FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What type of materials do you use for building decks?
There are few different types of materials you can use to build your deck. The most popular type of material is wood, but there are also options for composite decking. Each type of materials has its own benefits and drawback, so it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs.
WOOD: Wood is the most popular choice for decks because it’s affordable and easy to work with. There are a variety of woods you can choose from, including cedar, and pressure-treated lumber. Wood decks require more maintenance than other types of decks, but they can be stained or painted to match your house exterior.
COMPOSITE: Composite decking is made from mix of wood fibers and plastic. It looks like wood but is more durable and requires less maintenance. Composite decks can be more expensive than wood decks, but they usually come with a warranty.
How do you support the deck with posts?
If possible we can use the existing deck posts. For a new deck, I hire a professional company to install steel piles which are 7-10″ deep in the ground, which is guaranteed to last for up to 50 years. Our goal is to make sure your deck is done durable and will last longer.
What materials do you use to build the deck?
All framing materials we use are pressure treated lumber. The decking material can be:
- 5/4 round pressure treated ( 1″ thick)
- 2×6 pressure treated ( 1 1/2″ thick) that will last longer the the 5/4 round
- Cedar decking looks well and smells better in the outdoor, however it’s still a wood and has to be stained and maintained over the years
- Composite decking have a warranty for up to 50 years. You may get it at lesser price when purchased from bulk wholesalers ( it ranges from $3 a linear foot to $10 a linear foot)
- Lower end composite boards is an option but it can crack easily during installation
- Higher end composite boards are more durable for extreme weather, however, like any composite boards, it can be scratched easily
- For delivery, composite boards can take up to 4-6 weeks to deliver
What kind of screws do you use to install my deck?
We use galvanized nails and screws. To frame the deck, we use nails. For all joist hangers, and installing the deck, we use structural screws.