Custom Decks, Deck Repair and Pergolas

Deck work we do

• Custom deck construction, attached to the house or freestanding, at ground level or raised
• Deck replacement when the old structure has reached the end of its life
• Deck repair: replacing rotted boards, joists and stair stringers, re-securing loose railings and fixing bouncy framing
• Resurfacing a sound frame with new decking
• Railings and stairs in wood, composite or metal balusters
• Pergolas over decks and patios
• Cleaning and refinishing wood decks with stain or sealer

What makes a deck solid

You will spend your time looking at the decking and railings, but a deck's strength comes from the parts that end up hidden. These are the pieces we pay the closest attention to.

Footings and posts

Every load on the deck ends up in the ground. Footings are dug below the frost line and sized for the load, and posts are attached with hardware that keeps them off the concrete and resists uplift. East Tennessee's clay soils hold water, so drainage around footings matters too.

The ledger connection

On an attached deck, the ledger board bolts the deck to the house framing. It is the connection most often done wrong. A ledger needs proper through-bolts or structural screws into the house's rim joist, never just nails, and flashing that keeps water from getting behind it and rotting both the deck and the house. When we tear out an old deck, a failing ledger is one of the most common things we find.

Joists, beams and hardware

Joist size and spacing depend on the span and the decking you choose; composite often calls for closer spacing than wood. Joist hangers, post bases and lateral connectors should be rated for exterior treated lumber, since standard fasteners corrode in contact with it. Joist tape on top of the framing helps shed water and protects the wood under the boards.

Railings and stairs

Railings need to be anchored to the framing firmly enough to resist someone leaning their full weight on them, not just fastened to a deck board. Stairs need consistent rise and run, solid stringers, and a landing that is not sitting on bare soil.

Composite or pressure-treated wood?

Both are good choices when they are installed correctly. The right one depends on how you use the deck and how much upkeep you are willing to do.

Many homeowners split the difference: a pressure-treated frame with composite decking and railings. The frame is still wood either way, which is why the hidden details above matter regardless of which surface you choose.

Repair, resurface or rebuild?

When you call us about an older deck, we start by checking the structure, not the boards. Here is what we look for:

• Soft or spongy wood, especially at the ledger, post bases and the ends of joists
• Posts buried directly in soil or concrete instead of on raised bases
• Rusted or missing joist hangers and connectors
• Railings that move when you push on them
• A deck that bounces or sways when people walk across it

If the frame is solid, repairs or resurfacing can extend its life. If the structure is compromised, we will recommend a rebuild and explain why. When a full tear-out is needed, our demolition crew removes the old deck and hauls away the debris before construction starts.

Keeping a wood deck in good shape

Wood decks last longest when water is kept from soaking in. Clean the boards once a year to remove dirt, pollen and mildew, keep leaves from piling up between boards, and re-coat with a penetrating stain or sealer when water stops beading on the surface. Semi-transparent stains show the grain and are easier to renew; solid stains hide more but can peel when they wear. If your deck looks gray and rough, we can clean, sand where needed and refinish it, and point out any boards or framing that should be replaced while we are there.

Deck, pergola or both

A deck gives you a level surface; a pergola gives you partial shade and a sense of an outdoor room. Some yards need one, some benefit from both. Our post on choosing between a deck and a pergola walks through how slope, sun exposure and how you plan to use the space affect the decision.

Planning your project

Before your estimate, it helps to think through:

• How many people you want to seat or entertain, and whether a grill or hot tub will go on the deck
• Which door the deck will connect to and where the stairs should land
• Sun and shade through the day
• Your HOA's rules on materials, colors and placement, if you have one
• Where your property lines and any easements are

If you are also planning to enclose the yard, our fence installation team can match materials so the deck and fence look like they belong together.

Talk to us about your deck

We will come out, look at the site or your existing deck, talk through materials and layout, and leave a written estimate with no hidden fees. Top Quality Home Improvement is licensed and insured (LIC #11362 TN) and has over 20 years of experience. Book a deck consultation or reach out with questions.