All Custom Decks by Dave Hawk Carpentry

We start with a consultation to get a good understanding of your goals, your vision, your budget, the layout of your home, etc. We are attentive to our customers’ needs and dedicated to completing each project with the utmost care.

All Custom Decks designs your deck from the ground up, with your needs in mind. We will discuss where the deck will go, how big it will be and what functions and features it will have. Will you have a grill? Will you incorporate a pergola or gazebo into your deck? Will you need access to a pool, hot tub, or a four-season room? Deck design is largely influenced by your lifestyle and overall goals for your outdoor space.

We use a 3D modeling program to lay out your new deck, creating a realistic, high-resolution image of what it will look like. This 3D model is at the proper elevation, includes the materials we plan to use, and even includes an approximate layout of the back of your home, meaning you can see exactly how your new deck will look.

Before the project can begin we have to apply for the appropriate permits and make sure your local building codes, HOA bylaws, and any other applicable laws and regulations allow for the construction of the deck according to your plans. This is a very important step, because not obtaining timely permits and approvals may later cause you to tear down your deck completely or not get a return on your investment when you are ready to sell. Construction will not begin until all permits are processed and approved.

Once the design and all permits have been finalized and approved we will begin construction. The next step is to plan the placement of all joists, beams, posts, and footings. Proper preparation is critical when building a deck. All Custom Decks will mark the elevation of the finished deck surface ensuring there will be enough space for all of the decking materials.

We will use either a post-hole digger or a power auger, digging deep enough to comply with your city’s municipal code. Once the footings are ready, concrete is poured to provide a stable base for your new deck. A plumb bob is used to find the center of the footing and then use a Simpson-type anchor and post anchor system to tie everything together.

The next major step will be to set the posts onto the concrete footings. These large support posts are secured via the Simpson post anchor system. The beams are then cut to the level of the bottom of the deck. Once level, joists are laid across the beams, starting the platform that will become your new deck.

Our team uses only the highest quality materials and products from top manufacturers in the industry. Decking boards, railing, and other elements will be brought to your home to begin bringing your new deck to life. This exciting phase is where your deck really starts to take shape.

We then begin framing your deck quickly and methodically to ensure that it will be structurally sound and safe. Framing is one of the most important parts of the process and will be done with great care by our team of professionals. Decking is laid out onto the joists, typically parallel to the house, and ends of boards fall on intermediate joists. At All Custom Decks we prep all the joists with a waterproof membrane to provide years of additional and worry-free protection.

We also incorporate a "Deck Protection Decking System", using DECKTEC technology. DECKTEC is an innovative new system for laying decking boards in half the time when compared to conventional deck laying. DECKTEC also completely protects the joist.

Once all the decking is installed we then add the railings. Beyond just the boards on the deck itself, rails are one of the most pronounced and visible features on your deck. Because of this, it’s important that you not only choose a deck for its safety features, but also choose one that complements your house, your landscape, and the overall aesthetics of your yard. Our deck railing options include Vinyl, Metal, Wood, and Cable.

During the final stages of deck construction, we will add finishing touches such as deck lighting, post caps, and planters. We always strive to meet and exceed your expectations, that is why once the deck is complete we will thoroughly review each element to make sure you are completely satisfied.

The materials you choose can influence everything from the outward appearance of the deck to its durability, so it’s wise to carefully consider all of your available options. At All Custom Decks, we offer Wood and Composite decking.

Wood is beautiful, it is natural, and it comes from a renewable source (making it an environmentally friendly choice). All Custom Decks “Hand Selects” Kiln-dried wood assuring customers with the highest quality of wood available. We pre-sand and pre-stain all the wood prior to installation and then apply a final coat upon completion of the deck installation.

All decks are picture-framed designs with no butt joints. We use stainless steel screws, as well as treated screws for the decking. If the customer prefers no screws then we use the clip method or screw from the bottom up into the decking. We use top-quality Sherwin Williams Acrylic solid color stain, or transparent, whatever the customer chooses.

Like wood, composite deck materials are eco-friendly, too. Manufacturers use a high percentage of recycled plastic and wood. As wood prices fluctuate wildly and people do not want the expense of maintaining wood decks, composite materials are the No. 1 choice when homeowners decide to build a deck. Companies that manufacture composite deck materials, like Trex, TimberTech, and Azek, offer consumers a few lines at different price points, depending on a person’s budget. Trex offers three levels that it markets as good, better, and best. The lower level competes on cost with wood, like cedar. Because there’s not much of a cost difference, people prefer to go with the composite material because it has a 25-year color, fade, and stain warranty and it will last much longer than wood. As for maintenance, composite deck materials can be cleaned with soap and water.

Extend the time you spend outside by installing outdoor LED lighting to add beautiful ambiance enhancing your deck or patio space. You can add lights at the top or bottom of the deck railing for a soft glow that not only adds a decorative touch to your deck but doubles as a safety feature. Deck lighting doesn’t need to be as bright as lighting indoors, use it to illuminate stairs, railings, and the deck’s edge for extra protection and safety. Benefits of installing deck lighting include Safety, Security, Comfort, Pleasure, and Aesthetic Appeal.