DECKS, SUNDECKS, PERGOLA & MORE
BUILD, REPAIR, REFURBISH
Build, repair or refurbish?
Often the 'bones' of your deck has years of life left. Sometimes you just need repairs and/or a bit of refurbishment. Offering these services on the deck top, staircase, railings, banisters and under deck enclosures.
As sole proprietor and solo builder on site I do have be selective in what decks I can build for personal safety reasons. Some builds do require multiple people. Contact me with your ideas and I'll assess the design. requirements. Repairs and refurbishments are offered on all decks as the 'bones' are in place which is what normally requires extra hands to build.
SUNDECKS
Sundecks are considered any decking structure that does not exceed 24" in height from the grounds surface to the deck top.
We are fortunate enough here in BC to be able to build these as free standing decks with deck blocks and other foundational framing means. This allows for decks to be built in areas that are too rocky to dig proper footings. Or when footings could damage perimeter drain systems or under ground utilities. Actually providing an opportunity to make a sundeck somewhat portable depending on its size.
DESIGN MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
A builders note : something to consider when pondering a deck. Any new deck build in BC exceeding 24" in height and being physically attached to the house structure requires a building permit and inspections. Any deck top that exceeds 24" off the ground requires a railing system by building code. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
- First pictured deck we addied an extra stair to accommodate my clients desire for the landing to be used as a seating area for family gatherings. Adding that brought the deck top height to under 20" allowing for no railings.
- Pictured left, this deck original desired placement was on the slopied hillside. Unfortunately that meant the deck top reached nearly 48" in areas. These clients wanted open space and lounge seating potential. We swapped the deck and raised garden locations allowing them to go railng free.
FENCING, PRIVACY SCREENS AND GATES
FROM SIMPLE TO CUSTOM
Be it an economical, one sided, pressure treat lumber fence to a custom designed western red cedar fence. Always working towards my clients needs and budget.
I'm always up for the challenge that comes with fences. Has your hedge grown out over the years? Is there now a garden backing onto the fence? Has the sapling tree become full grown with an extensive root system? Are the posts still good? Are they easily replaced or are new holes needed?
PRIVACY WALLS & SCREENS
Along with fencing I also offer privacy screening/walls. Be it something simple like pictured to the right. A privacy screen attached to the top structure of a retain wall garden.
Or something more fancy like pictured below. Staggered, double sided with planter boxes built in along all the top and extended posts for the clients planned lighting system.
BEWARE THE PANEL
If asked about them by clients, I normally suggest against them. There are certainly quality built fencing panels available. This is one instance where the cost generally reflects the quality. The standard, inexpensive panel that are used by most development builders are 99% of the fences I replace. They are almost designed to rot.
I can certainly suggest a quality supplier for panels, though I don't offer panel installations as a solo builder.
zero waste, QUALITY, FOOD SAFETY
RESPECTING THE RESOURCE
Unless there is a very specific space your garden design needs to fill; all of my box designs create zero wood waste. Taking the extra effort to source appropriate lumber for each project. Only saw dust from cutting remains. Even that gets added to my compost bin.
My designs also allow for deer fencing and gates without the need to pour concrete footings or dig pilings keeping unwanted toxins away from the soil.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
I strictly build using no less than 1 1/2 thick western red cedar. Thick timbers allow for longer spans without fear of bowing under the weight of wet soil. I could easily be turning out boxes built of 3/4, 5/8 or 1" lumber, quickly with external screw joinery. I simply believe if you're going to invest your money, the product you receive should last decades, not years. And be just as beautiful as your patio furnishings.
Western red cedar naturally repels pests and insects. Before offering garden boxes for sale, I experimented with Douglas fir, yellow cedar and other outdoor project species. Most began to crack, rot and fail within 2 to 4 years. My personal garden is going 8 years as of 2025 and still no sign of rot when digging down the sides during my yearly inspection while tilling the soil.
FOOD SAFETY
Be careful of the wood used when it comes to growing vegetables. There are many garden boxes out there. A few things to keep in mind when making your choice of whom you purchase from.
Many beautiful boxes on the market are made of reclaimed, recycled, up-cycled and pallet wood. A great option for flowers and shrubbery. For growing vegetables you do so at your own risk.
Nearly all pallet wood contains chemicals for enduring the harsh life of shipping. I myself build furniture pieces from reclaimed pallet wood. Just not something that will constantly be getting watered with the potential to leech something into your food.
Other reclaimed woods? Do the builders truely know the history of what may have been stained or painted on it at some point. Lead in paints and harsh chemicals in stains wasn't that long ago in terms of the lifecycle of a piece wood.