Composite decking is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Here's how to clean and protect your Trex or TimberTech deck before a North Dakota winter: the right soap and brush, why we skip the pressure washer, and which shovel and ice melt won't damage your boards.

Deck stairs can feel complicated, but most problems come down to layout. Learn how to plan your rise, run, and stringers so your stairs come out right the first time.