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Deck Repair vs Replace: The Simple Screwdriver Test
I want to tell you a quick story before we get into the details. A few years back, I got a call about a deck that looked like it was ready for the dump. The pine boards were gray. Some were cracked. It looked sad from the street. But when I got up close with…
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How to Clean a Deck the Right Way (Without Ruining the Wood)
Key Takeaways for Quick Readers: I ruined my deck the first time I tried to clean it. Not completely ruined, but close enough that I still think about it every time I pick up a pressure washer. Here’s what happened. I had this pressure washer, brand new, still had the tag on it basically. I…
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PVC Decking Secrets Every Homeowner Should Know
Last Updated on August 1, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker Quick Answer: Cellular PVC decking is 100% synthetic — no wood fiber at all, just foamed plastic all the way through. It costs more than composite, usually $12 to $22 per square foot installed, but it handles moisture better than anything else on the market…
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.