5 Decking Mistakes That Cost You Thousands
We tear out a lot of failed decks. These are the mistakes behind most of them.
Built by DreamDecksThe Mistakes
Most deck failures come from what you cannot see: shallow footings, a poorly attached ledger, joists spaced too far apart for the decking, cheap fasteners, and skipping the permit.
Each one is easy to avoid at the start and expensive to fix later.
Five Costly Mistakes
Shallow Footings
Footings above the frost line heave and sink. We use helical piers set below it.
Bad Ledger Attachment
A poorly flashed or fastened ledger can rot the house rim or pull away.
Wrong Joist Spacing
Composite needs joists at 16 inches or closer, tighter for diagonal boards.
Skipping the Permit
Unpermitted decks can fail inspection at sale time and may not be built to code.
And One More
Cheap fasteners and hardware. Corroded screws and hangers weaken the whole deck. We use coated structural fasteners and joist tape to protect the frame.
How It Works With DreamDecks
Free Consult
We visit your home, measure, and talk through how you want to use the space.
3D Design and Quote
You see the deck on your home and get a clear written quote with no surprises.
Permits and Prep
We handle drawings, permits, HOA paperwork, and ordering materials.
Build and Walkthrough
Our in house crew builds it, cleans up, and walks the finished deck with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my deck footings are deep enough?
Signs of shallow footings include posts that heave in winter or a deck that slopes over time. We can inspect it.
Is joist tape worth it?
Yes. Butyl joist tape protects the tops of joists and beams from moisture and can add years to the frame.
What happens if my deck was built without a permit?
It can cause problems when selling and may hide code issues. A new permitted deck avoids both.
Can composite go on 24 inch joist spacing?
Most composite boards need 16 inch spacing or less. Check the brand requirements.
What is the most important part of a deck?
The structure: footings, ledger, and framing. Boards can be replaced; a bad frame cannot be fixed cheaply.
More From DreamDecks
Pool Deck From the Air
A drone view of a composite deck built around an above ground pool.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell us about your project and we will set up a free visit and send a 3D design and written quote. We reply within 24 hours.
- Certified Trex, TimberTech, and Deckorators installer
- In house crew, no subcontractors
- Permits and inspections handled
- Financing available