Q: Tim, you helped me years ago, and now I’m back. I’m going to build a free-standing deck at my house during my vacation. After watching lots of online videos, I’m somewhat confused about how to ...

Q. I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that’s fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely ...

Q: I am planning some landscaping that will include a deck. My back yard is level, so the deck will not be built on posts. Is it wise and possible to build a deck flush to the ground? A: Adding a deck ...

Last week, I began a reply to D. A., who is experiencing problems with his deck that was constructed last year. The top faces of the boards were stained, but some decking boards (2 X 6s) were cupping ...

Q. I'm building a deck and have discovered that the wooden posts can't rest on the soil. I need deck piers. What are they, and how are they installed? A. There are very few situations in which you can ...

Question: My wife has instructed me that I no longer can put off the deck project. I’ve got the confidence to do all the work above ground, but I’m worried about the deck foundation. What do I need to ...

Q: I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that’s fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely ...

DEAR TIM: My wife has instructed me that I no longer can put off the deck project. I’ve got the confidence to do all the work above ground, but I’m worried about the deck foundation. What do I need to ...