I'm sure you have many questions regarding your new deck or porch.  This list should help answer most of them.  If there is anything that you don't see on here, just email and I will be happy to respond.

DECK DETAILS

What type of material is used to build my deck?
ACQ lumber (otherwise known as pressure treated pine) is used. ACQ stands for Alkaline Copper Quaternary and is used in place of the old CCA treated wood which had uncertainties regarding its safety.

What are some typical lumber dimensions used in my deck?
Posts can be 4x4s or 6x6s.  Decking is 5/4x6. Railing is typically made with 2x4s for the horizontal members, 2x2s for the pickets and 5/4x6 for the top cap.  The wide top cap is essential for placement of your well-deserved drink after a long day at work.

How are my decking boards secured?
For pressure treated decking we use 2 3/8” double hot-dipped, ring shanked, galvanized nails. You can upgrade to decking screws instead of nails for a small fee.
For composite decking we use composite-specific screws that have the same color as your decking.

Do you install hidden fasteners?
Hidden fasteners can be used for an additional fee.  They leave the surface of your decking visually free of fasteners for a cleaner look, but the connection isn’t quite as strong as the typical nailed or screwed down connection.

What brand of composite decking can be used on my deck?
The major difference between different brands of composites is the look. Most of it comes down to personal preference and we have found that Trex offers a wide product line that suits most tastes.

How tall is my railing?
If your deck is over 30” off the ground, a 36” high railing is required.

How do you waterproof the connection between my house and deck?
All decks that are attached to the house must have flashing.  Aluminum was used in the past, but is now considered incompatible with ACQ lumber.  We use vinyl flashing as it is virtually unaffected by environmental conditions.  For freestanding decks unattached to the house, there is no need to use flashing.

MAINTENANCE

Will my pressure treated deck turn gray?
Yes.  The grey is caused by UV rays from the sun.

Will my pressure treated deck split and crack?

Yes.  Wood exposed to the elements will weather and will show splits and cracks.  This does not affect the structural integrity of the deck and is purely cosmetic.  Treating your deck with a sealer will help slow the effects.

Do I need to treat my deck with a sealer or stain?

Treating your deck with a sealer and stain keeps the deck looking better longer.  Clear sealers keep water from penetrating the wood while sealers with a tint also protect the wood from the graying effects of the sun’s UV rays.

How soon should I protect my new deck?
We recommend waiting 3 to 6 weeks to allow the newly treated wood to dry. One indication that your deck is dry and ready for treatment is when the color has gone from the “green” treated color to a tan.  Also, the deck boards will have dried and created a ¼” gap between them.

I am considering composite decking.  Is it maintenance free?
No. Unfortunately, there is nothing that is no-maintenance on a house. Low maintenance decking is a better term.  Being exposed to the elements causes dirt, pollen, and mildew to accumulate on all exposed surfaces.  What makes composite decking low maintenance is that an occasional rinse with water will usually keep the deck looking clean.

What about scratches and stain on composites?
Composite decking can be scratched easier than wood. You need to treat your composite decking with care.  Using trivets under your flower pots and a grease pad under you grill will help keep your deck looking good for years to come. Trex Escapes is a new product that doesn’t scratch or stain as easily as other composites.

Is Ipe decking low maintenance?
Yes, it doesn’t split and crack quite like pressure treated pine. Periodic cleanings is all that is needed, but a sealer can also be applied for a richer color.

BUILDING MY DECK

How long will it take to build my deck?
It depends on the size of your deck and the material being used. There will typically be 2-4 members working on your deck.  Your contract will show the estimated starting date and working time.

Do you space my decking boards?
If you have a pressure treated deck there will be no spacing during installation. After a couple of weeks you will notice some spacing that will eventually be about ¼” wide. Composite decking is installed with spacing as it does not shrink like treated wood.

Do you work if it is raining?
Rain isn’t good for our tools. When it rains we go home and come back when the weather improves.  Heat doesn’t affect us as much as we are accustomed to the hot and humid North Carolina summers.

Do you give free estimates?
Yes.  We give you a complete information packet that will help guide your decisions regarding your new deck or porch.  This will be emailed to you following our meeting and discussion of your project.

Do I need a permit?
99% of the time you will need a permit and this is stated on your estimate.   We will handle the permit and inspections.  If you have a plot plan of your property (usually received when purchasing your home), it is helpful for us to get a copy of this for the permitting process.

Do I have to call in the inspections?
No, we take care of this for you. Your permit papers will be on site for the inspector to review at each of the inspections.

I have a Home Owner’s Association; do they need to know about my deck?
Yes. You can contact your HOA as find out what is required for the approval process.  Our description of the deck is usually all that is needed.  Getting approval from the HOA is the responsibility of the home owner.

What are my responsibilities when my deck is being built?
Make sure the water spigot is on as we need this for the concrete.  Make sure the electric outlet outside is working. 

Is BuildCraft licensed and insured?
Yes.  We are a licensed Residential Contractor in North Carolina and carry full liability and worker’s compensation.
To check that we are in good standing, please visit: http://www.nclbgc.net/lic_fr.html  for License #62631.

Do you have references?
Yes. We will give you a list of references with the estimate.  For our past customers, there is a feedback link on the website that lets us know if we need to make any improvements in our service.

Are you on the job?
I am on every job, but not full time. I do visit the job site daily and am up to date on the status of the project. When busy, I will also be physically working on the deck.

If I sign your proposal is this a legal contract?
Yes.  The contract will include all the details of the project to be sure we are in agreement with the plan.  It will also state the total cost for the project along with a payment schedule.

What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash and check.

Do you offer a warranty?
With literally hundreds of decks built, you can be assured that your deck or porch will be properly constructed.  We offer a one year warranty on material and workmanship.