PVC vs Composite Decking
When homeowners begin planning a new deck, one of the first questions that usually comes up is PVC vs composite decking. Both materials are popular alternatives to traditional wood because they offer strong durability, weather resistance, and far less maintenance over time. At first glance, composite vs PVC decking can look very similar. Both are […]
Deck Footing Calculator
If your deck fails, it usually doesn’t start at the top — it starts underground. Footings carry the entire load of your deck and transfer it safely into the soil. Undersize them and you risk settling, shifting, cracked framing, and structural instability. At Heritage Deck Co, we know that a solid deck starts with a […]
Deck Beam Calculator
If you’re building a deck and you guess at beam size, you’re gambling with structural safety. Deck beams carry the load from joists and transfer that weight to posts and footings. Undersize the beam and you risk sagging, bounce, or failure. Oversize it and you waste money. A deck beam calculator eliminates that guesswork and […]
Deck Load Calculator
Building a deck without understanding load capacity is gambling with structure, safety, and liability. Our deck load calculator helps homeowners, DIY builders, and planners estimate how much weight a deck can safely support based on size and load assumptions. This tool provides realistic structural guidance—but it does not replace a licensed structural engineer, local building […]
Deck Stair Calculator
If you’re building deck stairs and you “eyeball it,” you’re asking for uneven steps, failed inspections, and a staircase that feels sketchy every time someone walks on it. Stairs are one of the most code-sensitive parts of a deck, which is why getting the measurements right from the start matters. At Heritage Deck Co, we […]
Deck Board Calculator
If you’re planning on building a new deck or replacing worn-out boards, guessing your material needs is a fast way to waste money. Ordering too few boards delays your build. Ordering too many ties up your budget in lumber you don’t need. That’s exactly why a deck board calculator should be the first tool you […]
Deck Sealing vs Staining
Walk out onto a neglected deck and you already know what years of sun and rain look like: gray, splintered boards that crack underfoot. The fix isn’t complicated — but it does require making one important decision first. When it comes to deck sealing vs staining, which option is right for your deck? And are […]
Types Of Deck Footings
Most deck failures start from the bottom up. Not from warped boards or failing railings — from footings that were undersized, mismatched to the soil, or installed above the frost line. The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) consistently identifies structural and foundation deficiencies as a leading cause of preventable deck failures across North […]
What to Put Under Deck for Moisture
Most homeowners never think about what’s happening under their deck—until something goes wrong. A soft board here, a rusty fastener there, and suddenly a repair job turns into a full replacement. Moisture is almost always the culprit, and it rarely gives much warning before the damage is done. Knowing what to put under deck for […]
Indiana Code For Deck Railing
Building a deck in Indiana may seem straightforward, but the reality is that deck railings are often more complex than homeowners realize. While a railing might look simple, inspectors view it as a critical safety feature — and railing mistakes are the leading cause of failed deck inspections and avoidable injuries. The Indiana code for […]
Under Deck Storage Ideas
The space beneath your deck is some of the most overlooked real estate in your entire backyard. Whether you have a towering raised deck or a modest platform, that dead zone underneath can become a fully functional storage area — if you plan it right. This guide covers smart, durable solutions for every deck type, […]
Best Under Deck Drainage System
The best under deck drainage system depends on whether you are building a new deck or retrofitting an existing one. The right system protects the framing, controls water flow, and keeps the space below dry enough for storage, seating, lighting, or a finished outdoor living area. For homeowners in Indiana, this decision matters even more. […]
Indiana Deck Building Codes
Indiana deck building codes are not bureaucratic red tape — they are safety and liability safeguards. These rules prevent structural failures, unstable stairs, and dangerous railing gaps that lead to injuries. Non-compliant decks can trigger failed inspections, fines, forced modifications, insurance claim issues, and serious resale problems when permits or code compliance are questioned. In […]
Repair or Replace Deck
Warped boards, a wobbly railing, or a bouncy floor mean your deck is showing its age. Deciding whether to repair or replace deck damage depends heavily on safety, the age of the materials, and the extent of the decay. While surface issues are easy to spot, the real deciding factors live underneath in the hidden […]
Pros and Cons of Composite Decking
The pros and cons of composite decking are worth knowing before you commit to one of the bigger home improvement decisions you’ll make. Most homeowners start with the brochure – beautiful boards, long warranties, weekend mornings back in your pocket. What the brochure skips is the full picture, which includes the upfront cost, the heat […]
How to Protect Deck Joists From Rot
Your deck boards might look brand new, but what’s underneath could be quietly falling apart. Deck joists rot when moisture collects on top of the framing and never fully dries out. Once decay sets in, it doesn’t stop on its own. This is especially critical when repairing or replacing deck boards, because new composite or […]
House and Deck Color Combinations
Your deck is not a separate project. The moment it goes up, it becomes part of your home’s exterior — one continuous visual statement seen from the street, the yard, and every neighbor’s window. Get the color relationship right, and the whole property looks intentional and elevated. Get it wrong, and even a beautifully built […]
What Is a Floating Deck?
If you’ve been researching backyard upgrades, you’ve likely come across the question: What is a floating deck? A floating deck is a freestanding deck that is not attached to your home. It is structurally independent, typically built low to the ground, and supported by surface blocks or footings rather than a ledger board connected to […]
Best Composite Decking Brands
Choosing from the best composite decking brands is no longer just about color or price. In 2026, composite decking decisions affect safety, heat retention, long-term maintenance, warranty exposure, and—most overlooked—how well your deck performs around pools and high-traffic outdoor spaces. This guide cuts through marketing noise and affiliate fluff. It merges lab-tested insights, editorial comparisons, […]
How To Build A Multi-Level Deck
A sloped backyard can feel like wasted space, until you start picturing levels instead of one flat surface. That’s usually the moment homeowners start searching for how to build a multi level deck, drawn by the idea of stairs connecting a dining area up top to a fire pit below. It looks simple in photos. […]