Deck Builders in Steilacoom, WA

Work as deck builders in Steilacoom is shaped by two things the town has plenty of: history and views. Steilacoom was incorporated on April 22, 1854, the first town in Washington Territory to do so. It looks west over Puget Sound toward Anderson, Ketron and McNeil islands. A deck here should frame that view, fit the character of the house and stand up to marine weather.

Respecting the historic district

The Steilacoom Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If your home is in or near the district, the look of a new deck matters as much as its structure. We tend to recommend painted wood or simple square-baluster railings over glass panels or bright composite colors on street-facing elevations, and we keep decks on the rear of the house where possible. Before design, contact the Town of Steilacoom about any review that applies to exterior changes on your property; we will adjust the plan to whatever the town requires.

Older houses, older framing

Attaching a new deck to an older house takes more investigation than bolting onto new construction. Rim joists can be undersized, sills may have old water damage, and siding may hide a band board that is not structural. We open up the wall at the ledger location, confirm what we are attaching to, and install proper flashing behind the siding. If the house cannot safely carry a ledger, we build a freestanding deck on its own posts that sits right next to the wall.

Stairs and railings that age well

Steilacoom is a smaller, older community. Census figures show 19.0% of residents are 65 or older and households average 2.37 people. That shapes our designs:

• Fewer, wider steps with consistent risers rather than steep runs
• Graspable handrails on both sides of stairs where space allows
• Landings that break up long climbs on sloped lots
• Slip-resistant composite or textured boards on stairs that stay wet half the year
• Good lighting on treads and at the top of stairs
• Gates on decks used by grandchildren or pets

Marine weather and wet months

The South Sound averages around 40 inches of rain a year in nearby Tacoma, with November, December and January each above six inches. Salt air off the water adds corrosion to that list. We use hot-dip galvanized or stainless fasteners and connectors near the shoreline, flash every ledger and seal board ends on wood decks. Moss and algae are routine on shaded decks; a gentle cleaning each year and a fresh coat of penetrating stain every few years will keep cedar sound.

Repairs before replacement

Older decks in a town this old were often built long before current codes. Not every one needs to come down. Replacing failed stair stringers, adding missing guards, swapping rotted boards and reinforcing connections can keep a solid frame in service. When the framing itself is soft, we tell you plainly and price a rebuild.

Covered space for a view you use year-round

A covered deck lets you enjoy the Sound and the islands from October to April. We design roof structures that do not block sightlines more than necessary, often with a low-slope roof and slim posts.

Talk with us

Call (253) 525-5245 to set up a visit. We walk the house, check the ledger area and give you a written estimate with options for repair, replacement or a new design.

Call (253) 525-5245