December 2025

TL;DR Most deck rot in Austin starts at end‑grain—the straw‑like fibers at board ends, post bottoms, and cut penetrations that wick water. Stop “wick‑rot” by sealing every cut edge, elevating posts off concrete, flashing ledgers correctly, and keeping water moving with drip gaps and joist tape. Choose finishes that block moisture, add borate treatment where […]

TL;DR Austin sun punishes dark, glossy decking. In side‑by‑side heat tests, lighter hues and matte/textured caps stayed more comfortable, and assemblies with airflow underneath cooled faster. PVC and certain light‑tone capped composites typically ran cooler than dense, dark boards; porcelain pavers on pedestals were among the coolest. If you love rich colors, add shade and