Go High-Tech for a Better Backyard Deck

April 2, 2012 12:00 PM

The debris piled up on a Long Island, N.Y., lawn reveals how much backyard deck construction has changed in the past 20 years. Jay Oliver, who is here to build the home's new deck, points out the rotten cedar planks, pressure-treated lumber and ring-shank nails used to fasten the two together. The nails in particular are signs that the structure was built back around the time he got started in the business.

Today, Oliver says, composites are starting to eclipse cedar and other woods as the board material of choice. And advances in preservatives and hardware have raised the expected life span of a deck to 20 or even 25 years. But some things haven't changed. Rotten ledger boards still indicate that a deck is nearing the end of its life. And using the right fasteners between the framing and the house?lag or ledger bolts, yes; common nails, never?is still a top priority.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

HOW TO SWAB THE DECK

MUSTARD SPOT Dab dry stains with wet mustard, then soapy water, Deck Restoration Plus pro Everett Abrams says.

GRILL DRIPPIN' Hit grease spots with oven cleaner, soapy water and a soft brush. "Get it while it's still wet," Abrams says.

LEAF TANNIN Use oxalic-acid-based wood brightener to neutralize black stains from leaves or metal furniture.

matt leinart cyber monday 2011 cyber monday 2011 turkey pot pie turkey pot pie southern university regenesis