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Deck beam sizing has been one of the more frustrating parts of residential framing code for a while. Under the 2021 IRC, the beam span tables assumed every joist was cantilevered to its maximum allowa …

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Scrolling through generic stock photos isn't great for planning a deck. What actually helps is seeing real layouts - how different styles handle seating, shade, levels, and features - so you can figur …

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Switching from wood to composite mid-project - or framing for composite from the start - means more than just picking a board you like. The 2024 IRC holds composite decking to a specific performance s …

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Deck replacement costs vary more than most homeowners expect - and the gap between a low quote and a realistic one usually comes down to what's actually included. Here's a quick orientation before you …

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Before you order Trex decking, it helps to understand how the boards are actually sized - because composite decking doesn't follow the same nominal dimensions as lumber, and getting it wrong means was …

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Most waterfront homeowners use "pier" and "dock" like they mean the same thing. In casual conversation, that's fine. But when it's time to build, permit, or buy property - the distinction matters a lo …

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Of everything in a deck build, ledger flashing is the part most likely to get rushed - and the part most likely to cause real damage when it is. It's a thin strip of material doing one job: keeping wa …

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A deck and a dock look similar from a distance, but they serve completely different purposes, follow different permitting rules, and carry very different price tags. If you own waterfront property, kn …

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Fiberon is one of the most versatile composite decking brands on the market - which also means there's a real decision to make before you order anything. The collection you choose, the infill options …

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Treated Wood on Decks: What the Updated Building Codes Now Require If you're framing a deck with pressure-treated lumber, the 2024 IRC has specific things to say about what's acceptable - and where. T …

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Railing is the one part of a deck budget that almost always catches people off guard. It's not just top rail and balusters - a complete TimberTech railing order includes posts, post skirts, infill sec …

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Building codes don't grab headlines, but ignoring them mid-project is an expensive lesson. The 2024 International Residential Code brought meaningful updates to deck construction requirements - and if …

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