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How to Clean a Deck the Right Way (Without Ruining the Wood)
Key Takeaways for Quick Readers: I ruined my deck the first time I tried to clean it. Not completely ruined, but close enough that I still think about it every time I pick up a pressure washer. Here’s what happened. I had this pressure washer, brand new, still had the tag on it basically. I…
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PVC Decking Secrets Every Homeowner Should Know
Quick Answer: Cellular PVC decking is 100% synthetic — no wood fiber at all, just foamed plastic all the way through. It costs more than composite, usually $12 to $22 per square foot installed, but it handles moisture better than anything else on the market since there’s nothing organic in it to rot, mold, or…
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Composite Deck Guide: What Brands Won’t Tell You
Quick Answer: Composite decking is a manmade board made from wood fibers and plastic (or in some cases 100% plastic, called PVC). It costs more than wood upfront, usually $8 to $18 per square foot installed. But it does not rot, splinter, or need yearly staining. A good capped composite board will last 25 to…
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Sam has spent years working with wood — from furniture building to fine finishing. The Wood Carpenter was built to share real, practical woodworking knowledge you can actually use in your workshop.