Want a better backyard but feel overwhelmed at the idea of major construction? We get it — building a traditional deck can seem expensive, complicated, and downright intimidating. That’s exactly why ...

Q: I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that is fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely ...

Q. I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that’s fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely ...

Hi, I’m digital design writer Zoë Sessums. Follow along each week as I try my hand at a DIY project in and around my house. I’ll cover the inspiration, expert advice, and step-by-step plans of ...

Q: I’m thinking of buying a dilapidated old frame house in the country. It has a stone foundation that seems to me to be too close to the ground. Are stone foundations adequate and strong? Is it ...

Concrete blocks. Ever since manufacturers developed techniques to make them cheaper than traditional clay-fired bricks, concrete blocks have been one of our most ubiquitous construction materials.