Deck Construction & Repair
From foundation to railing, built for real outdoor use around the lake.
A deck is one of the more heavily used outdoor structures on a property, especially on a lakefront lot where it's the main space for actually enjoying the water view. We build new decks from the foundation up and repair existing ones, using the same framing, post-setting, and weather-resistant material judgment that goes into our fence work — a deck takes the same humidity, sun, and ground-moisture exposure a fence does, just with the added structural demand of supporting foot traffic, furniture, and gatherings.
Foundation and framing
A deck's foundation — footings set below the frost line and deep enough for the local soil, posts sized to the deck's actual span and load — is the part that determines whether a deck stays solid for decades or starts to sag and bounce within a few years. This matters even more on a lakefront property, where grade, drainage, and proximity to the water all affect how a foundation needs to be built compared to a standard inland backyard deck.
Railings
Railing style is often the most visible design decision on a deck, especially one with a view worth framing rather than blocking. We build wood railings to match or complement an existing fence on the property, sized and spaced to meet standard safety spacing (no gap wide enough for a small child to fit through) while still keeping sightlines as open as the design allows.
Decking material
Pressure-treated pine and cedar are the standard decking materials, with the same trade-offs that apply to fencing: cedar looks better natural or lightly stained and resists rot on its own, pressure-treated pine costs less and is a solid choice under a solid stain or paint. Composite decking is also an option where extremely low long-term maintenance matters more than matching a natural wood look.
Repair vs. rebuild
Not every deck problem calls for a full rebuild — a soft or rotted board, a loose railing, or a single failing post are all section repairs. A full rebuild becomes the right call when the foundation itself (footings, main support posts) has failed or was undersized from the start, since no amount of surface-level repair fixes a structural problem underneath.
Stairs and multi-level decks
A deck built on a slope toward the water, common on a lot around Lake Livingston, often needs stairs down to a lower level or dock, or a multi-level design that steps down with the terrain rather than one flat platform. Stair stringers and landings take real structural load and weather exposure, so they get the same footing and framing attention as the main deck structure rather than being treated as a simpler add-on.
Permits and setback requirements
Depending on the property's location, a new deck may need a permit, and there may be setback requirements from a property line or the water itself that affect how large or how close to a boundary a deck can be built. We can talk through what applies to a specific address during a free estimate rather than assuming requirements are the same everywhere in our service area.
Fasteners and hardware
Galvanized or stainless fasteners matter more on a deck than people expect — a standard uncoated fastener will corrode and stain the surrounding wood well before the wood itself needs replacing, especially with the humidity this area gets. We use hardware rated for exterior, ground-contact-adjacent use throughout, not just at the footings, since a deck's fasteners take the same weather exposure as the boards they're holding together.
Skirting under an elevated deck
An elevated deck leaves an open gap underneath that's worth closing off — it keeps animals out, hides what's stored underneath, and finishes off the look. See our dedicated skirting page for the full range of materials we install (wood, metal, vinyl, lattice, brick, and CMU block), for decks as well as houses, mobile homes, and sheds.
Adding a pergola or roof later
A deck built without a pergola or roof initially can usually have one added later, but it's worth mentioning that possibility during the original design, since footing and framing can be planned to make a future addition simpler rather than requiring extra reinforcement work down the line. See our pergola construction page for that option.
Frequently asked questions
How do you know if a deck needs a repair or a full rebuild?
It comes down to the foundation — if footings and main support posts are sound, most visible problems (boards, railings, individual posts) are section repairs. If the foundation itself has failed, a rebuild is the more honest recommendation.
What decking material holds up best near the lake?
Cedar and pressure-treated pine both perform well with proper maintenance; composite decking is worth considering where minimizing long-term upkeep matters more than a natural wood look.
Can a deck railing be built to match an existing fence?
Yes — matching board style, spacing, and finish between a deck railing and an existing fence is a common request and gives a more cohesive look across the property.
Do you install skirting under a house, not just a deck?
Yes — we skirt houses, mobile homes, and sheds in addition to decks. See our skirting page for the full material options.