Deck Builder in Downey, CA

A deck is a structure, not just a floor of boards

Deck building means designing and constructing an outdoor platform attached to or standing near the house, with posts, footings, beams, joists and decking boards. What you see is the surface, but what makes a deck safe and long-lasting is the structure underneath: how deep the footings go, how the beams are supported and, above all, how the deck is connected to the house.

That last point is where cheap decks fail. A deck attached to the house with nails or the wrong hardware can pull away under load. A correctly installed ledger, bolted through the house framing with proper flashing, is the safe way to attach a deck, and it keeps water from soaking into the wall behind it.

In Downey, backyards are often modest in size, and the sun is strong most of the year. That shapes the choices: where to place the deck for shade and use, whether to use pressure-treated lumber, redwood or a composite that resists fading, and how to deal with the termites that are a fact of life in Southern California wood construction.

Signs a deck is the right addition

• You have a door to the backyard and nowhere to step out. A deck right outside a sliding door extends the living space and gives a way to use the yard even when it is hot.
• The backyard slopes or is uneven. A raised deck creates level space on a lot that is otherwise hard to use.
• An old deck is soft, splintered or wobbly. Rotted boards or loose railings are a safety issue. Replacement is often a better answer than patching.
• You want an outdoor eating or entertaining space. A deck with room for a table and seating gets more use than a patch of lawn.
• You want something lower-maintenance than grass. A composite deck or a well-finished wood deck can replace a patch of lawn that is costly to water.

How we build a deck

1. Plan size, height and layout

   We measure the yard, talk through how you will use the deck and decide on shape, height, stairs and railings.

2. Permits and layout

   Decks that are raised or attached to the house generally need a permit and plans. We identify what applies and lay out the footings accurately on site.

3. Footings and posts

   Holes are dug to the required depth and filled with concrete, and posts are set plumb on them so the load goes into the ground.

4. Frame: beams, joists and ledger

   The frame is built and, if attached to the house, bolted to a flashed ledger. Joists are spaced for the type of decking.

5. Decking, railings and finish

   Boards are laid and fastened, stairs and railings are added, and wood decks are sealed or stained while composite is left as installed.

What affects the cost of a deck

Deck prices are driven by the structure and the decking material:

Why homeowners choose us for decks

Decks bring together framing, concrete footings and finish carpentry, which are all trades the crew works in already. That means the structure underneath is built to the same standard as the surface you see on top.

Decks are on the list of services Rigo specified for the company, and we are glad to take them on. If we see that a design needs engineering or a permit, we tell you at the quote stage and not after you have ordered materials.

Where we do this work

We build decks in Downey and nearby cities including Norwalk and Bellflower, where larger lots and rear doors off the living room make backyard decks a popular addition.