Sam Wood Worker
Decking Guides, Reviews & Calculators | The Wood Carpenter
Practical Decking Guides, Product Reviews and Building Tools
Compare decking materials, stains, fasteners and accessories with practical guides for homeowners and deck builders.
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Decking
Deck Materials
Compare wood, composite, PVC and modified decking materials.
Deck Building
Practical guides for deck framing, footings, joists, beams, stairs and railings.
Deck Planning
Plan your deck with cost guides, material estimates, permits and design advice.
Deck Maintenance
Learn how to clean, stain, seal, repair and protect your deck.
Latest Guides
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TWP 100 Deck Stain Review: Is It Worth It? (Pros & Cons)
TWP 100 Series is a semi-transparent, oil-based wood stain designed for exterior wood such as decks, fences, siding and other outdoor wood surfaces. It penetrates the wood rather than forming a thick surface film. The manufacturer lists 100–200 square feet of coverage per gallon, a wet-on-wet two-coat application for most applications, and an application temperature…
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PVC vs Wood Decking: The Pros, Cons and Winner
PVC and wood decking can both create an attractive outdoor living area, but they perform differently. Wood provides genuine grain, natural warmth and several price options. PVC decking is made from engineered polymers and is designed to resist moisture without regular staining or sealing. The best material depends on your budget, climate, appearance preferences and…
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Garapa vs Ipe Decking: Which One Is Worth the Cost?
Garapa and Ipe are dense South American hardwoods used for premium outdoor decks. Both offer natural beauty, strong wear resistance and better natural durability than many common softwoods. However, they differ significantly in color, hardness, weight, cost and ease of installation. Ipe is darker, harder and generally more expensive. Garapa has a lighter golden appearance…
Meet Sam
Sam is the founder of The Wood Carpenter and a woodworking and decking enthusiast. He creates research-based guides using manufacturer documentation, product specifications, recognized industry resources and practical project information.