A well-designed deck extends the living space of a home into the outdoors. A poorly designed deck becomes an expensive platform that collects leaves.
Structural Planning
The most critical structural decision in deck design is ledger board attachment — how the deck connects to the house. Improper ledger attachment is the most common cause of deck collapse. This connection must be flashed and bolted to the house rim joist with proper hardware.
Footings and Posts
Posts must be set below the frost line in concrete footings to prevent heaving. In cold climates, frost footings can extend 48 inches or more below grade. The cost of proper footings is non-negotiable — cutting corners here is the second most common deck failure mode.