Decks

Considering a new deck?

Years ago, you didn’t have many choices: decks were pressure treated or perhaps mahogany. In the last few years, composite decks have created an overwhelming number of possibilities. Here are my views on the most common decking materials:

While the least expensive material is still pressure treated lumber, I don't believe that it should ever be used for decking. Pressure treated lumber splinters, fades, twists, warps, and looks unattractive after a very short time. At best, you must stain a pressure treated deck every 6 to 12 months, but even a fresh coat of stain can't hide the defects of this subgrade product. Why not spend a little extra money to get a deck that you’re really going to appreciate?

The most expensive choices--and definitely the most aesthetically pleasing--are any of the South American Hardwoods such as mahogany, canberra, or ipe. The colors and grains of these woods are amazing, and they can really add to the beauty of your home. Decks made of these materials require very little maintenance. A quick sanding and a new coat of oil every year restores them to a brand-new appearance. In addition, new systems for installing this type of decking will eliminate unsightly screws. The decking boards can be attached from beneath the deck with a variety of special fasteners.

Composite decking materials offer a compromise between the drawbacks of pressure treated woord and the high cost of South American Hardwoods. Initially, composite decks had problems with mold, mildew, and fading. Most of those issues have now been resolved, and a composite deck can be an excellent option for your home. However, these decks aren't maintenance free, and they can stain and fade a little over time. As with South American Hardwood decks, hidden fasteners can be used to install composite decking. For a custom touch, composite decking can be bent using a special heat belt to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs.

I have installed dozens of decks in the past ten years.

Three details set my decks apart from everyone else's:

First, when I attach a deck to a house or other structure, I use the required number of fasteners. Deck failure is a serious problem. I recently witnessed a large deck that had collapsed because the ledger board (the board that holds the deck to the house) had been improperly secured by nails, and not by lags or carriage bolts.

Next, I properly flash the connection between the house and the deck, keeping rain water from rotting the sill plate of your house. I have seen several sill plates completely rotted away due to lack of flashing.

Finally, I complement all of my decks with custom railings, posts, and stairs. Have you ever leaned against a deck railing only to step back quickly because you weren’t sure it would hold you? According to IRC code, the deck posts should be able to withstand 200 pounds of lateral force. I attach my posts in a manner that fulfills this requirement. You can lean against my deck railings, and they will remain solid.

Adding a deck to your home can be a valuable upgrade.

A deck provides an ideal outdoor living space to barbecue, entertain guests, or just take in our beautiful Texas weather. I hope you’ll contact me so we can begin working together to create a beautiful deck to accent your home.