Deck Building 101: The Complete Guide (2026)
Sam Wood Worker
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.…
Decking
DIY vs. Professional Deck: Cost, ROI & Difficulty Compared
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…
Hiring a Decking Contractor? 5 Things to Know First
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…
Does a Wood Deck Increase Home Value? (Real Numbers Inside)
The Direct Answer Yes. A wood deck increases your home value. This is true almost every time. But here is the important part. You will not get back 100% of…
Do I Need a Permit for a Deck? My Simple Building Guide
Quick Answer Yes, most decks need a building permit. In most areas, you need a permit if your deck is attached to your house, higher than 30 inches off the…
Wood Deck Maintenance: 4 steps to Make It Last
Quick Answer A good wood deck maintenance checklist covers four things: inspect it, clean it, fix it, and seal it. Do this once a year at minimum, plus a quick…
5 Best Cleaner for Decks Tested: Ranked From Best to Worst
A Quick Note on Links: I only recommend tools and products I actually use and trust. To help support this site, I use affiliate links. If you buy something through…
Hardwood vs Softwood Decking: What Most Buyers Miss
A guy walked into the lumber yard with me a few months back. He picked up a board of pressure-treated pine. Then he picked up a board of Ipe sitting…
Redwood Deck Care & Repair: How to Prevent Costly Rot
Redwood is a wood I really love working with, but it’s also a wood a lot of homeowners don’t fully understand before they buy it. I still remember the first…
Wood Deck Repair Cost: Avoid This Expensive Mistake I made
If you clicked on this article, chances are you’re standing on your deck right now, looking at a wobbly board or a rotten post, and wondering “how much is this…