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Outdoor Living Articles
Outdoor Living
How A Patio Can Increase Home Value
Does a patio increase home value? Data puts the boost at 12.4 percent. See why patios pay off and the size, placement, and privacy rules that matter.
By Ryan Bittner · January 10, 2021
Outdoor Living
Hidden Fasteners or Traditional Fasteners? What is the better option?
Hidden deck fasteners vs traditional screws: why clips look cleaner, resist corrosion, and let boards expand, plus Camo, Tiger Claw, and Trex options.
By Ryan Bittner · June 5, 2020
Outdoor Living
DIY Deck? No problem! Or is it…?
Building a DIY deck starts with a budget, a permit if it sits 30 inches or higher, and joists at 16 inches on center for composite or 12 for wood.
By Ryan Bittner · May 30, 2020
Outdoor Living
Wood Railing, Composite Wood Railing, Cable Railing…SO MANY OPTIONS!
Deck railing options: wood costs the least but needs upkeep, composite resists pests and splinters, and cable railing gives a modern look and open views.
By Ryan Bittner · May 22, 2020
Outdoor Living
Envision, AZEK, and Trex Decking. What to choose?
Envision, AZEK, and Trex composite decking compared by collection and color options, so San Diego County homeowners can plan a deck with less stress.
By Ryan Bittner · May 16, 2020
Outdoor Living
Wood Decking vs Composite Decking. Which one is best?
Wood vs composite decking compared on price, splinters, termites, and heat. Wood needs 16 to 32 hours of maintenance a year; composite needs 2 to 4.
By Ryan Bittner · May 7, 2020
Outdoor Living
Rafter and Beam Cut Ends
Custom cut ends on pergola rafters and beams give the structure a unique look. See a wide variety of end-cut options to choose from before you build.
By Ryan Bittner · March 15, 2018
Outdoor Living
Do-It-Yourself Pergola
How to build a wood pergola yourself with no saw: full materials list, posts 8 feet apart in 18 inch deep footings, and primer plus two coats of paint.
By Ryan Bittner · March 14, 2018
Outdoor Living
Custom Outdoor Furniture? What about IKEA?
Custom outdoor furniture in wood, concrete, or metal outlasts IKEA-style patio sets, fits your home, and can add value. A builder's case for going custom.
By Ryan Bittner · May 13, 2017
Outdoor Living
What Wood Should I Use On My Deck?
Deck wood options: how pressure treated, Douglas fir, redwood, and composite compare on upkeep, termites, and cost, and why redwood is the value pick.
By Ryan Bittner · May 11, 2017
Outdoor Living
3 Ways To Add Years To Your Wood Fence
Wood fence protection comes down to paint, stain, or stain plus a polyurethane finish. Learn how much protection each gives and how often to reapply.
By Ryan Bittner · May 10, 2017