Wood Deck Installation

Not all wood is created equal when it comes to deck building in Waco. We work with several types of lumber, and each has pros and cons you should understand:

• Pressure-treated pine: The most budget-friendly option that's been treated to resist rot and insects. It's durable and widely available, making it the most popular choice for deck framing and decking boards
• Cedar: A naturally rot-resistant wood with a beautiful reddish tone and pleasant aroma. It's lightweight, stable, and weathers to an attractive gray if left unstained
• Redwood: Premium option known for its rich color and natural resistance to decay. It's more expensive but offers exceptional beauty and longevity
• Tropical hardwoods: Dense woods like Ipe or Tigerwood that are incredibly durable and naturally resistant to rot, insects, and weather. They require less maintenance but cost more upfront

Most of our customers choose pressure-treated pine for the structure and either continue with pine for the decking or upgrade to cedar for the visible surfaces. This gives you a great balance of performance and value. We'll help you pick the right wood based on your budget, maintenance preferences, and the look you want to achieve.

Building a wood deck requires both carpentry skills and structural knowledge. We start with a solid foundation using concrete footings that extend below the frost line to prevent settling and movement. The posts, beams, and joists are all sized and spaced according to code requirements for the span and load your deck will carry.

We pay special attention to the ledger board where your deck attaches to your house. This connection point is critical for safety, and we make sure it's properly flashed and bolted to prevent water intrusion and structural failure. Many older decks have problems here, but we do it right from the start.

When installing the decking boards, we use proper spacing to allow for drainage and wood movement. We select the best boards for visible areas and orient them to minimize cupping and warping. Our fasteners are either galvanized or stainless steel to prevent rust stains, and we pre-drill ends to prevent splitting.

After the deck surface is installed, we add railings, stairs, and other features. We can build with traditional balusters, cable railings, or decorative patterns that match your home's style. If you're interested in upgrading your railings with modern safety features, we can handle that too. Finally, we recommend professional staining and sealing to protect your investment and enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

Let's be honest about maintenance. Wood decks need more care than composite alternatives. But for many homeowners, the natural beauty and warmth of wood is worth the effort. Plus, with the right maintenance routine, you can keep your deck looking great for 20 years or more.

You should clean your deck at least once a year with a deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew, and oxidation. Every two to three years, you'll want to sand high-traffic areas and apply a fresh coat of stain or sealer. This protects the wood from moisture and UV damage while bringing back that fresh, rich color.

We teach all our customers proper maintenance techniques when we complete their deck installation. We can also provide ongoing maintenance services if you prefer to have professionals handle the work. Regular care makes a huge difference in how long your deck lasts and how good it looks over the years.

If you're concerned about maintenance, you might consider composite decking which requires much less upkeep. We're happy to discuss both options and help you make the choice that fits your lifestyle.