Guide to Decks and Fences on the Web

Decks are a wonderful way to extend your indoor living space to the outdoors - you can customize it with different railing styles, as wellas built-in features, such as benches and planters. Historically, decks have been built out of natural woods, such as cedar and redwood, and although wood is beautiful and durable, it requires maintenance, such as staining and sealing. If maintenance isn't your thing, there are newer engineered materials, such as vinyl and recycled plastic, available that offer the look of real wood without the maintenance. Fencing often times serves a functional purpose - whether keeping the dog or kids confined to the yard or defining your property line - but it also is great way to add character and style to your home. Like deck railings, fencing can be designed in a variety of styles and materials to complement any home.

Decking How-Tos Tips and Techniques

• 10 Things to Know Before Building Your Deck
  Before putting hammer to nail, think about these deck design elements. » More from Better Homes and Gardens
• TREX and Other Composite Decking Materials
  » More from HomeTips.com
• HomeTime.com: Building a Deck
  The key element in building a deck is to plan.
• The Essential Steps in Deck Design and Construction
  A springboard for beginner builders interested in building a deck. » More from About.com
• High-Tech Decks
  Nonwood decking is durable and low-maintenance - it'll never split or rot and requires no paint or finish. » More from This Old House
• Deck Plans: Drawing Plans for Your Project
  You can produce professional-looking deck plans even if you're not a professional draftsman. » More from DIY Advice
• Prepare Outdoor Decks For Extreme Weather
  Protecting outdoor decks is a necessity to ensure they last a long time. » More from DoItYourself.com
• The Different Kinds of Decks
  Click through the list to view all the different types of decks you can build around your home. » More from Repair Home

Fencing How-Tos Tips and Techniques

• 10 Things to Know Before You Build a Fence
  A fence can improve your home's curb appeal, provide security and privacy, and offer protection from the elements. » More at Better Homes and Gardens

• Fences and Gates Buying Guide
  Choose the materials that are right for your style and budget. » More from HomeTips.com
• HomeTime.com: Fences and Gates
  A fence provides privacy, containment for children and pets, and protection from intruders.
• Fencing Materials and Building Fences FAQs
  While reading about fencing materials and building techniques, peruse their gallery of fencing photos for inspiration. » More from About.com
• Finishing Fences and Gates
  A smart-looking fence in tip-top condition can increase the curb appeal of your home. » More from This Old House
• Finishing Fences and Gates
  A smart-looking fence in tip-top condition can increase the curb appeal of your home. » More from DIY Advice
• Wood vs. Vinyl Fence Pros and Cons
  When it comes time to replace your old fence, you may wonder whether it's better to go with a vinyl fence or a wood one. » More from DoItYourself.com
• Taking Proper Care of a Wood Fence
  Make wood fences last longer with a little care. » More from HGTV
• The Different Kinds of Fencing
  Click through the list to view all the different types of fencing you can install around your home. » More from Repair Home

Video How-Tos

This Old House: How to Clean and Restain a Deck Breathe new life into a weather-beaten wood deck.	Bob Vila: How to Replace a Damaged Deck Board Wood decks can weather, crack and splinter - learn how to replace a damaged deck board.
Aubuchon Hardware: Planning a Deck 8-Step plan to building your new deck.	This Old House: How to Build a Concrete Sitting Wall Make a concrete block garden border that does double duty as extra backyard seating.

Projects

• HGTV: Build a Privacy Wall with Fence Panels
  Instead of putting up an entire fence, build a barrier with wood panels.
• How to Build a 6-foot, Vertical Fence » More free projects from BuildEazy.com
• About.com: How to Build a Floating Deck
  Not only are floating decks easier to build, they're less "scary" to build for DIYers.
• DIY Advice: Applying a Clear Deck Finish
  A deck that's turned gray can usually be made to look like new if it's washed and a protective finish is applied.
• DoItYourself.com: Deck Building - Introduction to Building a Deck
  Key things to remember in deck building: use the proper materials and construction techniques and be sure everything is level and plumb.
• DIY Ideas: Garden Fences
  Ways to brighten your fences and keep curious critters at bay.
• Home Depot: Building A Post-and-Rail Fence
  The simplest wood fences are post-and-rail fences.
• This Old House: How to Install a Picket Fence
  There are few things as warm and welcoming as a white picket fence.

Repairs

• HGTV: How to Repair a Fence and Gate
  HGTV's Don't Sweat It team help finish this job.
• Fix It Club: Deck Repair
  Decks need little maintenance and few repairs to keep them in good condition; here's how to take good care of your deck.
• DoItYourself.com: Concrete Deck Repair: How to Fix Cracks in Concrete
  Discovering a crack big enough to warrant concrete deck repair can be very frustrating - fix it yourself following these steps.
• DIY Advice: Repairing Decking
  It's not unusual for individual decking boards to be damaged on a deck that's otherwise in good condition - replacing a board or two is not difficult.
• Home Depot: Repairing and Maintaining Fences and Gates
  All good fences need help staying good - when faced with damage, decide whether to repair or replace.
• How Stuff Works: How to Repair a Deck
  Most deck fixes can be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer.

Design Inspiration and Ideas

• Garden Structure: Wood Fence Plans and Designs
• Service Magic: Fence Design Gallery
• About.com Landscaping: Gallery of Fencing and Deck Photos
• DIY Advice: Deck Design Picture Gallery
• Great-Landscaping-Ideas.com: Deck Designs and Deck Building
• Dornob: Rooftop Deck Design Ideas and Inspiration
• Decks.com Deck Pictures and Photo Search
• How Stuff Works: Deck Ideas
• LandscapingIdeasOnline.com: Fence Pictures
• BHG: Decorative Fence Ideas
• My Home Ideas: Deck Galleries

Online Calculators

• Bob Vila: Deck Designer
• Sound Cedar Co: Fence Materials Calculator and Deck Materials Calculator
• Sutherlands: Privacy Fencing Calculator
• DecksDirect.com: Baluster Calculator
• DIYOnline.com: Deck Estimator
• BHG: Picket Fencing Calculator

Finding Help

• BHG: Landscape, Decks and Fences
• Service Magic: Fencing Contractors and Deck Contractors
• HGTV Pro: Find a Contractor
• DoItYourself.com: Find a Contractor
• About.com: 10 Things to Consider Before You Hire a Contractor
• B4UBuild.com: How to Qualify a Contractor for Your Building Project

Discuss

• This Old House: Deck, Patio, and Porch
• Bob Vila: Deck and Patio
• AllExperts: Decks
• DoItYourself.com: Decks and Fences