Deck Parts

Ledger brackets, flexible flashing, and a joist-hanger jig are a few field-tested tricks for overcoming construction challengesby Mike Guertin

Durable finish materials hide strong framing connections in a graceful design that overlooks the oceanby Michael Maines

Preserverving a historic home brick-by-brickby Scott McBride

Soyguardby Justin Fink

Headcote deck screwsby Justin Fink

by Warner Bradley

Whether your porch is for shelter, relaxation, or reflection, a world of design choices are await youby James M. Crisp, Sandra L. Mahoney

Smart framing eliminates the ledger and adds a shady seatby Michael Ayers

Stainless steel, vinyl, aluminum, and composites are now viable alternatives to woodby Scott Gibson

Build this simple foundation with basic tools and ingredientsby Rick Arnold

This alternative to balusters is attractive and easy to assembleby Scott McBride

How much time, trouble, and money does it take to install deck planks? It all depends on the fasteners you use.by Justin Fink

Smart details for ledgers, posts, and joists create a solid, attractive frame that should last as long as the houseby John Spier

Now available in a variety of colors and textures, this durable array of products won't rot, splinter, or crack. What's not to like?by Chris Green

Make the right design choices, and you'll have an outdoor room you can enjoy without battling the bugsby Scott Gibson

Eight signature design elements transform a brick ranchby Daniel S. Morrison

With a rubber membrane and careful flashing, you can create an outdoor room above and shelter the living space belowby Gregory Burr

Often overlooked and often regretted, the critical joint between your house and deck must hold fast and shed waterby Scott Grice

Octagonal porch postsby Rob Turnquist