We enjoy designing and constructing quality decks in the Portland Metro Area.  A deck is an investment in your home and you want one that is constructed with the highest care a quality so that it will last for a long time.  We build decks that are built for beauty and functionality.  

What's essential when constructing a deck?

Two things are absolutely essential when constructing a deck that will last a long time.  

Wood Decking If you use wood as a decking and can afford it don't use fir--use Cedar or a hardwood like Mahogony or Ipe.  The Cedar has natural acidic tannins that act as a preservative resisting rot and decay.  Mahogany is a hardwood that resists rot well and is often used to build high class decks.  If left unstained it become a silvery color.  Ipe (Ironwood) is absolute most durable wood for deck construction.  As the name implies it is as hard as iron.  

Composite Decking Recently composite materials have continued become a reliable option. Companies such as TimberTech and Trex have created a composite decking product that is either all PVC or has a colored PVC layer on top to provide extra durability and stain and scratch resistance.  Azek is a company that specializes in making fantastic composite trim.  They have developed Azek Deck, an extremely durable and beautiful product for composite decking.

Fasteners When looking to have a deck constructed fasteners are also key to insure the deck will look good for a long time.  If you are constructing a Cedar deck you should use stainless steel screws or helical (spiraled) nails.  Stainless steel insures that the natural tannins in the wood that prevent rot won't react with the metal and create ugly gray streaks on the surface of your deck.  For any deck there are options to use concealed fasteners so that you won't have countersunk screws on top of the deck collecting dirt.  

2.  Getting The Job Done Right.

You want whoever builds your deck to build it to the same degree of exactness and the same high standard that you would hold yourself to if you were a contractor.  You want someone committed to doing it the right the first time so that three years down the road you won't be trying to find his number because something has gone wrong.  We do a lot of repairs as well as construction, so we see what happens when a deck isn't flashed right and it causes the dry rot in the exterior walls of the house.  Being involved in these kinds of repairs specially qualifies us to build you a deck that will last a long time.  

You want someone who is committed to their customers.  Don't take my word for it; check out what our previous customers have said.  

What are other considerations when building a deck?  

When we come out to give you an estimate we will walk you through a number of considerations, but to help you start thinking here are a few.  

Elevation: elevation always comes into play when you are considering building a deck.  If the deck is not very high off the ground (Often 18"-24") you won't be required to have us work with the county and the extra hassle and cost that come with that.  

Stand Off Requirements: whether it is a permitted deck or not, you always need to make sure that you are within county or city requirements.  Often there is a stand off distance you have to be away from fences--especially if the deck is very high of the ground.  

Decking Material: different decking materials have already been discussed.  Ask yourself what the primary purpose of the deck is and how much maintenance you are willing to do to it.  Will it be covered?  Will it be near a hot tub?  How long do you want it to last?  What can you afford?  We will help you look at the options and decide what is the best material that will best suit your needs.  

Deck Features: deck features are nearly endless, but here are a few things we could incorperate into your deck:

• Benches - add benches that match the deck.
• Rails - add decorative rails using iron or special construction.  
• Stairs - add stairs in different locations.  
• Levels - add different levels to the deck.  
• Hot tub - add an area for a hot tub on the deck.
• Curves - add curves to the railing, stairs or deck surface.
• Planters - add planters for your favorite plants.  

Here is a deck we completed for a homeowner who called us to replace the doors on the shed underneath. We found that the deck was not stable, and ended up rebuilding the entire deck. 

 Click on the photos below to see them enlarged.