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Eight deck safety warning signs to check before summer guests arrive: loose railings, soft wood, rusted hardware, wobbly stairs and more.
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Semi-transparent vs solid deck stain: how they differ in looks, protection, peeling and upkeep, and which one works best on a Lake Michigan deck.
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Use this spring deck checklist to get a Lake Michigan cottage or rental ready for summer: inspect, clean, repair, refinish and set up before the first guests.
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Winterize your deck before Michigan snow: clean off debris, check the finish, store furniture, avoid rock salt and more. 8 simple steps for lakeshore decks.
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Composite decking and cable railings are popular on lake houses for low maintenance and open views. Learn the pros, cons and upkeep before you upgrade.
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Comparing the best deck materials for Lake Michigan homes: pressure-treated pine, cedar, tropical hardwood and composite, with pros, cons and upkeep for each.
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A practical guide to deck sanding and staining in Michigan: when to do it, how to clean, sand and stain, and the mistakes that make stain peel early.
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How to restore a Brazilian hardwood deck like ipe: why it turns silver, how to clean and sand it, which finishes work, and how often to re-oil on the lakeshore.
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Six deck trends lakeshore homeowners are choosing: cable railings, low-maintenance boards, natural wood tones, multi-level layouts, lighting and outdoor living.
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Professional deck refinishing protects lakeshore decks from sun, moisture and Michigan winters. Here are 7 benefits of hiring a pro instead of doing it yourself.