When I’m on a deck or porch site, the way I usually figure out that a scraggly bush needs to be limbed or removed isn’t by observation and planning. That’d be too smart.
Check out more from Mark & Theresa in Professional Deck Builder.
When I’m on a deck or porch site, the way I usually figure out that a scraggly bush needs to be limbed or removed isn’t by observation and planning. That’d be too smart.
Check out more from Mark & Theresa in Professional Deck Builder.
If you’re tempted to skip this article because you think safety is boring, consider that having a safety program might help you and your crew…
Like most small-business people, I’ve used personal computers (PCs) to manage my business. My wife, who runs the office, has also used PCs. Plus, I…
Hey Mark— I have a steel railing I need to remove from my front stoop. Problem is that the posts are set in the concrete. My…
If you’re old enough, you remember nailing off decks with fistfuls of hot-dipped-galvanized sixteens. Your bags were loaded with pounds of nails, and your hammer…
I learned deck building from a production deck builder. While he could build decks quickly, he could have been even faster if he’d used more…
The first sub compact loader I ever used arrived by accident. I’d ordered a full-sized skid steer from the rental yard, but instead the delivery…
TOOL KIT Light and Compact Framing Nailer By Mark Clement Stanley-Bostitch 800/556-6696 bostitch.com Street price: $250 As dependable as screws are for decking, about the…

We revved up 5 cordless reciprocating saws and found something for everyone—from power performers to stripped-down versions for beginners. In the grip of a strong-handed professional,…
For porches – think beaded ceiling material and crown – a miter saw is a must. I use a DeWalt DW718. DeWalt nailed this tool:…
It’s been said that the Romans were able to conquer the known world because they were organized. I don’t know if that’s true, but I…
When I’m on a deck or porch site, the way I usually figure out that a scraggly bush needs to be limbed or removed isn’t…
I remember when there were roughly a billion fewer choices of deck boards and railing systems. The first decks I worked on as a carpenter’s…
I learned deck building from a production deck builder. While he could build decks quickly, he could have been even faster if he’d used more…


There’s a lot to consider when you set out to refurbish an old porch. They’re challenging, and not just because every porch is different.
Building a deck creates two distinct spaces. Topside, gleaming deck boards and guardrails invite customers to enjoy the outdoors. But if a deck is far…
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Service URL: policies.google.com (opens in a new window)
You can find more information in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.