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Deck Building 101: The Complete Guide (2026)
I’ve spent many years building decks for homeowners across the country — everything from small 10×12 platforms off a kitchen door to sprawling multi-level decks with built-in benches and pergolas. I’ve poured footings in July heat and set posts in frozen ground, and I’ve fixed more sagging, wobbly decks than I can count. Most of…
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DIY vs. Professional Deck: Cost, ROI & Difficulty Compared
Last Updated on July 20, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker The Quick Verdict Should you build your own deck or hire a pro? If you have good DIY skills, a free month of weekends, and basic tools, DIY can save you real money. If you have a busy life, no experience with building, or a…
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Hiring a Decking Contractor? 5 Things to Know First
Last Updated on July 20, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker The Quick Answer Before you hire any decking contractor, check these 5 things first: Now let me tell you why these five things matter so much. I learned some of this the hard way. My Big Mistake A few years back, I hired a guy…
Meet Sam Wood Worker
Sam has spent years working with wood — from furniture building to fine finishing. The Wood Carpenter was built to share real, practical woodworking knowledge you can actually use in your workshop.