Decks

Here is a sampling of the some of the deck and porch work I've done over the past 8-9 years.

First is an 11'w x 6' deep porch. As evident in the before photo, it replaced a crumbling, uneven concrete porch. The old one was pitched toward the house, with badly deteriorated steps, and it's height created an awkward step to the threshold of the front door. The solution was to use a 2x6 frame, supported by the old concrete and shimmed level, to bring the surface to an appropriate height. The framing is covered by 6" wide Ipe decking, an exotic hardwood that is both very hard and weather resistant. An oil finish brings out the dark grain in the wood. A pair of columnswrapped in Western Red Cedar replace the original dated metal posts which the homeowner couldn't wait to have replaced.

The next deck is a 12'x12' ground-level deck with integrated benches and a pergola. It was built to compliment the sliding-patio door, which replaced an aging set of windows, and provides direct access to the backyard. Similar to Ipe in terms of hardness and weather resistance, the Brazilian Redwood (a.k.a. Massaranduba) has a deep red color, and should be durable and low-maintenance for years. Larger 6x6 columns support, and give visual-weight, to the structure. It is entirely free-standing, with no ledger along the house, to eliminate the risk of leaking flashing rotting the house framing.

I have worked on dozens of decks or varying materials, size and structure. In addition to Ipe and Redwood, Plastic Composite, pine, and Pvc have been used to create different unique spaces. Railing systems from pre-fabricated composite, to custom shaped

cedar and pine, with balusters in wood, stainless-steel cable, and glass.

There are many options, varying in cost and complexity, to suit any budget and project.