DEAR TIM: I need to build some simple outdoor steps to replace ones that fell apart and rotted, even though they were made with treated lumber. I’m fairly handy and have a decent grasp of the math but would love some tips to get professional results. I’d also like to prevent the new steps from Read More »
Tim Carter describes what Trex RainEscape is. This was what my photo in the August 13, 2016 Newsletter showed. Well, while under construction! This is not a how-to-install-it video. Go to Trex RainEscape for detailed installation videos. This product protects that area below your deck by channeling water away from that area. LOOK AT PHOTO Read More »
Tim Carter shows what Trex Protect Joist Tape is and how to install it to keep the nails and decks on your deck so they don't come loose. If you can fog a mirror, you can install this great product. CLICK HERE to purchase the special tape Tim used on his own deck joists.
DEAR TIM: I read your column each week. Your last one talked about deck screws vs. nails, but I need to know about the different choices I have when it comes to deck flashing materials. What are my choices and can you discuss the pros and cons of each and any new and exciting materials? Read More »
Deck Screws vs Nails DEAR TIM: Recently a deck collapsed near where I live and people got seriously injured. The report blamed the failure on the use of nails that had corroded and couldn’t hold the weight. Could this be right? Every deck I know of has been built with nails and they seem to Read More »
If you want to really add that special touch to your deck, you should consider using two different colored decking boards. That's what I'm doing with a deck I'm building. I'm using Trex Transcend and my wife has selected the deep Lava Rock color along with the lighter Tiki Torch for the main deck boards. Read More »
"A few years ago, I stumbled upon a new invention that makes installing deck piers as easy as working with snap-together plastic building blocks children play with." Deck Pier Forms - Get Ones That Snap Together DEAR TIM: My wife has instructed me that I no longer can put off the deck project. I got Read More »
Teresa Schenck has a rotten wood threshold at her home in Bettendorf, Iowa. Here's what she sent me: "As you can see, this piece of wood at my back door is rotting. It is about 1.5-2 " wide, and maybe 6-8" deep. My deck is also there. I am replacing the wood decking. I want to Read More »
James C. Cooks lives in hot and steamy Plantation, FL. This is the land of mildew and mold and no snow or frost. He wants to build a deck on top of an old concrete patio that's covered in mildew. When the concrete was wet, someone walked in it. Look at the footprints in the slab. Read More »
Helen Jennings wants to create a new door in the exterior wall of an ancient stone home in Holmbridge, West Yorkshire England! Here's what she sent me: "Do you think it would be possible to knock a doorway through this side external wall on the same level as the front door? I'd also want to add a Read More »
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