Composite decking is the core of what we do. Here's what goes into one: the boards, the layout, the railing and stairs, the lighting, and the frame underneath that most people never see.
Nearly every modern low-maintenance deck uses one of these. We bring samples of both to the estimate so you can feel the difference in your hands.
A core of wood fiber and plastic wrapped in a tougher polymer shell. The shell is what handles rain, stains and fading; the core gives the board a solid, wood-like weight underfoot.
Contains no wood fiber at all, just plastic, so there's nothing organic in the board to absorb water. It's lighter than capped composite and is usually one of the pricier options.
Brand and line matter more than the category. Color options, heat behavior and manufacturer coverage vary from brand to brand, so we'll compare the specific product lines side by side with you rather than generalize.
A good layout starts with the door you'll walk out of and the furniture you want to fit. From there we look at sun, views, privacy and where the yard slopes away.
Aluminum rail is slim and needs little care. Cable keeps a view open. Composite rail matches the boards for a unified look. Glass panels suit decks where the view is the whole point.
Wide, even treads with a contrasting nosing are easier to read on a grey evening. Landings break up long runs down a hillside and give you a spot to set things down.
Low-voltage post caps, stair riser lights and small recessed deck lights make steps visible after dark without lighting up the neighbors' windows.
Composite boards sit on a pressure-treated lumber frame, so the frame deserves as much attention as the surface. In a climate this wet, that means designing for water from the start.
Composite is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Plan on a gentle wash in spring and again in fall, using a soft brush and mild soap or a cleaner the manufacturer approves. Sweep fir needles and leaves out of the gaps between boards so water can keep draining through.
In winter, a plastic shovel is kinder to the surface than a metal one. Rubber-backed mats and grill spills are the usual suspects when stains show up, so a grill pad is worth having. That's about it: no sanding, no sealing, no stripping.
It won't rot the way unprotected wood can, but debris left sitting on any surface can stain or grow green film. A seasonal rinse and a soft-bristle scrub keep it looking right.
Often, yes. Many board lines come in several tones, and we can bring samples to hold against your current rail or house trim. Where a close match isn't possible, a deliberate contrast usually looks better than a near miss.
Darker boards in full afternoon sun can get warm to bare feet. Lighter colors, some PVC lines and a bit of shade help. For most Seattle decks it's a consideration for a few weeks a year rather than a daily one.
Hidden clips leave a clean surface with no screw heads, which many homeowners prefer. Some board edges, stair treads and borders still use color-matched face screws. We'll explain what your chosen line requires.
That comes down to size, height, stairs, permits and weather. After the site visit we'll give you a realistic schedule for your specific deck rather than a generic number.
We'll measure, bring board samples and give you a written estimate.
