Deck Sealer Tests

The following chart displays the results from 25 tested wood sealers and water repellents in 1996. The synthetic resins tested best. The top product was Sikkens, an expensive film former resin. The second place product, called Defy, is not a film former and is an excellent product.

Pier Foundations Protect Trees

Pier foundations resemble wood decks or a common table. The actual foundation is a series of vertical columns, or piles, that transfer the building load to the soil. Beams are built on top of the vertical columns that hold up the walls of the house or structure. These specialized foundations work great around trees or in other locations where it is difficult to dig a traditional foundation.

Deck Design

Making deck designs and building a deck are tough tasks. Wood deck construction involves deck layout and plans, framing, posts, beams and finally the lumber, railings and stairways. If you use CCA lumber or redwood, the planks should be spaced tightly because they will shrink. Here's what you should keep in mind when building a deck.

Deck Plans

Deck plans for ground level decks are easy to layout. Take all your furniture and other objects that will be on the deck. Lay them out in your grass for your ground level deck plans. Use grade beams for durability and strength and stainless steel screws to prevent rust.

Deck

Building a deck requires many components. Grade beams, digging, post holes, joist hangers, ledger bolts, nails, stairways, deck plans and layout... there are so many things to keep in mind. Here are 15 labor-saving tips on building a deck.