Wood Deck Installation

Nothing quite matches the look and feel of real wood. When you step onto a wooden deck, you experience authentic texture and warmth that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. Wood has been the traditional choice for decks for generations because it works, looks beautiful, and creates an outdoor space that feels natural and inviting.

We have been building wood decks in Tulare since 2024, and we understand what makes them special. The grain patterns are unique to each board. The natural color variations create visual interest. The surface feels comfortable underfoot, even in warm weather. For many homeowners, these qualities outweigh the maintenance requirements that come with natural materials.

Wood also offers flexibility that other materials cannot match. You can cut, shape, and modify wood on site to fit any design. This makes wood ideal for custom curves, intricate patterns, or decks that need to work around existing landscaping. If you want something truly unique, wood gives us the freedom to create it.

Not all wood is created equal for deck construction. The species you choose affects everything from appearance to longevity to maintenance needs. We work with several types of wood and can help you understand the tradeoffs.

Here are the most popular wood species for decks in our area:

• Pressure-treated pine: Most affordable option, treated to resist rot and insects, requires regular staining
• Cedar: Naturally resistant to decay, beautiful reddish tone, lighter weight, moderate cost
• Redwood: Premium appearance, exceptional rot resistance, rich color, higher investment
• Tropical hardwoods: Extremely dense and durable, exotic appearance, most expensive option

Most of our customers choose pressure-treated pine for the framing and either cedar or redwood for the visible decking and railings. This gives you durability where you need it and beauty where you see it, while keeping costs reasonable. The pressure-treated frame will last just as long as more expensive wood but costs significantly less since it is hidden from view.

Cedar strikes a nice balance for many homeowners. It costs more than pine but less than redwood, and it performs well in Tulare's climate. The natural oils in cedar help resist moisture and insects without chemical treatment. It also takes stain beautifully if you want to enhance the color, or you can let it weather to a silver-gray patina naturally.

The quality of construction matters more with wood decks than almost any other material. Proper techniques and attention to detail make the difference between a deck that lasts 15 years and one that lasts 30 years.

We start with a rock-solid foundation. Posts are set in concrete footings that extend below the frost line. We use corrosion-resistant hardware throughout, not standard nails or screws that rust and fail. Every connection point is done right, not just good enough.

Spacing is critical with wood decking. Boards need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. We leave appropriate gaps between boards for drainage and movement. This prevents the buckling and cupping that happens when boards are installed too tight.

We also pay careful attention to how water moves across and off your deck. Proper slope ensures water runs off instead of pooling. Flashing protects the connection to your house. End grain is sealed to prevent moisture absorption. These details are not glamorous, but they are what make your deck last.

Finally, we sand all surfaces smooth and apply a quality finish before we consider the job complete. This initial treatment protects the wood from the start and gives you a head start on maintenance. Your deck will be ready to use and protected from day one.

Let's be honest: wood decks require maintenance. But it is not as overwhelming as some people make it sound. With a realistic maintenance plan, you can keep your deck looking great and performing well for decades.

The most important task is keeping the wood protected with stain or sealant. In Tulare's sun and occasional rain, you should plan to reapply every two to three years. This prevents water from penetrating the wood and protects against UV damage that causes fading and surface degradation. The job takes a weekend and costs a few hundred dollars in materials.

Between treatments, regular cleaning makes a big difference. Sweep off dirt and debris monthly so it does not trap moisture against the wood. Once or twice a year, give the deck a good scrubbing with a deck cleaner to remove mildew and grime. This takes an hour or two and keeps your deck looking fresh.

Watch for minor issues and address them promptly. A loose board or popped nail is a five-minute fix. Letting it go can lead to bigger problems. We are always happy to come out and check on your deck if you notice anything concerning. Catching problems early saves money and extends the life of your deck significantly.

You might be wondering whether to choose wood or composite for your new deck. We install both and can help you decide based on your priorities and situation.

Choose wood if you value authentic natural beauty, want flexibility in custom designs, or prefer lower upfront costs. Wood also feels more comfortable on bare feet in hot weather and repairs more easily if you ever need to replace individual boards. Many people simply prefer working with a natural material that has been used for centuries.

Choose composite if minimizing maintenance is your top priority, you want consistent color that does not require periodic refinishing, or you plan to stay in your home long enough to recoup the higher initial investment through maintenance savings. Composite makes sense for busy families or anyone who does not want to spend weekends working on their deck.

There is no wrong choice. Both materials create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. We build equally great decks with wood and composite. The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. During your consultation, we can show you samples of both and discuss the realistic costs and maintenance of each option.

Interested in other deck options? We offer services that complement wood deck installation:

If you want a custom-designed outdoor space, our custom deck design and installation service creates something unique for your property. For low-maintenance alternatives, explore our composite deck installation with modern synthetic materials.

Keep your wood deck looking its best with our deck staining and sealing services for ongoing protection and beauty.