Quality of Work

A well-built deck must unite the skills of two branches of carpentry – the "frame" carpenter and the "trim" carpenter. Typically, these two branches of carpentry never see each other in residential construction and form quite separate and unique trades. The framer deals in the rough structure and is mostly concerned with strength and speed. He typically doesn't worry about aesthetics. The trimmer cares about "fit and finish" and concerns himself with tight joints. He doesn't worry about strength. Just Decks concerns itself with both and considers Quality the single most important feature of its work. Moreover, quality in the finished product begins before the first nail is driven and the first joist is set. It starts with planning and design. Just Decks creates fully developed architectural drawings for every deck project. These drawings represent both the finished deck and the structural framing and include "elevations" (i.e. looking at the house at eye level), and "plans" (i.e. the birds-eye view looking down).

When considering the frame layout, Just Decks anticipates heavy concentrated loads (parties) and therefore designs the deck to withstand a "live load" of at least 80 pounds per square foot. Perhaps due to his Construction Management and Code Enforcement background, Mr. Johnston first consults the latest International Building Code (IBC) manuals and includes "Design Data" in every drawing. This data includes criteria such as joist spacing, spans, and deflection under live load based on the strength properties of the particular wood species being used for the frame (typically "Southern Yellow Pine"). Moreover, in creating the Frame Plan, Mr. Johnston then looks above to evaluate the planking and whether the size of the deck will require joints in the planking. If so, they must be "staggered" and reinforced below with double joists. These considerations are often overlooked by average deck builders – especially those that do not create fully articulated design drawings (and therefore cannot predict in advance where joints will fall out).

When construction begins – from start to finish – Just Decks goes further than others to build quality into every deck. If Trex is utilized without optional hidden fasteners, Just Decks will paint the top of every joist black so as to make it disappear from view. Joist hangers will receive a doplet of construction adhesive before receiving the joist in order to dampen movement and squeaks. If wood decking is used, each butt end will be slightly beveled to allow a tighter joint. All outside and flat joints will be mitered, with compound miter joints employed where appropriate. Railing miters will receive the added reinforcement of dowels and glue.

All rail posts will be notched for strength and tight fit. If metal posts are used, they are bolted directly to the frame. Support posts are sized at 6" by 6" for strength. If accessories such as trellises and knee-braces are installed, Just Decks has the special tools to create beautiful curves and arches out of wood, such as routers, band saws and drum sanders. If built-up "period" columns are constructed, Just Decks utilizes advance joinery tools such as "biscuit" joiners.

Just Decks will sand its wood accessories in order to achieve a smooth finish, and if specified, will stain the wood with two coats. Very often, if clear wood such as Cedar is selected, one man will be dedicated to nothing but sanding, staining and finishing the wood – a process more akin to cabinetmaking than to deck building. Just Decks takes pride in the superlative quality of every deck it builds!