Need a Deck Builder

I'm looking for a deck builder who will do additions. In other words, I currently have a deck, but would like to extend it and re-do the flooring to composite decking. Has anyone used a deck builder in the last couple of years?

 

Steve - Yes, indeed most don't want to touch it.

 

Jarrett Helms built our deck and we are 100% satisfied. His number is 571-259-3751.

 

Jde - how big is your deck? Are you looking to go with Trex? I have a very good friend/Deck Builder (The Deckhands LLC) in Broadlands and they just might be perfect for your needs.

Their work is outstanding and is done by word of mouth and my deck is absolutely amazing (Trex) and I can highly recommend and vouch for their work. And if anyonre else is interested, let me know. They are really Trex experts and do ALL kinds of jobs with custom lighting too.

 

It's very small - Miller & Smith built it and used lowest grade wood with mostly knot holes. I have used Trex with other townhouses I have owned and would like to definetly use composite. How can I get in touch with Deckhands LLC?
Thanks!!

 

JDE - remember that Trex requires the joices (?) be closer together than your standard pressure treated wood due to sagging. This will probably increase your costs more than you think.

 

joices (?)
[/QUOTE] joists

 

I think we are talking "joist" - which is the floor support structure. And for Trex or similar product, 5/4x6 deck boards, the joist spacing should be no more than 16" on center for residential applications, which is the same span generally recommended for wood. When installing Trex deck boards on a 45 degree diagonal to the joists, reduce spans by a minimum of 4 inches. So, if the existing floor structure has Joist construction of 16" apart, you are ok as long as the boards are installed at right angles and not slanted.

Miller and Smith - are you in one of the Magic Collection townhomes near Safeway? If so, I am familiar with that size as I used to live in one myself...

I will talk to them tonight and get back to you - but if you can get me a guestimate on your square footage that would help. Just a rough idea of length and width. And if this is just a matter of really replacing the deck boards only, then you could really do this yourself?

 

I am looking to expand the deck and replace the flooring with composite. Yes, I'm in the Miller & Smith end unit Houdini I believe. So this is not a do-it-yourself project. The builder did an awful job on the railings as well.

I'll try to find out the square footage and let you know. Thanks

 

Remember, each townhouse area has differing specifications for the deck size, so I would verify what is authorized for your section before having a builder show up.

 

That's pretty typical of M&S!

 

My deck builder friend and I are very familiar with the deck sizes and requirements for the M&S townhomes, especially the Houdini since we both lived there and have built several there before. Also, if you will expand this, does that also mean that you would like to replace the railing with a Trex product? Their railings look great but can be expensive (any composite railing is expensive). How about stairs, did you plan to add any stairs?

There is a size restriction with those models - and if you want an idea of what that would be, and to get an idea of the quality of a wood deck that was built by these guys, take a look at the end unit on Hunters Green, right near Falling Rock next to the home that is for sale. It is across the street from 43070. Any more detail you can give me would be appreciated. And if you had a budget in mind? I can help clarify your cost range. Trex, or similar might run into a couple of thousand dollars - and the railing is the big difference.

 

Thanks for all the info. The deck that M&S put on my unit was very small - only approx. 100 sq. ft. I looked at the survey of the property, and I believe the fact that there is drainage easement running along the side of the property dictated where the deck could be built. I could bring it out a little on the one side. I've had Trex before and really don't think it is upkeep free. I like the Fiberon product for the flooring and top rails. Don't want to go over $3K for the project.

 

I am not sure that I would ever call any deck material (composite) maintenance free. Yes, stain or sealant free... but you will have to clean and wash any deck material. Some have better wear and tear based upon sun exposure, humidity, proximity to a pool etc.

I am not real familiar with Fiberon, but is that the one made from recycled milk containers? I think that is the one recommended in high humidity areas as well and next to pools. Where can you buy that product?

And are you thinking of doing the failing with wood pickets and 4x4 posts but with composite top rail?

 

Due to the drainage easement, I won't be expanding the deck. Instead I would like to replace the floor boards and top railing with either Trex or some other composite. Fiberon was a product that Long Fence uses.

How do I get in touch with your friend for an estimate?

Jde

 

Need Contact Info for Deckhands LLC

Hi
We also plan to build a deck and was wondering whether you could provide contact info for Deckhands LLC so that I can get the folks in and get an estimate. We plan to build it with Trex.

Thanks
Sandeep

 

Does anyone have a website for Virginia Deck and Patio?

 

sorry, I have been busy and not checking the forums the past few days. My friends from Deckhands are out of town and I was trying to check with them and give them a heads-up on who might be contacting them... I will try and post their information later this weekend, I am about to leave town myself.

 

sorry for the delay - for those of you looking for a Deck builder, please feel free to get in touch with the Deckhands. I can highly recommend the quality of their work and their ability to build a deck with Trex or similar product. The direct number for the owner is 703-623-2063 and his name is Tom Wilson. They are a small company so try and schedule an appointment as soon as you can if interested.

I am currently building a web site for them as well, so let me know if you want more information or pictures. Or if you want to come by my house let me know, it could provide you with an excellent sample. I used Trex Accents deck and rail system and the color is saddle. I also had a custom lighting package added to the deck by Tom as well.