Deck Tips

TL;DR If your deck feels loose, it probably is. Small, repeatable tests—done safely—can surface hidden problems long before they become repairs: post rock and uplift, beam deflection, joist bounce, ledger looseness, guard/handrail flex, and stair racking. Our Austin‑ready “Wobble Index” walks you through a 30–45 minute sequence that scores wobble, sway, and vibration so you […]

TL;DR You don’t need a solid wall to make your deck feel secluded. In Austin, the winning combo is air‑permeable screens (slatted wood/composite, laser‑cut metal, cable grids with climbers) + strategic placement (angle and height tuned to the neighbor sightline and wind) + noise‑softening surfaces (plants, rugs, upholstered benches). Keep guards code‑compliant, align posts with

TL;DR In Austin’s heat, poolside decks need two things most: low surface temperature and reliable wet‑foot traction. Start by choosing lighter‑colored, low‑mass surfaces (porcelain pavers on pedestals, capped PVC/composite boards rated for high slip resistance, or dense tropical hardwoods with textured finishes). Design for water movement—pitch away from the pool, break up sheets with drip

TL;DR Rooftop and over‑garage decks add premium outdoor space without expanding your footprint—if waterproofing, wind design, and access are dialed in. Treat the roof as a system: continuous membrane (or liquid‑applied) with protected transitions, a floating deck surface on pedestals or sleepers that won’t trap water, and edge/penetration details signed off by an engineer. In

TL;DR Tiered decks tame Austin’s tricky slopes by stepping living space down the hill in safe, code‑compliant platforms. Smart tiering starts with drainage and soil stability, then matches footing type to slope and soil (think helical piles on steep grades, beefed‑up concrete piers where limestone is shallow). Use short, intimate platforms tied together with landings

TL;DR Austin decks live under high UV, long hot spells, clay soils, and pop-up storms. A 60–90-minute seasonal walkthrough, as outlined in the deck safety checklist, prevents minor issues from becoming costly repairs. Work clockwise: start at the house connection (ledger & flashing), then move through footings/posts, beams/joists, decking, rails/stairs, and utilities. Look for wobble,

TL;DR Austin decks pass or fail inspection at the guards and stairs. Know these basics according to building codes : guard height typically ≥36 in. on most residential decks; baluster/rail infill must block a 4-in. sphere; stairs need consistent rise/run (no trip steps), graspable handrails, and safe landings; guards and handrails must resist concentrated and

TL;DR Footings carry your entire deck, so Austin builds live or die by soil reality, correct depth/diameter, and inspection timing. In Central Texas, you’ll see clay that swells, pockets of rock, and slope transitions that change loads. Good builders size piers for bearing and uplift, not just a round number, and plan for inspection hold

TL;DR Most serious deck failures start at the ledger (where the deck attaches to your home) and at the flashing that keeps water out. In Austin’s heat, UV, and sudden storms, tiny mistakes can turn into rot and fastener failure. This guide shows what “deck safety” looks like—solid structural fastening, continuous flashing that sheds water,

TL;DR The best entertaining decks in Austin are designed around comfort, flow, and function. Start with a simple sun map to place shade where people actually linger (5–8 pm is the real test), choose light-tone, textured surfaces for better barefoot comfort, and consolidate stairs to one well-placed run that matches how guests naturally move. Built-in