Decks & outdoor living
Workshop Notes3 min
A Wobbly Deck Rail Needs More Than a New Screw
The top rail moved. The problem was hiding considerably lower down.
Read the postThe Workshop / 19 useful reads
Supports & connections.
Plan an Ontario deck from the ground up: permits, supports, materials, stairs, and the details that keep an outdoor room comfortable.
A closer look
1–12 of 19
Decks & outdoor living
Workshop Notes3 min
Can a Deck Attach to That Bump-Out on the House?
The wall was exactly where the deck wanted to go. The foundation was not.
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Decks & outdoor living
Workshop Notes3 min
Rain Washed Soil Away From a Deck Footing. Now What?
The concrete had not grown. The ground around it had gone somewhere.
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Decks & outdoor living
Project Guide2 min
Deck Butt Joints or a Breaker Board? Plan the Support
A breaker board can tidy a long deck, but it changes the framing. Compare joint support, fasteners, gaps, and replacement access before ordering boards.
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Project Guide2 min
Why Is There a Gap Under the Deck Post?
A designed standoff can keep a deck post above wet concrete. Learn why the gap exists and what to check before filling it or covering it with trim.
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Project Guide2 min
Composite Decking Over Concrete: Check the Door First
Covering a concrete patio changes height, drainage, ventilation, and access. Check those constraints before assuming a thin overlay is the easiest deck.
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Project Guide2 min
Deck Stairs on Moving Pavers: Why the Bottom Step Changes
When patio pavers move beside deck stairs, the bottom step can change. Assess the landing and stair support together before lifting a few stones.
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Project Guide2 min
Freestanding or Attached Deck at a Brick House?
A brick exterior complicates deck attachment. Compare an independent support layout with a designed connection through the wall before choosing the cheaper quote.
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Can You Replace Deck Boards and Keep the Frame?
The boards look tired. The frame might be fine, or it might be hiding the part of the quote you have not met yet.
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Field Guide2 min
Can You Use 2x6 Deck Joists in Ontario? Start With the Span
Why a 2x6 deck joist needs more than a yes-or-no answer: span, spacing, cantilever, loads, and what Oakville’s sample drawings actually show.
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Field Guide3 min
Composite Deck Joist Spacing: The Board Direction Changes the Answer
Before choosing composite decking, check its exact product table, board angle, and support details. A useful guide to reading the spacing requirement.
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Field Guide3 min
Deck Hardware and Pressure-Treated Wood: Match the Whole Connection
Why exterior screws, joist hangers, and treated lumber need compatible specifications. A homeowner’s guide to checking the hardware in a deck quote.
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