ELEMENTS OF A DECK

Decks are composed of many elements. A deck's anatomy encompasses Framing, Flashing, Deck boards, Deck Rails, Hand Rails, Pickets, Post Caps, Stairs, Stair Rails, Beauty Bands, and Lattice (optional).  Rex can walk you through our process of how a deck is reviewed for damage and each deck component's details. We provide our customers with various options for each element. Select a tab below for more details:

Free Inspection

Worker hanging siding

An older deck can be a huge safety issue, loose or unstable rails and handrails, deck boards with nails that have popped up, and/or wood rotting near the flashing, leaving your deck unstable and unsafe. 


We will inspect your deck, verify its integrity, and ensure your safety. First, we will look at each deck element, starting with the framing and flashing, to determine what can be reused, refurbished, and replaced.

We Recommend Composite Decking

deck

We build decks that last! We highly recommend composite decking. It requires very minimal maintenance (just yearly power washing), and is resistant to stains, mold, and mildew, and retains its color for 25 to 30 years, depending on the decking you select. Wood decking lasts approximately 15 to 20 years and is subject to mold, insects, fading, and rotting. 

   

See our deck portfolio page for more examples of decks we've built.

Deck Rails

deck terms

Deck rails are composed of 4 major elements:


  • Pickets (3/4' aluminum or 2x2" pickets)
  • Posts (6x6 post with a vinyl sleeve)
  • New England Post Caps
  • Top Rails (T-Top or Deck Rails)


See the handrail section on the Deck Portfolio page for available options.


railing terms

Stairs consist of the following elements:


  • Treads 
  • PVC Risers with Hidden Fasteners*
  • Rails**
  • New England Post Caps

See the deck portfolio page for more options.


*New code requires riser, so children and animals don't fall between the treads.


**The rails can consist of T-Top or we can install the deck top but code requires the installation of an ADA Grab Bar.

We Recommend Trex Decks

Four Types of Trex Decks (listed from Best to Basic):

  • Trex Transcend Lineage

    • Wood grain styles and lighter tones
    • Light color options (Biscayne and Ranier)
    • Cooler than other options, even on hot days
    • Fade, Stain, Scratch, and Mold Resistant

  • Trex Transcend

    • Deep wood grain styles
    • Eight luxury color options (Havana Gold, Island Mist, Lava Rock, Spiced Rum, Tiki Torch, Gravel Page, Rope Swing, & Vintage Lantern)
    • 25 Year Limited Residential and Fade and Stain Warranties

  • Trex Select

    • Five nature-inspired color options (Pebble Grey, Winchester Grey, Select Saddle, Woodland Brown, and Madeira)
    • 25-Year Limited Residential Fade and Stain Warranties
    • Uses 95% recycled plastic and reclaimed wood

  • Trex Enhance

    • Seven  color options (Rocky Harbor, Toasted Sand, Clam Shell, Foggy Wharf, Coastal Bluff, Beach Dune, and Enhanced  Saddle)
    • 25-Year Limited Residential Fade and Stain Warranties
    • Uses 95% recycled plastic and reclaimed wood

Trex Color Options

Select from the colors shown below. Each color below is in order of the highest to the lowest deck color options. All of the deck options are made to meet high standards. As you go up each grade, they have are more stain resistant, cooler, and are more aesthetically pleasing. Most of our customers prefer Foggy Wharf or Rocky Harbor.

Trex Transcend Lineage

Trex Transcend

Trex Select

Trex Enhance