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Building Materials

• Deck Materials
• Composite decking
• Vinyl decking
• Ipe
• Cedar

Preserving Decks

• Maintenance Tips
• Cleaning wood decks
• Deck stain

Span Tables

• Joists
• Decking boards
• Beams
• Post Size

Resources

• Suggested Sites
• Deck Building Forum

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Welcome to our Deck Building Forum - for all of our information thirsty visitors looking to find answers AND to share their wisdom and experience in all things relating to how to build decks.

The Deck Building forum, or community as I like to call it, started first as a trickle of emails directly to me and I responded to every single one trying to help out. After all I do have over 20 years experience swinging a hammer and building for folks.

It's called Ask the Pro because I answer almost every question - not everything though. And lot's of other talented folks (who I also consider Pros) chime in which really makes this fun and valuable!

But it soon became overwhelming. I was repeating answers to hundreds of common building questions. And so began the concept of creating a forum on how to build decks and all things related.

Here's How it Works

It's broken down into the most common building topics that people want to learn about. The forums below are sub-categories of topic that are likely to be of interest.

If you don't find a category that seems to suit your question, click here and submit a general question. We'll categorize it later.

Start Building Your Knowledge

DIYers:
Ask the Pro a question in any of the categories below OR comment on a question if you have the answer.

Builders:
This is great exposure for deck builders or contractors as you can leave your name and company info. After all, if you give quality advice I think it's only right that you get acknowledged for your wisdom and good will to help others.

So enjoy!

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Check out the list below to see if any of the categories help you out. If not, feel free to fill out a general inquiry.

Forum Categories:

• Deck Design and Construction

  This is our most popular forum where you will find a wide array of questions and answers concerning building techniques, tips and unique ideas and solutions people have used to build decks that perfectly suit their environment.

• Framing and Decking

  This forum is a bit more specific and you will find topics that get right into the technical issues and carpentry questions and more.

• Stairs

  This is a topic that seems to generate a lot of interest. Stairs are one of the most challenging structures to build and do require some math and accuracy in order to both function well and look good.

• Railings

  Another important part of any deck are the railings. Railings have to perform to certain minimum standards and also can add tremendous beauty and style. So no forum would be complete without a discussion on this topic.

• Ground Level Decks

  We created this forum because there is clearly a great interest in building decks with are much lower to the ground. These kinds of decks have to be built a bit differently and there are a lot of questions, tips and solutions offered in this forum.

• Deck Maintenance and Repair

  Everyone wants to ensure that their investment in their backyard is protected and is going to last as long as possible. Lots of helpful discussion found here.

• Pools and Hot Tubs

  It seems water and backyard decks go well together so we started this to help people find a place to meet and share ideas and comments on hot tubs and pools in and around a deck.

• Composite Decking

  Composite decking materials continue to advance and the number of product choices grows annually. As a result there are a lot of consumers wondering what is what. Here is a good place to ask your question.

• Titan Post Anchor

  If you have used or are thinking about using the Titan Post Anchor for one of your projects you will find lots of information and all kinds of applications discussed here.

• Visitor's Pictures

  Check out the story behind some of out visitors decks. Or go straight to the Deck Photo Gallery.

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Deck Building Forum

Any questions you have about building decks that might not fit into any of the above categories can be asked here. If we feel that your question is best suited for one of the other categories, it will be moved.

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