Decks built to last a lifetime
A deck can add so much to our homes - a place to celebrate and gather, to enjoy our beautiful summers and views all year round. But when improperly built to withstand water, various loads, and the weather - they can also be a huge headache. That’s why it’s important to do it right the first time; or get the proper team in to assess and fix your issues
A good deck verse a great deck is what’s underneath -it starts at the ground
A concrete or helical footing is installed on undisturbed ground a depth below grade up to BC building code and dependent on the soil type. The footing extends a minimum 6” above grade to limit moisture exposure. The posts are attached to the footings using a galvanized saddle and structural screws or bolts, so the treated post doesn’t come into contact with the concrete
Next comes the rest of the framing
The ledger board is attached to existing house framing using bolts according to building code in BC. Joists are attached to the ledger using galvanized hangers and proper nails, with a dab of glue to prevent squeaking. Joists are installed 16” on centre and land on a beam sized for span and load. Beam is attached to posts using a post-cap connector.
IT’S ALMOST NEVER THE LUMBER.
Why decks actually fail
Water logged, rotten, leaning, and creaking decks are generally not to the fault of the lumber itself - but how it’s contacting the ground and house
Ledger nailed to existing siding without proper structural screws or bolts, leading to ledger pulling from the house
Missing or badly installed flashing, leading to water damage
Undersized footings, beams and posts, often without galvanized connectors, leading to sagging, twisting and water damage
Missing hangers and connectors, deck being held by toe nails that will fail much sooner
COMMON SHORTCUT
Ledger attached to framing with proper house flashing behind, structural fasteners holding it in place, and metal flashing protecting from water
Properly chosen footing, beam and posts including over engineering for point specific loads
Hangers and connectors up to BC building code
Footing and framing inspection done before decking ever goes down
THE MOUNTAINSIDE WAY
TYPES OF DECKING
Get the look and feel you’ve been dreaming about!
Lastly, with your deck properly framed and secure, we get to choose the deck material - all the options are viable but range in cost, lifespan, and ease of maintenance
What we build
DECKS, DONE PROPERLY FROM THE GROUND UP
New builds, repairs and rebuilds of decks that had corners cut the first time.
New deck builds
Properly framed decks with quality galvanized connectors, structural fasteners and proper flashing. A wide range of decking material including PT, Cedar, Composite and PVC are available, as well as water proof coatings.
2. Deck repair & rebuilds
Leaning, damaged, or dangerous decks? We diagnose what’s happening underneath and what the best steps moving forward will be.
Where we work
KELOWNA, VERNON, SALMON ARM & THE SHUSWAP
Based in the Okanagan and Shuswap, building and repairing decks across the valley.
Let’s build something that stands the test of time.
Tell us about your project or repair and we’ll coordinate the next step!