How deep deck footings go and what your inspector checks
Deck footings go at least 12 inches deep or below the frost line. Learn how to dig footings, avoid utility lines and pass your deck inspection.
6 min to read
Reuben Stillwagon
Reuben Stillwagon writes about the hard surfaces around a house: roofs, decks, driveways and walkways. He sticks to what each material costs, how long it lasts and what goes wrong first.
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Deck joist spacing and span in plain numbers
Deck joist spacing dictates your framing plan, so learn how to read span tables, pick between common center measurements and calculate overhang limits.
6 min to read
12 deck railing ideas and the code rules behind them
Find the right deck railing ideas for your yard and learn the local building rules that keep your family safe around open edges and stairs.
9 min to read
Wood or composite deck boards and how to choose
Find the right deck boards for your yard with our breakdown of wood and composite options. Compare upkeep, lifespan and fastening rules before you buy.
6 min to read
4 flat roof materials and how they hold up
Compare EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen and elastomeric coatings to see how four common flat roof materials hold up on low slope roofs.
5 min to read
6 types of roof shingles and where each one fits
Compare the different roof shingle types before your next project to find the right match for your climate, budget and neighborhood rules.
5 min to read
What happens during a roof replacement from bid to cleanup
Learn exactly what happens during a residential roof replacement from spotting signs of wear to getting bids and signing off on the final cleanup.
7 min to read
Metal roof or asphalt shingles for your house
Compare a metal roof vs shingles for your house to see which fits your budget, and learn how they stack up on lifespan, cooling costs and local rules.
7 min to read
