Q. I saw that the decks that you can build this way are cheaper and I'm interested. Any advice?

A. 1. Go to Lowe's or Home Depot. 2. Buy a book on decks.

Q. "Deckscapes" cedar toner. The decks were properly prepared, but I find they are not holding up well, even after only one year. I have had a Sickens product recommended to me. It retails for over 60 bucks a gallon. I can buy it for about $40. I don't mind spending the extra money if I can find a quality product. Any thoughts?

A. The best deck sealer is called cuprinol, and it has been used in the marine industry to seal boats for over 100 years. It is not a common product through the usual sources, but you can find it easily with a web search by the same name for closer to $30 per gallon. It is always best to seal with a pigmented stain, because the pigment acts as a sun block, and sunlight is the stain/sealer's worst enemy. The farthest you can go from a clear stain, the longer the wood will resist sunlight damage.

Q. * The wood is enviro-wood made from recycled wood and from sustainable growth forests. Apart from cost what are the pros & cons

A. Depends on what look your going for. If you want a country look real wood looks better. If you want more of a pulled together classic look then you could use faux wood.

Q. I want to replace my shutters in Florida. I do not know whether the wood shutter would be better due to the Florida sun. I worry that the composite shutter might yellow from the sun.

A. I agree, the sun may yellow the composite - though it depends on what kind of composite. If it is the type that composite boards are made from for decks, for instance, that is made to be durable enough not to yellow from the sun for a looooong time. If it's the type like vinyl siding, that yellows fairly quickly (still years, but sooner). And if you go with wood and stain it, keep in mind that the polyurethane you use (depending on oil or water based and brand) can also cause it to yellow in sunlight over many years. From a design standpoint, I prefer wood - to me, it just looks better, and if you change your mind on how you want the room decorated, you can lighten or darken the stain, paint it, etc. Generally there are less options with composite, and less times you can redo it. For an indoor application though where you just have to deal with the sun and not stormy weather etc., you will probably be fine with either. Good luck! (:

Q. I do wood flooring, tile, build decks, hang lights, bathroom fixtures, etc...I am honest and hard working...can be reached for free estimates..817-808-2615

A. Aside from advertising your business in this space, do you have a question regarding small business?

Q. In my backyard, I have two sizable wild cherry trees which need felled. While I am having the tree company leave the wood behind, I am at a loss as to what should be done with the wood. Some of the wood I will save to use for smoking chips for BBQ. But, two tree worth of chips seems excessive. I suck at word working, but it would be nice to have something made from the wood, perhaps to be used as wood flooring. Or perhaps carve the wood into ornamental pieces ... would that be a waste? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

A. Leave it in long 8 foot logs if possible, then find someone to buy the wood from you. If you have enough wood, you might get someone to build something smallish for you, end tables or the such, in return for the rest of the wood.

Q. Given a choice, which would you chose and why?

A. They are MUCH cheaper than the real wood, just as durable and some brands are every bit as nice as the real wood ones. We did our house in the faux wood for $1500 less than what real wood would have cost.

Q. Hello I live in Los Angeles, Ca. And I'm moving to a new apt. It has a balocony, but the floor is very messed up. I was wondering what I can use to cover it?? Something that looks good and is also waterproof?? I saw this product called Sand Rich, that looks real good, but tey only have contractors in NY who do, they told me that I can buy it, and that ANY flooring contractor can apply it for me. But do you think thats true? OR is it too hard?? Is theres anything similar to Sand-Rich that I can get over where I live?? Hers the link to that sand rich stuff: http://ssmincorporated.com/sandrich/index.html ~~~Sorry for all the typos, i'm just stressing out because I am moving out in less than a week! Thanks for all your help :)

A. The farther apart the joist the thicker the material. wood can be treated.not pressure treated.this stuff is difficult to work with. some treatments keep the termites out too.and once dry can be painted or stained. i didn't check that site but have heard of the plastic or carbon fiber fake wood. look up decks in your search bar