Building a beautiful, durable deck is a dream for many homeowners. It creates a perfect space for family gatherings, summer barbecues, and quiet mornings. But when it’s built incorrectly? It can quickly become a source of frustration, costly repairs, or even a safety hazard. Unfortunately, we see it all too often: homeowners coming to us after hiring contractors who cut corners, skipped code requirements, or their deck is only 2 years old and has to be rebuilt.
At Decked Out Builders, we believe your outdoor space should be your sanctuary not stress. Our reputation is built on integrity, attention to detail, and building it right the first time. Below are some of the most common deck building mistakes we see and how we ensure they never happen on our jobs.
Improper Ledger Installation & Flashing
The ledger board is the foundation of any deck that’s attached to your home. If it’s not installed correctly and more importantly, not properly flashed it creates a direct path for water intrusion. That means rot, mold, deck collapse and potential damage to your home.
How Decked Out Builders Does It Differently:
We install every ledger with continuous flashing behind the siding and over the board itself, using flashing tape or metal Z-flashing for added defense. We take our time here because this is where future problems start.
Crooked or Misaligned Boards
A deck with crooked boards or inconsistent spacing looks sloppy and unprofessional. Beyond aesthetics, misaligned boards can cause water pooling, wood damage, and safety hazards.
Why It Happens:
- Lack of attention to detail during installation
- Rushed installation
- Poor measuring or inadequate
How Decked Out Builders Does It Differently:
Precision is our mantra. From the initial framing to the final board placement, we measure twice and cut once.
Our team uses laser levels and quality tools to ensure boards are perfectly straight and evenly spaced. We maintain consistent gaps for drainage and thermal expansion, preventing water damage and warping over time.
Unsafe or Unstable Railings
Railings are not just decorative; they are a safety requirement. Improperly installed or loose railings can pose serious risks, especially for children and elderly family members.
Why It Happens:
- Contractors cutting corners to save time or materials.
- Lack of knowledge about local building codes.
- Use of substandard hardware or fasteners.
- Improper installation
How Decked Out Builders Does It Differently:
Safety is non-negotiable for us. Our railings are built to meet or exceed local building codes, using the proper fasteners and structural supports.
We anchor railings securely to the deck frame and posts with heavy-duty hardware rated for exterior use and the force needed. Our team tests each railing for sturdiness before completing the project.
You can trust that our railings will provide reliable protection without compromising style.
Exposed Cut Ends Without a Picture Frame Border
Nothing ruins the look of a composite deck faster than raw cut edges. Some contractors skip the finishing step and cover ends with fascia only or worse, leave them completely exposed. Over time, these edges trap moisture, collect debris, and make the deck look unfinished.
How Decked Out Builders Does It Differently:
We always install a picture frame border, meaning finished boards around the entire perimeter. It hides all cut ends, creates a clean visual line, and gives your deck a truly custom look. It’s not just aesthetics; it’s part of doing the job right.
Staggered Composite Boards Instead of a Breaker Board
While staggering works in traditional wood decking, it’s a major eyesore and safety hazard on composite decks. The uniform texture and color of composite material makes every seam stand out and staggering creates a chaotic, patchwork look.
But beyond appearances, staggering composite boards can actually create a safety hazard. Composite material expands and contracts with temperature changes. When staggered boards meet at random butt joints across the deck, they’re more likely to shift and buckle over time especially if not gapped properly or secured on shared joists.
How Decked Out Builders Does It Differently:
In cases that the deck is more wide than a full board, we always install a breaker board a single board that runs perpendicular across the deck to divide the surface into clean, uniform sections. This method eliminates unsightly seams, prevents movement-related buckling, and adds a beautiful design element that frames the space. It’s cleaner and safer, exactly what you should expect from a professionally built composite deck.
Improper Fasteners and Joist Spacing
The hidden structure of your deck is the key component. The joists and fasteners affect its longevity and safety. Incorrect spacing or using the wrong fasteners can lead to sagging, warping, and even structural failure.
Why It Happens:
- Lack of adherence to manufacturer guidelines and building codes.
- Insufficient knowledge of structural basics.
How Decked Out Builders Does It Differently:
We strictly follow manufacturer recommendations and building codes for joist spacing and fastener types.
Our crews use corrosion-resistant, exterior-grade screws and nails designed to withstand weather exposure. We space joists correctly based on the size of the deck and decking material type (wood, composite, etc.) to ensure proper support and durability.
Regular training keeps our team updated on the best practices in deck framing and fastening technology.
“Mop Boards” Instead of Cut Fascia on Stair Stringers
One of the telltale signs of rushed deck construction is the use of what we call “mop boards” on stairs where a straight fascia board is slapped onto the side of the stairs instead of being properly cut to match the angle of the stringers.
Not only does this look like an afterthought, but it also creates a trap for water, leaves, and debris between the stringer and fascia. Over time, this can lead to mold, rot, and a very noticeable eyesore. It’s not clean. It’s not professional. And it definitely doesn’t belong on a premium composite deck.
How Decked Out Builders Does It Differently:
We take the time to cut our fascia boards to match the exact angle of the stair stringers, mitered and finished for a tight, clean look. This prevents water buildup, reduces maintenance, and gives your stairs the same crisp, custom finish as the rest of your deck.
Poor Stair Framing
Stairs aren’t just a convenience—they’re a critical safety feature. Unfortunately, poor stair framing is one of the most common (and dangerous) shortcuts we see in deck construction.
When stairs aren’t framed properly, they often end up with inconsistent riser heights and tread depths, which not only look sloppy but create a major tripping hazard. Many builds we’ve inspected also fail to meet local code—either the rise is too high, the run is too short, or the total span is unsupported due to stringers spaced too far apart.
Even worse, we’ve seen decks where stairs shift, sway, or sink within a year of being built. That’s because the footings weren’t deep enough, the stringers weren’t properly braced, or they weren’t even attached securely to the deck frame. These stairs become a liability—and often need to be completely rebuilt.
How Decked Out Builders Does It Differently:
We custom cut all stair stringers to ensure even rise and run, spaced no more than 12″ apart for composite treads. Every stair is built to code, anchored into proper footings, and secured with blocking and structural hardware to prevent movement. The result is safe, solid, and smooth to walk on day one and years down the road.
Why Decked Out Builders?
At Decked Out Builders, our reputation is built on trust, professionalism, and attention to detail. We don’t just build decks, we build lasting relationships with our clients through transparency and quality.
We understand the pain points that so many homeowners face with other contractors, and we are committed to doing things differently:
- Certified and trained craftsmen who take pride in their work.
- Strict adherence to all codes and manufacturer specs.
- Clear communication from the first consultation to the final walk-through.
- No shortcuts, only superior materials and workmanship.
- We back our work with 5 year Craftsmanship warranty
Our clients consistently tell us they appreciate our thoroughness, reliability, and how comfortable we make the whole process.
Ready to Build Your Dream Deck Without the Hassle?
Don’t settle for subpar workmanship. Whether you want a cozy backyard deck, a large entertaining space, or a custom multi-level design, Decked Out Builders is your trusted partner. Let’s build a deck that’s safe, stunning, and stands the test of time.
Contact Decked Out Builders today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward outdoor living done right.
