Start with how you actually use a deck
A deck for grilling weeknight dinners is a different deck than one built for hosting twelve people on the 4th of July. We spend the first meeting talking through how you use the backyard now and what you wish you could do — then design from there.
Composite vs. wood — what to know
Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, etc.) costs more up front and saves you a weekend of staining every other year. Pressure-treated wood is the budget option but needs ongoing care. Hardwoods like ipe are stunning and serious money. We will lay out the actual cost over 10 years for each before you decide.
The structure under the deck matters more than the boards on top
Properly sized footings, correct joist spacing, ledger boards bolted (not nailed) to the house, hidden fastener systems, and flashing where the deck meets the siding — these are the details that decide whether your deck still feels solid in year 15.
What's included
- Site survey and design consultation
- Permitting through your township
- Footings dug, poured, and inspected
- Pressure-treated framing
- Composite or wood decking of your choice
- Railing system with code-compliant balusters
- Stairs, landings, and skirting
- Optional: built-in benches, planters, lighting
- Final cleanup and walk-through
