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Backyard Deck Structural Surgery

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Client Name

Light Wood

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Before

After

Progress Photos

Wooden Panels

Notes

📍 What You’re Looking At:

These photos show a full structural rebuild of an aging backyard deck that had previously relied on undersized framing and deteriorating supports. The project includes:

  • Removal of old decking to expose compromised footings and framing
  • Installation of new 12” concrete footings to replace failing 8” ones
  • Upgraded from 4x4 to 6x6 pressure-treated support posts for safety and code compliance
  • Triple 2x8 engineered beam installed to carry proper load
  • Added Tico brackets, hurricane ties, and bracing throughout the frame
  • Final resurfacing with new pressure-treated decking boards
  • Temporary removal and reinstallation of railing for structural access

🔧 Maintenance Do's & Don'ts:

Inspect annually for signs of rot, movement, or hardware corrosion — especially where beams meet posts
Re-seal and clean decking boards every 2–3 years to protect against UV and moisture damage
Check post bases and footings after every winter freeze/thaw cycle for cracks or shifting
Don’t patch over soft spots without checking what’s underneath — they often mask structural failure
Don’t rely on 4x4 posts or undersized footings for decks higher than 24” — building codes are stricter now for good reason
Don’t skip flashing tape at ledger connections — water intrusion starts small and ends expensive

 

Dark Wood Floor
  • Pressure Treated Framing Material

    Pressure-treated 5/4" decking

  • Framing

    Repairs

    Inspections & Assessments

    Installation

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Overview

Oct 14, 2024
Nov 11, 2024
Patient: Aging backyard deck used daily by elderly homeowners Referred by: Self-diagnosed issue with visible decay and temporary plywood patches 🤕 Symptoms: -Deck boards were rotted with multiple soft spots and holes -Unsafe temporary plywood patches over failing decking -Original footings and framing were undersized and no longer up to current code -Substructure concerns uncovered during surface-level "facelift" attempt 🩺 Diagnosis: What appeared to be a surface-level cosmetic issue revealed deeper structural instability. The existing 8" concrete footings, 4x4 posts, and double 2x8 beam were insufficient for modern load requirements and long-term safety — particularly critical given the elderly clients’ daily use. 💉 Treatment Plan:🧰 -Built a temporary support wall to carry the deck load safely during reconstruction -Removed all old decking boards and exposed structural elements -Replaced undersized 8" footings with 12" concrete footings for improved load capacity -Upgraded 4x4 posts to 6x6 pressure-treated posts for enhanced strength and durability -Swapped out the original double 2x8 beam with a triple 2x8 engineered beam -Installed Tico brackets, hurricane ties, and additional bracing for full code compliance -Temporarily removed back railing for clear access during structural repairs -Reinstalled new decking boards for a refreshed surface with solid integrity beneath 💡 Prognosis: Deck is now structurally sound, code-compliant, and safe for regular use — ready to support many more peaceful summer afternoons.

Backyard Deck Structural Surgery

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