DECK FAQs
Do you build new decks or only repairs?
While we do some new decks, most of our customers are looking to repair, replace, or refurbish their existing decks.
What decking materials do you recommend (wood vs. composite)?
With respect to decking materials, we are partial to composite decking as it offers low maintenance and is attractive throughout most of its life. It should have a life expectancy of 25-30 years. Wood deck boards have an expected life of 15 to 30 years depending upon original quality of wood, preservatives and of the exposure of the deck boards. Top level deck boards typically weather faster than mid-level decks, and need to be replaced before the mid-level deck boards.
What materials do you recommend for handrails (wood or other)?
We are big fans of using 6x6 posts with vinyl sleeves and caps with aluminum reinforced vinyl handrails. While posts can be 4x4 provided they are not notched, we prefer to use 6x6 posts and through bolt them along with back blocking between the joists, which provides a very strong post.
The building code requires handrails to have a minimum height of 36” to be able to withstand a horizontal load of 200#s at the top of the railing.
Can I just replace my handrails and not the decking?
The short answer is yes, but in most situations, we find that if the handrails are bad, unless the deck boards have been recently replaced, then the deck boards typically need replacing as well. Also, it makes it easier to replace hand-rail posts at the same time as deck boards are being replaced.
Do you handle permits for new decks?
Yes, we can prepare drawings, pull permits, and handle scheduling of required inspections.
How long does it take to build or refurbish a deck?
Depends upon the size of job and the amount of time required for pre-construction planning which would include preparation of drawings, engineering, permitting, ordering, and waiting for materials to be delivered. Often, the time for preconstruction planning is much longer than the construction time. Other factors include our current backlog of jobs and the time of year. We recommend that homeowners who have a home rental should begin planning for fall and winter projects in the early summer. This is time of year when we have finished most of our projects from fall- spring remodeling season, and we have time to dedicate towards planning your fall- winter project.
Frequently, we will have clients call us early spring wanting to get work done for the rental season. While we can sometimes do temporary repairs to get the home through the rental season, in some cases we, and most other quality companies are too busy to take on more jobs.
If my boards and handrails are old and need to be replaced, does this mean the structural framing needs to be replaced as well?
It depends upon the condition of the structural framing, which consists of the pilings, girders, joist, and bands. In some cases the pilings are constructed of only 6x6’s. We typically would recommend the framing be redone in order to upgrade to 8x8 pilings, along with new girders, joists, and bands. In many cases the existing structural framing is in good shape even when the existing deck is 20-30 years old, and in these situations, we will often just replace the decking and handrails.
