designing and building decks has never been so easy!

How To

Get up to speed on code basics, foundations, footing loads, costs to build, joist and beam spans, ledger board connections and some cool techniques like picture frame borders.  Learn...

Deck Design Help

Start thinking like an architect, a designer, a creative spirit!  Here is where the mind set and concepts of creativity are explained and examples of different deck layouts are found. Find your muse...

Materials

You likely already know about the usual wood suspects like; cedar, redwood and pine.  But here are some things you might not know much about - stone, bamboo, aluminum, rolled vinyl, EPDM or our pick for best performing decking for your dollar.  Find out...

Railing

Railings should please your eyes as much as they protect you.  We're talking height, spacing, strength, joist and surface mounted posts.  We will show you some of the best building techniques for traditional wood framing  post connections you may encounter in the field.  Dig in...

Stairs

Learn the math and tricks of the trade to build your own stairs in a variety of styles.  Tips on rise and runs, tread sizes, stringer layouts and other code issues.  There is even content on how to revive worn out steps.  Get started...

Lighting

When the sun goes down your outdoor living space should come alive.  The right kind of illumination, whether it's the finest post top, side post,  recessed, solar, or strip lighting can do just that.   Learn more about your options.

Maintenance Tips & Plans

We'll cover the bases of how, when and where to clean your deck including, safe pressure washing, stains and sealers and establishing an annual maintenance plan. Learn...

Calculators

Pretty much every kind of material or structural calculator you will need as you plan your project including joist and beam spans, footing sizes, baluster quantities and cement volumes.  Start calculating...

Pictures For Design Ideas

Your best place to get inspired is to see other great examples of designs and ideas that work.  Hundreds of pictures to browse from. Browse...

Forums

Get in on what our visitors are discussing.  Read, learn, or ask a question and maybe our editor, Rich or another builder will respond. Join in...

An E-Course Delivered To You

Planning on building a deck this year?  Why not sign up for our free e-course? Get concise step by step lessons and advice from Rich Bergman, expert builder and product developer delivered direct to you.  Why sign up?

Videos

Watch and learn some simple techniques for construction and design concepts to start off right.

Builders - Show Off Your Work

It's Who You Are & What You're Good At

Signup and get your best work in front of thousands of people at DecksGo.com looking to see creative deck designs and ideas.

It's a chance to pay it froward - help someone out as they plan their project and maybe they will become your next client.  Interested homeowners will be able to contact you directly.

 It's up to you!

Homeowners - Find a Pro

Review Real Projects

Take a look at some of the skill and talent of some of the builders in our database.

Use the Find A Pro anytime to see who's out there.  Maybe there is someone in your neighborhood who has just the right skills for your project. 

Register by creating your own account.  Contact a builder directly and learn more about all the possibilities that await you. Learn more...