My decks are built using a technique and method I have perfected over the years. The posts are continuous from the ground to the handrail, not bolted or nailed on to the platform where they will eventually come loose.
I also use high quality screws, not nails. Many deck builders use an air nailer so they can finish construction quickly and get their money. Nails eventually work their way back out where they can cause injury to anyone walking barefoot. You shouldn't have to wear foot protection to relax on your deck. Screws stay where they were put.
All of my stair steps are 4 feet wide and designed so that the first steps and the last step are all the same height. I also design my steps with a minimal step height for easy climbing. I prefer to have them about 6 1/2 inches.
The photos on this page a small part of my work. Many were taken before I got a digital camera and the photo had to be scanned. Because of this the photos aren't the best quality. I will try to add more when I have time. ... Larry
This first one is a fairly large deck. The customer opted for the six by six posts and railing which adds cost but really beefs up the look.
This is a deck that was built for the same customer after he relocated. Originally there was a small landing on the back of the residence. That was removed and the deck wrapped around the corner of the building extension. They also had plans of getting a hot tub so the framing was beefed up for that as well. Click on the two smaller photos below to enlarge the before and after shots.
Before photo click to enlarge
After photo click to enlarge
This was a neat deck to build because it had to match up three levels. One from the backdoor, one at the garage and then another drop down to get it closer to the yard level. The customer also wanted a bench that was built in as part of the permanent structure.
This was a tear off of an existing deck that was replaced by another deck and a screened in porch. The steps comedown from the center of the two and then fan out both directions for easy access into the yard.
Click on all four photos to enlarge.
Start of project click to enlarge
Finished deck click to enlarge
Start of project click to enlarge
Finished click to enlarge
For this deck we poured a concrete pad for the hot tub to sit on. The hot tub company then installed the hot tub and we built the deck around it. We also built the privacy fence and trellis which was later fitted with a gate.
Hot tub on hill overlooking swiming pool
Deck showing privacy fence, entrance trellis and waterfall on the left
This was a stair replacement at a customer's lake house. It was challenging due to the rocks and also the concrete in the ground from the old posts.
Click to open the before and after photos.
Steps before click to enlarge
Steps after click to enlarge
This was a very large deck with two levels. The customer helped me build this one as I needed help for sure. It has a total of four sets of steps. I only included a couple of photos because this is also shown on my swimming pool features page.
Click on the smaller photos to enlarge the before and after shots.
View from the upper deck showing Tiki bar with thatched roof
Before click to enlarge
After click to enlarge
This is one that we didn't build because the customer didn't know about us then, but we came behind and stained it. I included it to show what a difference some stain can make. It also provides protection from the sun and rain. I want to add here that it is NEVER a good idea to paint a deck. I don't care what the people at any of the paint places tell you, it will come off and be an unfixable mess.
Photo of a deck we stained with Cabot brand stain. Staining your deck gives more protection and adds character.
