Wood Deck Construction in Blacksburg VA
A new wood deck gives you space to enjoy Blacksburg's mountain views. Real wood has a natural look that you can't get from fake materials. You can stain it any color you want. We build decks that fit your yard. Our team works in North Main, Hethwood, and all Blacksburg neighborhoods. We pick the right wood for you and show you how to take care of it.
Why Choose McLearn Construction and Remodeling
We build wood decks the right way for Blacksburg's weather. Our workers understand how wood moves, how much moisture it needs, and what the local rules say.
Look at reviews from people in Blacksburg who hired us. We answer phone calls. We show up when we say we will. We tell you what's happening during your whole project. You won't wonder when we're coming back.
We explain how to take care of your deck before you decide to build it. Wood decks need more work than fake wood decks. You should know this before you spend money. Then you can plan for the time and cost.
Our Recent Deck Building Project
What does wood deck construction in Blacksburg VA include?
First, we help you pick the type of wood you want. Some wood costs less. Some wood looks fancier. We measure your yard and check if it's flat or sloped. We check the dirt too.
Next, we draw plans and send them to the town office. They have to say it's okay to build. Then we dig holes and pour concrete into them. This holds up your deck when the ground freezes in winter.
We build the frame with strong treated wood. Then we put on the deck boards. We leave tiny spaces between each board. This lets the wood get bigger when it's hot and humid. Without these spaces, the boards would push against each other and bend.
We add railings and stairs at the end. An inspector comes to check our work. Then you can start using your deck.
Choosing the Right Wood Species for Your Blacksburg Deck
Wood decks let you pick what type of wood you want. Each type costs different amounts and needs different care.
Pressure-treated pine costs the least money. Companies put chemicals in it so bugs won't eat it and rain won't rot it. You can paint it any color with stain. Most decks around here use pressure-treated pine. You need to restain it every 1-2 years.
Cedar costs more money but looks amazing from the start. It has a reddish color and you can see the grain patterns. Cedar has natural oils that keep bugs away without chemicals. It feels smooth when you walk on it barefoot and only needs sealing every 2-3 years to stop the color from turning gray.
Redwood has the nicest natural color but costs the most. It doesn't rot easily. Old redwood from big trees lasts forever. Most redwood now comes from younger trees. It needs more care than the old kind.
We help you pick what works best. Many people use cheap pressure-treated wood where you can't see it. Then they use nicer cedar where everyone can see it.
Understanding Wood Expansion and Board Spacing
Wood soaks up water like a sponge and gets bigger. Then it dries out and gets smaller. This happens all the time in Blacksburg. We have humid summers and dry winters. We put tiny gaps between deck boards so they have room to move.
Fresh pressure-treated wood is wet when it gets delivered. We put the boards right next to each other. As the wood dries over a few months, gaps show up. This is supposed to happen.
Cedar and dried wood start out dry. We leave a small gap between boards when we install them. This stops boards from squeezing together when they swell up in July.
Wrong spacing causes big problems. Boards with no room will bend or push against each other. Gaps that are too big let stuff fall through and collect junk. We know exactly how much space to leave for the wood you picked.
Deck Permits and Local Building Requirements
You need permission from the town or county to build most decks. We fill out all the paperwork. We send in plans showing what we'll build. We set up times for inspectors to come look.
The inspector checks a lot of things. Are the holes deep enough? Are the support boards the right size? Is the railing tall enough? Is everything attached right to your house?
Railings have to be at least 36 inches tall if your deck sits more than 30 inches off the ground. The bars between posts can't have big spaces. A ball bigger than 4 inches can't fit through.
Permits help you when you sell your house later. People buying your house want proof the deck was built the right way. If you don't have permits, you might lose money when you try to sell.
Wood Deck Staining and Sealing for Blacksburg Weather
New pressure-treated decks can't be stained right away. You have to wait 3-6 months. The wood needs to dry out first. If you stain wet wood, the stain won't soak in right. Most decks built in spring or summer are ready to stain by fall.
Blacksburg has humid air. Wood soaks up moisture here all year. You need to restain pressure-treated decks every 1-2 years. Cedar lasts 2-3 years if you use good sealer.
Pick stain colors carefully. Dark colors fade faster in bright sun. Browns and tans hide dirt better than gray. Many people like stains that let you see the wood grain through them.
Virginia gets lots of yellow pollen in spring. It covers everything. Clean your deck before staining. Summer thunderstorms keep wood wet. This can mess up staining plans. Fall works best - warm days, dry air, and no pollen everywhere.
Proper Installation Prevents Wood Deck Problems
The board that attaches your deck to your house needs extra care. Water can get behind it if we don't install it right. This rots the wood in your house wall. We use special waterproof stuff on every deck we build.
The spacing of support boards matters a lot with wood. Wood deck boards need support every 12 or 16 inches. The exact spacing depends on how thick your boards are. We size everything right so your deck doesn't bounce when you walk on it. A good deck feels solid.
The screws and nails have to be the right kind. Regular nails rust away in a few years when you use them with treated wood. We use special screws that won't rust or stain your deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before I can stain my new pressure-treated wood deck?
1
Wait 3-6 months for the wood to dry. The wood will change from green to tan color. You can do a water test. Sprinkle water on the boards. If water balls up, wait longer. If water soaks in, you're ready to stain.
How long does it take to build a wood deck in Blacksburg?
2
Most decks take 1-2 weeks. The exact time depends on deck size, weather, and how fast permits get approved.
What's the best wood for decks in Blacksburg VA?
3
Pressure-treated pine gives you the most value and handles our humid weather well. Cedar costs more but looks beautiful and feels smooth. Most people use pressure-treated wood for the parts you can't see. Then they pick either cedar or pressure-treated for the top based on their budget.
How often do I need to restain a wood deck?
4
Pressure-treated decks need staining every 1-2 years here. Cedar lasts 2-3 years between staining. The exact time depends on how much sun hits your deck, how many people walk on it, and what kind of stain you use.
Can I paint my wood deck instead of staining it?
5
You can, but paint sits on top instead of soaking in. It peels off easier and needs more work than stain. Most deck builders say use stain instead.
Schedule an Estimate for Your Wooden Deck Construction Project
Go with a licensed general contractor for your wooden deck construction in Blacksburg VA. We provide design consultation, handle permitting, and provide clear and direct communication throughout the entire project, all the way up to final inspection.