Dear James: I could use a long bench on my deck to use when entertaining. Are there low-cost, simple-to-build bench designs that I could make myself? -- Mark B. Dear Mark: Building a deck bench is one ...

DEAR TIM: Last weekend I was at a party and sat on a bench that was built into the deck. It was such a clever idea, and it had handy armrests that were perfect to set food plates or drinks on. I want ...

Are you about to build a deck by yourself? Perhaps you’re going to hire a professional. My guess is you don’t know as much about the process as you should know. Add to the mix the cable TV shows that ...