nails on a backyard deck, when the design specifically called for nails. Would the result be inferior? Could it fail…
Chris W. Rea
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Should I make my two steps have the same rise or keep one closer to a typical height?

I have a 10-1/2" rise outside from my concrete patio to my deck. Should I put in one step at the halfway point or a shorter step with a 3" rise with the 2nd step being 7-1/2"?
R. Flower
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Do I need to sand my entire deck before staining?

I recently cleaned my deck using Behr deck cleaner and want to re-stain it before the winter. Do you recommend sanding the entire deck, or just the affected areas where the stain has come off? I was thinking of renting a belt sander for the day…
OnlyHumain
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How do I improve Pergola Stability?

The deck is nearly finished but I have a small structural problem with the pergola. A left or right force near the top of the pergola (such a a tall person leaning on the post) leads to a bit of noticeable wobble. Everything is rock solid at the…
Chris Cudmore
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Which is better for deck flooring: 2x6 or 1x6 deck boards?

My current deck flooring is done with 2x6x10' boards, however they have degraded to the point now where they need to be replaced. I'm wondering if there are any specific pros or cons for using the same 2x6x10' boards, vs. 1x6 deck boards? Of…
Wally Lawless
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How should I clean and repaint a painted wooden deck?

My deck appears to have been painted with just a single layer of paint, which is now peeling off. I like the look of the paint (when it's in better condition, of course), and am uninterested in staining, especially because I'll be adding some new…
Kevin L.
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How long should I wait before painting or staining pressure-treated wood?

My husband is installing a new deck with pressure-treated lumber at our home in Tennessee. How long does he need to wait to paint, or should he stain the deck now?
Y.Kimble
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Why would porch paint say "do not prime horizontal surfaces"?

A can of floor and porch paint says "do not prime horizontal surfaces". The obvious question is, how are horizontal surfaces different from vertical surfaces? But my real question is, what are the consequences if someone does prime the wood decking…
Ray Butterworth
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Does decking board orientation really matter?

I've been told that decking boards should always be installed "bark side up" so that the boards crown (and shed water) as they age rather than cup (and collect water). But then I've also heard that it should be done the other way around. And I've…
Eric Petroelje
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Should I powerwash and waterseal a pressure treated deck?

Is there any maintenance that I should be doing such as yearly power-washing and water-sealing for a pressure treated deck?
Michael Pryor
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What are the proper steps for staining a deck?

My deck just past its 10-year mark and is starting to look quite tired. It's time to restain it. What steps do I need to take to make sure I do everything right, from start to finish?
Jeffrey Blake
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How to build a concrete form tube?

I am working on building a deck. Per the city permits office, I need 2 of my concrete footings to be 18 inches in diameter and 36 inches deep. Unfortunately, I just cannot find an 18 inch diameter concrete form tube. I have called around to all of…
HelpinKC
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Does wiring under a waterproof deck need conduit?

Just finished my deck and installed the Trex Rainescape waterproof system. Planning on wiring it up and finishing it with come cedar ceiling planks. Since this setup is waterproof, do I need to use any conduit for the wiring or will the wet-rated…
Brian Hoag
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Can I use 4x4 posts as the primary support for a deck?

I have an old cedar deck, and most of the decking and vertical support posts are rotted out. I'd like to rebuild the deck as-is, just replacing the rotting pieces. The current design is as follows: 2x8 treated ledgers anchored to concrete…
Charlie
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Are there wood sealers that are safe for fresh or saltwater marine use?

I have a wood dock over a lake. It is time to clean and seal the dock. I am planning on pressure washing the dock first, then I am planning to have a clear seal. Looking at products in Lowe's and Depot I can't determine what is safe to use. I…
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