Take heart. The next part of building the deck, installing the railing and balusters, is not difficult. For the railings, we recommend pressure-treated 2-by-2s with a 2-by-4 top and bottom rail.

I went shopping for some deck balusters at a big-box store and came away with sticker shock. I knew there had to be a cheaper way to redo my deck! Later, I noticed some used golf clubs lying ...