Answer Hub
Homeowner answers
Straight answers from an architect-trained craftsman about decks, pergolas, wood restoration and outdoor living in North County San Diego.
Showing 151 to 180 of 202 answers, newest first RSS feed
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Why does my teak furniture get black spots near the coast, and how do I fix them?
The black spots are mildew, and sometimes iron stains, and they are common on teak within a few miles of the ocean because the marine layer keeps furniture…
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Are hidden deck fasteners worth it, or should I just screw the boards down?
For composite and PVC decking, hidden fasteners are worth it almost every time: the boards come grooved for them, the clips set the gap automatically, and you…
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How do I compare craftsmen for a deck or outdoor project, and what should I ask?
Compare craftsmen on four things: the quality of their finished work, how they plan to handle the parts you cannot see, how clearly they communicate, and…
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What does it mean to sister a rotted deck or balcony joist, and when is it enough?
Sistering means fastening a new, full-depth joist alongside the damaged one so the new member carries the load. Done right, the sister bears at both ends on…
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Can I build a low deck over my old concrete patio?
Yes, and it is one of the most satisfying backyard upgrades we do: a cracked or sunken slab becomes a level floor that meets the house. The requirements are a…
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How long does a wood pergola last near the ocean?
A well-built wood pergola in coastal North County can serve for decades if it is detailed to shed water and recoated on schedule. The ones that fail in under…
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Does teak furniture need teak oil?
No. Teak oil is one of the most misunderstood products in outdoor furniture care. It is not oil from teak trees; it is usually linseed or tung oil thinned with…
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What should California homeowners know about contractor licensing rules?
In California, anyone who contracts to do construction work where the combined labor and materials are $1,000 or more, or where a building permit is required…
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Can rotted wood be fixed with epoxy instead of being replaced?
Sometimes. Two-part epoxy consolidants soak into dry, punky wood and harden it, and epoxy paste fillers rebuild the missing shape. On non-structural pieces…
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Should I seal my teak furniture or let it turn silver gray?
Both are legitimate. Bare teak weathers to an even silver gray, needs only an occasional cleaning, and lasts for decades because the wood's own oils and…
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How should deck footings and the ledger board be done so my deck is safe?
The two places decks fail catastrophically are the footings and the ledger. Footings should be poured concrete on undisturbed soil, sized for the load and set…
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Wood vs aluminum vs vinyl pergola: which should I choose?
Wood gives you real proportions, custom sizes and a structure that can be repaired and refinished for decades, in exchange for periodic recoating. Aluminum…
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Why do some Carlsbad properties need extra review for outdoor projects?
Much of western Carlsbad lies within the California Coastal Zone, where the city administers a Local Coastal Program under the California Coastal Act. Projects…
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What is the best wood for a pergola near the coast in San Diego?
Western red cedar and redwood are the classic choices because their heartwood resists decay and insects naturally, they stay stable, and they take stain well…
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Should rotted wood be repaired or replaced?
It depends on what the piece does and how deep the rot goes. Anything carrying load, such as joists, beams, posts, ledgers, stair stringers, and railing posts…
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How do I clean teak outdoor furniture without damaging it?
Clean teak with a mild solution of a teak-safe cleaner or a little dish soap in warm water, a soft brush and a hose rinse, working with the grain. For gray…
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What joist spacing does composite decking need, and can I use my old deck frame?
Most composite and PVC decking manufacturers require joists at 16 inches on center when boards run perpendicular to the joists, 12 inches on center for…
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How long does it take to build a deck or pergola in Carlsbad?
On site, a typical pergola takes a few days to a week, a ground-level deck one to two weeks, and a raised deck with stairs, railings and a pergola two to four…
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Do I need a termite inspection before repairing rotted wood on my house?
If there is any chance insects are involved, yes. Rot and termites favor the same wet wood, and the signs overlap to an untrained eye. A licensed pest…
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What is the difference between composite and PVC decking, and which is better for San Diego?
Composite decking has a core of wood fiber and plastic, usually wrapped in a protective polymer cap. PVC decking is all plastic with no wood fiber at all. PVC…
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Does my HOA need to approve a pergola before I build it?
If your home is in a homeowners association, almost certainly yes. Most CC&Rs require architectural review for any exterior structure, including pergolas…
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Can a wood pergola be refinished in place without taking it down?
Yes. Almost every pergola is refinished where it stands. The work is done from ladders and a plank or small scaffold, and the key is inspecting it first: post…
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What drives the cost of a deck or pergola?
Six things drive the cost of a deck or pergola: size, the materials you choose for the visible surfaces, how high the structure sits off the ground, what the…
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What is the difference between subterranean and drywood termites in San Diego County?
San Diego County has both. Subterranean termites live in the soil and travel up through mud tubes to feed on wood near the ground, so the evidence is tubes on…
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Should I pressure wash my deck, or use a cleaner and brightener?
Use a cleaner and brightener, and keep the pressure washer on its gentlest setting or leave it in the garage. A sodium percarbonate cleaner lifts gray fibers…
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How do I choose between composite and wood decking for a coastal North County deck?
Decide by three things: how much afternoon sun the deck takes, how much maintenance you will honestly do, and how much you care about repairing or refinishing…
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Which wood is best for a deck in Southern California: redwood, cedar, ipe or thermally modified?
For a wood deck near the coast, dense hardwoods like ipe last longest and need the least, but they are heavy, hard to work and must be sourced responsibly…
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Do I need a permit to build a pergola in Carlsbad?
Sometimes. Many municipalities exempt small one-story detached accessory structures from a building permit, and the California Residential Code lists that…
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How tall should a pergola be, and how do I get the proportions right?
Most pergolas feel best with the underside of the beams around eight to nine feet above the floor and the top of the rafters under ten to eleven. Lower feels…
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Is peeling paint on my trim a sign of wood rot?
Often, yes. Paint fails for several reasons, but when it peels, blisters, or lifts in one spot while the rest of the wall is fine, water is usually getting…
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