Types Of Deck Footings
If you want the blunt truth, here it is: most deck failures don’t start with boards, railings, or stairs — they start underground. Footings are invisible once the deck is built, which is exactly why they’re ignored, rushed, or undersized. When they’re wrong, decks don’t usually collapse overnight. They settle. They shift. They twist out […]
Deck Safety
Most deck safety articles start with advice.This one starts with evidence. Decks are often portrayed as inherently dangerous structures—but the data tells a more precise story. When deck failures happen, they are rarely random. They follow clear, repeatable patterns tied to age, construction methods, and connection details. This article breaks down what deck safety statistics […]
Best Deck Companies in Indianapolis
Choosing the right deck company in Indianapolis is crucial for building or upgrading your outdoor space. Whether you’re interested in a custom wood or composite deck, or a full outdoor living area with patios and kitchens, the quality of craftsmanship and customer service makes all the difference. This guide will help you understand the key […]
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 […]
Deck Inspection Checklist
Decks are more than just outdoor spaces; they’re investments that need regular upkeep to ensure safety. Deck failures are common and often caused by issues like rot, loose fasteners, or unstable railings. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), thousands of deck-related injuries happen every year, many of which could be avoided with proper […]
Deck Planning Checklist
Building a deck is an exciting project that can significantly enhance your outdoor living space. Whether you’re planning a simple relaxation spot or a full-scale entertainment area, proper deck planning is essential to ensure your deck meets all your needs, stays within budget, and adheres to local building codes. A well-planned deck can add value […]
Can You Build a Deck in the Winter?
Most homeowners assume deck construction has a strict season and winter isn’t on it. Frozen ground, concrete problems, material damage… It sounds logical to wait. But here’s the reality for those who are wondering can you build a deck in the winter: you can, and in many cases, it’s not just possible – it’s the […]
Winter Deck Maintenance Tips
Winter is the season that quietly destroys more decks than any other. Freeze–thaw cycles force moisture deep into wood fibers. Composite boards become brittle in extreme temperatures. Ice expands between boards, pushing them apart. And most homeowners don’t realize the damage until spring – when repairs are expensive and preventable. At McFarland Outdoors, we build […]
How to Choose the Right Deck Size for Your Home in Indiana?
Choosing the right deck size isn’t as simple as picking a rectangle and hoping it feels right. A deck can transform the way you live – extending your home, elevating your property value, and creating a space where people naturally gather. But the wrong deck size? It feels cramped, awkward, or disconnected from your home’s […]
Deck Permit Requirements in Indiana
Building a deck in Indiana looks simple – until you discover that every city, town, and county has its own rules, thresholds, inspections, and paperwork. Most homeowners learn the hard way: failing to pull the right permit can delay projects, trigger fines, derail home sales, and force expensive tear-outs. This guide for deck permit requirements […]