What looks like a minor deck issue can turn into an expensive project, with hidden structural problems, labor and materials quickly driving up costs.

It's all about the prep.

Staining a wood deck doesn’t just play up its beauty; it adds a layer of protection. The same principle applies to staining fences, siding, or outdoor furniture. The best wood stains can help add ...

You can get at least two types of deck stain or sealer. One type is a penetrating finish that is designed to soak into dry wood. Other deck stains are formulated to perform much like varnishes or ...

Decks are exposed to every kind of harsh weather: relentless sunshine, soaking rains, punishing hail, freezes and thaws, and ...

Recently we published a response to a reader who had a problem with a sticky deck. It seems her handyman didn't read the instructions on the sealer can and got carried away. In this case, more was not ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Wood deck outside a house - tab62/Shutterstock There are a lot of mistakes you want to avoid when designing your deck, and ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. A backyard deck can be the perfect platform for good times, but a wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ...

Anyone who's ever finished a deck knows to clean it beforehand to strip it of loose wood, mildew, stains, and any flaking remnants of previous finishes. But once you're done and want to apply the ...

We love our decks here in the northwest. And it’s easy to understand why. Of course, a wood deck requires a fair amount of upkeep. It needs to be stained and sealed every few years to keep it looking ...

I just built a cedar deck railing. I was going to paint it and call it a day, but now my wife wants me to stain it to show off the wood's texture and color. That sounds like a lot more maintenance ...