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Building a deck is one of the most rewarding outdoor projects you can take on — it adds functional space, boosts property value, and sets the stage for summer entertaining. But even experienced builders can run into issues if the prep work or materials aren’t right from the start. Whether you’re a contractor managing multiple builds or a DIYer planning your first backyard project, here are the top mistakes to avoid — and the pro tips that will help you do it right the first time. Mistake #1: Skipping the Permit Process Why it matters: Permits ensure your build meets...

Building a deck from scratch is one of the toughest DIY projects one can take on. Think about it..it’s just some wood and a bunch of screws right? Thinking to yourself, you firmly believe this is something you can confidently do yourself and I believe in you. We have all been on at least one and thought, ‘yea I can do this.’ Building any deck is a difficult project many people successfully complete. Follow this article for an overview of where to start when building a deck from scratch. Decks are like complex math problems as you’re sure to experience...

If you want to know more about the lumber that you purchase, your search doesn’t have to stop with the lumber store. Did you ever wonder what that stamp on the side of your lumber stood for? That tiny stamp holds a wealth of information. Every piece of lumber sold in the United States, whether it’s finished lumber, framing or composite wood, must have a grade stamp upon it. These stamps can help ensure that lumber will need design expectations.  The lumber grade stamp tells you: The species of wood or the species group that it belongs to. The actual...

The biggest factor in determining the type and quality of wood that you’ll use for your next project is the project itself. That’s because certain varieties of wood are best suited for certain projects. For example, a hardwood with a closed grain such as maple would be an excellent choice for a butcher block, rather than soft porous wood such as pine. Most lumber can be described as either being either softwood or a hardwood. Generally, softwoods are much less expensive, so determining your needs can help you to decide which type of wood to buy. This, in turn can...