Shares the knowledge and advice of professionals to provide information on aspects of deck design and construction, from setting the footings to designing and building stairs, railings, and benches.

"Builder-tested, code approved"--Cover. Includes index.

Framing a deck. A solid deck begins with concrete piers ; Get your deck off to a good start ; Smart deck-framing strategies ; Better ways to frame a deck -- Putting down the decking. In pursuit of the perfect plank ; Deck boards done right ; Deck fastener options ; Putting the fast in fastener ; An explosion of decking choices ; The care and feeding of wooden decks -- Railings and stairs. Start your railing right ; Deck railings grow up ; Deck railings that stand up to weather ; Deck railings ; Railing against the elements ; Deck-star basics ; Durable deck stairs ; Curved deck stairs ; Fantail deck stairs -- Details and design. Custom details make a better deck ; A comfortable outdoor bench ; A furniture-grade deck ; A balcony deck built to last ; An elegant border for your deck ; Building a curved deck with synthetic decking ; Is your deck safe? ; Accent your deck with light -- Building a deck : a complete guide to building your own deck.