Wood & Composite Decks

About our wood & composite decks work

Custom decks framed to take Texas weather and finished to stay tight underfoot for decades. We build in western red cedar, ipe, pressure-treated southern yellow pine, or composite — Trex Transcend, TimberTech Advanced PVC, and Azek being the three composites we actually stand behind. Substructure is the difference between a deck that lasts 25 years and one that sags in 7. We use 2x10 or 2x12 PT joists at 16-inch on-center (12-inch for ipe and most composites), double rim joists, and Simpson joist hangers on every connection — no toe-nailing into the ledger. The ledger gets through-bolted to rim joist or blocking with proper Z-flashing, butyl tape, and ledger flashing tucked behind the WRB. Decking goes down with hidden fastener systems (Camo, Kreg, Tiger Claw) on grooved boards, or stainless trim-head screws on face-screwed runs. Railings meet IRC 200-lb load — either cable, aluminum picket, or wood-framed with proper post blocking. We flash every penetration, slope toward drainage, and seal end-grain on every cut. Stain or pre-finish is locked in before delivery.

How the project runs

1. 1

   Layout, elevation, and footings

   We shoot grade, set deck height for door thresholds, and dig footings to bearing — 24 to 36 inches depending on soil and frost.

2. 2

   Ledger and substructure

   Ledger goes on with flashing tape, Z-flashing, and structural screws or through-bolts. Joists hang on Simpson hardware, never toe-nailed.

3. 3

   Decking installation

   Boards run with proper end-gap, hidden fasteners on grooved stock, and picture-frame borders where the design calls for it.

4. 4

   Railings, stairs, and skirting

   Stairs framed with stringers cut for code-compliant rise/run. Railings post-blocked into the rim. Skirting installed with ventilation gaps.

5. 5

Frequently asked questions

Cedar, ipe, PT, or composite?

PT is the budget pick and looks fine stained — 15–20 years. Cedar is warmer and lighter, 20–25 years with maintenance. Ipe is 40+ years, hardest to work, and the most expensive wood. Composite is zero maintenance, 25-year warranty, and the smart pick for west-facing decks that bake all summer.

How long does a deck build take?

Standard 200–400 sq ft attached deck: 7–14 working days from permit-in-hand. Larger multi-level builds or ipe installs run 3–6 weeks. Weather and inspection scheduling can add days.

Do I need a permit?

In most San Antonio jurisdictions, yes — any deck over 30 inches off grade or attached to the house typically requires a permit and inspection. We pull permits, schedule footing and final inspections, and handle the paperwork.

How is the deck attached to the house?

The ledger board is through-bolted to the rim joist or blocking with 1/2-inch lag screws or structural screws on a code-spec pattern, with flashing tape, Z-flashing, and proper WRB integration. We never face-nail a ledger to siding — that's how decks fall off houses.

Hidden fasteners or face-screw?

Hidden fasteners on grooved boards give a cleaner look and skip the screw-head maintenance, but they cost more and slow installation. Face-screwed with color-matched stainless trim-heads is faster, holds equally well, and is easier to replace a board down the road.

Why hire us for wood & composite decks