Learn About Upgrading Your Deck

A deck is THE place for summer barbeques, cocktail parties, lounging, and listening to music.

Whether you are just in the planning stages of building a deck, or you're upgrading an existing deck design, this site's got lots of ideas and resources to help.

You may even decide that a little TLC goes a long way By properly cleaning, repairing, and re-finishing an old deck, you can dramatically improve its appearance and extend its life.

Deck Design Software

Picture of a deck created with deck design software. Creating the perfect deck design can either be the best part of the project or the worst. Compare deck design software

From Big Hammer, Do It Yourself Deck Designer is affordably priced software that lets you choose sample deck styles and then customize them with deck railings, multiple levels, and angles. More

TurboFLOORPLANS Home & Landscape Pro gives you more options and design tools as well as 3D viewing of your design from any angle. More

Deck Lighting

Picture of a low voltage post cap light for your deck or fence post. Good deck lighting is your number one safety priority if you plan to use your deck after dark. When carefully situated, deck lights tastefully illuminate stairs, railings, walkways and to extend the use of your deck through the seasons.

Low voltage deck lighting kits are available as well as flush mounted or in-deck lighting discs or bricks. More

Deck Railings

Deck railings, balcony panels and post caps are also great design features. In addition to wood, railings can be made from aluminum, wrought iron, and tempered glass. Deck railings are restricted by the building codes in your area so double-check to make sure your design meets the requirements. More

Outdoor Fireplaces and Patio Heaters

Picture of an outdoor fire pit table Make your deck a comfort zone for evening entertaining with outdoor fireplaces and patio heaters. Outdoor fireplaces have an open flame while patio heaters are just a heat source. You can find free standing and tabletop patio heaters fueled by natural gas or propane. Click here to read a review of patio heaters from Blue Rhino.

Tiki Bar and Bar Stool Plans

If you have a fun and funky sense of style, why not go Polynesian!

You can build your own tiki bars and bar stools from easy to follow plans and instructions. Even adding real palm thatching isn't as hard as you might think. More