Agile Remodeling Handyman builds decks, railings, and stairs for customers around Kenmore, WA. We do deck repairs and refinishing too.
Project Profile: Deck, Roof, Retractable Awning
We built this deck using all pressure-treated lumber with a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer. Pressure treated lumber is a good choice for low cost. Specialty lumber vendors sell a better grade of material (sometimes cheaper, too!) than would be found at a big box store.
Finished the wood with two coats of stain and sealant to darken the color and protect the wood from the weather.
Also built the matching roof above to cover half of the deck. This is especially nice to be a able to enjoy the deck and stay dry when it’s raining.
Then for occasional shade, I installed two retractable shades that can be rolled up and down, as well as pulled out at angle to cover the entire deck from the sun. On hot days, this helps to keep the direct sun from shining in and overheating the living room too, which is an improvement for comfort.
Here is a video of that project:
More Deck and Railing Projects and Services
The example project shown above is one of many. Aside from building decks and railings, we also repair them, do tune-ups to tighten posts and rails. We can refinish your deck with stain, clear coat, or elastomeric coat with grit added for a non-slip / non-skid surface.
Here are some of the other decks we’ve made:
We built this deck in West Seattle. It was a basic budget deck, but should last many years.
Connecting a deck ledger to stucco walls presented a challenge with current building codes, which would have required invasive work and higher budget than was afforded. We designed this deck in-house using prescriptive engineering details for a free-standing (instead of ledger) deck. There are no connections to the building, only to the ground below. This design strategy allowed us to keep the cost down, even with proper plan drawings, Seattle Department of Planning and Development permit, and inspection.
Here’s a deck that had weak railings and some rotten deck boards because of sloppy original construction, but the structure was still good. We changed out the old decking for ipe hardwood and rails with round aluminum balusters powder coated black.
Exterior Stairs
We also build exterior stairs and railings. Here are some examples of those:
Pressure-treated steps and flagstone pavers placed on the ground, plus an ipe handrail with round aluminum balusters powder coated black.
Exterior stairs with railings on both sides. The treads are painted with a durable non-slip coating.
Deck and Rail Options
Some of the options that we can provide include: pressure-treated wood, Cedar, Trex or other composite material (TimberTech, Fiberon, etc.), Ipe hardwood, hidden fasteners, cable railing, or metal balusters.
This Consumer Reports article compares the costs and benefits of some of the different materials:
Your home’s outdoor space is an extension of the interior, a place to be enjoyed many months out of the year and some places all year. It makes sense that building or updating a deck can boost the value of your home and provide a peaceful retreat.
Wood decking is the overwhelming choice for homeowners. But synthetic plank decking offers good looks with less upkeep. Composites, which blend ground-up wood and plastic, have chipped away at wood’s popularity. Some even contain recycled plastic.https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/decking/buying-guide/index.htm
With so many materials available, it’s tough to know which will stand the test of time. Use this buying guide to consider smart options that fit your budget and help create a space that’s both relaxing and easy to care for.
Attention to Detail
It’s the small details, such as using a turkey baster to apply liquid treatment inside drilled holes and thoroughly all cuts with treatment, that make our decks last nearly forever.
Posts for railings are anchored to the structure using heavy-duty hardware brackets and bolts. This creates a post that can withstand at least 200 lbs. of lateral pressure in any direction. Some deck guys use lesser attachment methods that may be satisfactory when installed, but do not last as long as this anchor.
Advice for Customers Planning to Build Decks
From my experience, I offer you some words of caution if you’re planning to build a deck;
If some random “deck guy” tells you that you don’t need a permit… proceed with caution. Generally any work that is more than “ordinary repair or replacement” requires a permit. While decks are simple to construct, they can be high risk with liability issues. Several times every year, there are news stories of decks collapsing, even some newly-built decks! If those weren’t prevented, hopefully they were at least insured.
Beside potentially being un-insurable, if a nonconforming deck is in place, it can be a problem for real estate and refinance transactions. There can be financial penalties for lacking permits and inspections from the local jurisdiction. A deck that violates code must be modified or demolished. Common issues are inadequate railing or encroaching on property setback requirements. We check these details and follow the procedures necessary for a “legal” deck.
Advances have been made in engineering standards to reduce common problems and resist the forces of excessive load, earthquakes, and such. We stay up-to-date on best practices for deck construction. You will be confident that your deck is safe and secure after it’s done by Agile Remodeling Handyman.
Enjoy Your Deck!
I can take care of your carpentry, paint, and other handyman tasks.