Mark discusses the merits of using pressure treated southern pine for a variety of outdoor projects.

We made a mini-deck and a wood platform for our new grill. No deck, no patio? No problem. Make a grill platform. We did. Our…
Question: I’m planning to build a pergola. I’ve heard that you’re supposed to stain the end-grain of the wood to maximize its life. I’m building…


Installing deck boards crown up or down can impact how the deck ages. So what do you do with crowning deck boards? Here is how to install deck boards.
Congratulations to Nicholas! He’s the winner of the Real Wood, Real Fun Play Structure and Rockwell Tools! Nicholas won the backyard Real Wood, Real Fun playset…
2011 Remodeling Show and Deck Expo in Chicago. October 14. Mark & Theresa are traveling to Chicago for LIVE MyFixitUpLife shows at 11:30amCT and 2pmCT…
Remodeling, retro-fit, renovation, restoration. From products to process, tools to techniques, they are all branches of the home improvement tree. We’re bringing you the best…
Maybe it’s because one of the most formative periods of my home improvement life was building swim-floats and docks in Cape Cod’s salt water bays…
Being a carpenter isn’t always fun. We work hard, in the weather, and it’s a tough way to make a buck. There are, however, aspects…
When Mark and I heard that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was planning to build 7 houses in 7 days in Joplin for families affected by…
In all my years as a home improvement professional, the project that brings the biggest smiles — and requests to work along side me during the project —…


Mark & Theresa take you through the steps to build a custom backyard wood playset using pressure-treated southern pine.
Mark and Theresa take you inside Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s 200th episode where they built 7 houses in 7 days. Listen to a heartfelt tearful…


Site work tips: Turning not-so-level-earth into an even surface that drains water and supports your project is crucial to creating a project that will last.
Mark and Theresa talk Real Outdoor Living with long-time friend and expert Brad Staggs at the International Builders Show. Brad details the first time he…
Home improvement expert Brad Staggs talks with Mark & Theresa about everything from satellites to decks to banana hands. Brad also shares the details about…
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[…] this project is made from Southern Yellow Pine (and a few logs from the adjacent woods). The wood is secured with their favorite Spax fasteners […]