Deck Builds · Deck Restoration

Decks take a beating at elevation. Snow sits for months, melt-freeze cycles work into every crack, and summer UV is intense. We start every deck job with a structural inspection—checking ledger board attachment to the house, joist hangers, post footings, and rail connections. If fasteners have backed out or wood has split around lag bolts, we address it before any cosmetic work. A deck that looks good but isn't structurally sound is a liability. Repair work includes replacing rotted or split decking boards, sistering joists if needed, reinforcing rail posts that have loosened, and re-securing ledger boards to current code. We don't patch over problems. Once the structure is solid, we sand the entire surface—typically starting with 60 grit to open the grain and remove the old finish, then 80 grit for a smooth surface. We use penetrating oil-based stains, not film-forming products that peel in one winter. Stain application happens in dry weather, usually late spring through early fall. We avoid application if rain is forecast within 24 hours or if overnight temps drop below 50°F—stain won't penetrate or cure properly in cold or damp conditions. Two coats on horizontal surfaces, extra attention to end grain and high-wear areas like stairs and landings. Most decks in Nevada County need restaining every 2-3 years. If you've gone longer, expect more prep work—the wood grays and the grain raises, so sanding takes longer and uses more material. We also repair or replace stairs, add heat tape routing for snow melt on high-traffic steps, and install bear boxes on decks where required by local ordinances. Deck work is seasonal here—we book spring and summer projects starting in March, and the schedule fills by May. If you're planning deck work, call early. Structural problems don't fix themselves. A loose ledger board that's pulling away from the house will eventually fail, usually when someone leans on the rail or when snow load hits its peak. We've seen decks collapse. The repair before that happens costs a fraction of the rebuild after.

“We fully build decks from the ground up. We also have the ability to fully restore weathered decks to bring them back to life. ”