Landscaping DIY Tips

More deck tips.When lag-bolting a ledger board (the one that holds the deck to the house), put some caulking into the hole before you drive the bolt. Use a washer, so the bolt-head won't sink into the wood.Whenever possible, attach joist hangars to the beams before putting the beams in place, as this can be ...

There are many good books and manuals on deck construction out there. But here are a few tips for a better job.A power auger's great for digging footing holes, but you'll need a partner. It's heavy and hard to hold in place when you encounter roots and other obstructions.To lay out a right angle, get ...

If you're building a deck, there are a number of species which look great, weather beautifully, and require no maintenance. Of course, they're also more expensive than other woods, and can sometimes be tough to get your hands on.Pressure-treated lumber is the most popular alternative, as it's cheaper, very durable, eventually loses its color to ...