Pressure treated lumber has a tremendous amount of chemicals in it. There are certain scenarios where treated lumber can’t be avoided. Local building codes may state that if it comes within 6″ of grade it has to be treated. We try and avoid treated lumber whenever possible. Regular Hem Fir is fine here in Colorado as long as you protect it with a penetrating stain, and flash the tops of the joist.

They are both fine, as long as you don’t space out the floor joist more than 16″ on center.

If there is likelihood of snow, its nice to have the step down. When you open your door the snow wont fall inside.

If the railing are built to code, and inspected by the local building dept, they meet a national standard.

If it’s a composite deck, clean with a mild detergent and a medium bristle brush at least twice a year. If it’s a wood deck, stain should be applied at least once a year.

There is no requirement. Just make sure the grade is sloping away from the building.

Not necessarily the paint, as the paint could be damaged by the construction process. If siding behind the deck ledger needs replaced, that should be done during the deck building process.

Composite railing systems are not a good way to go. They are heavy, and tend to sag in the hot sun. Wood or metal railings are a better and a safer option.

An average deck in Colorado Springs built correctly will last 20+ years.

You need to check with your local zoning dept.

If you hire a individual or company to build your deck they must by law pull the permit. You can pull your own permit for a deck as a homeowner, however you have to do ALL the work yourself.

A building permit can be obtained at your local building dept. You can pull your own permit for a deck as a homeowner, however you have to do ALL the work yourself. If you hire a individual to build your deck, its illegal to pull the permit as a homeowner. Anytime you pull the permit as the homeowner, you are responsible for any damages or injuries that may occur on the property.

Anytime you add or replace structural members, hand railing, or stairs you need a permit. You do not need a permit to replace flooring.

There are several real wood, and composite materials to choose from, both can be excellent decking choices depending on your budget. Do your research with a local building supply to find out the difference in quality, warranties, U.V. protection, Etc. There is real wood products that are more fire proof than composite decking as well.

J&J Construction highly recommends investing in a solid deck plan. These require up front costs, but are extremely helpful when budgeting, and planning an outdoor deck space.

Always get your contractors I.D. # and check with your local building dept.

Depending on size and material used, a good starting point for our custom decks will be around $10,000.

This depends on complexity & size, but a basic 20′ x 12′ deck can be fully constructed with in around 7 business days.

In Colorado Springs it is not necessary unless the deck is less than 6″ off the ground. Treated lumber is usually very wet when shipped and has a tendency to crack and twist when it drys.

Composite tends to run around 40% more, however there are very expensive hardwoods as well.

Not necessarily. It has to do mostly with the preference of the customer. Wood will require more maintenance than composite, but can also appear to be more beauty to certain people. If the deck is NOT covered with a roof its typicaly better to use composite.

Special clips that go between composite deck boards, they also aid in correct spacing.