Expert Advice on Home Improvement TV Host of Emmy®-Nominated Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel

Building steps used to require complicated measurements and difficult angled cuts, but the precut pressure treated stringers available at home centers today have made the job much easier. Allow for a stringer at each end of the steps and at 16” intervals in between. Use corrosion resistant screws and nails to assemble the steps.

Since wood decks receive constant abuse from the elements, they require periodic cleaning and refinishing to protect them and keep them looking their best.

While composite decking is virtually maintenance free, it does require some cleaning from time to time. Corte-Clean is formulated specifically for composite decking. When combined with warm water, it breaks down mold, mildew, dirt, pollen and even barbecue stains. This cleaner works without bleach or other harmful chemicals that harm your lawn.

To give a deck that perfect finishing touch, as well as to address safety concerns, it needs to have a handrail around it. Here Danny shows how to construct the railings and spindles from pressure treated wood. The top rail is made from a horizontal 2×4 while the bottom rail is secured vertically with a beveled cut to shed water.

Watch Danny walk through the steps for making deck stairs. While the task may seem intimidating, it’s really not that hard. Danny helps you figure out how many steps you need and how far apart they should be spaced.

Whether you’re creating a brick landing for a new set of steps or forming a small brick path, the trick is to get a nice sub surface to support the bricks. You’ll need a nice smooth surface but also one with a consistent depth, otherwise some bricks may be higher or lower than others creating a tripping hazard. To create a smooth surface create a screed (the same tool concrete finishers use to smooth out concrete).