The easiest method for running deck joists, especially when you're working alone, is to attach joist hangers to the ledger board before installing your joists. The trick is to set them at the ...

Q: Tim, my neighbor discovered that many of his outdoor deck floor joists are rotting. The rot is along the top where the decking attaches to them. It’s treated lumber rated for outdoor exposure.

Many years ago I wrote a blog post detailing one of the most common deck defects that I find: improper joist hanger nails. The issue detailed in that blog post was the use of 1-½" nails in places ...

Are they safe? Are there any best practices when it comes to using them, both indoors and outdoors on decks? What about the beams that joist hangers are attached to, or the support posts?