Decks & Outdoor Living
Custom deck construction by Tacoma Creek Build Co. extends your living space into the Pacific Northwest's mountains, forests, and lakefronts—delivering code-compliant outdoor platforms, multi-level decks, and covered outdoor living areas across Spokane County, Kootenai County, Bonner County, and Pend Oreille County. Our licensed general contractors build with cedar, composite, or pressure-treated materials—designed for deep frost footings, heavy snow loads, and decades of use. Whether you're adding a deck to a home in Spokane, building a lakeside entertainment space near Coeur d'Alene, creating a multi-tier deck in Sandpoint's steep terrain, or adding a covered patio in Newport, we deliver permitted, durable structures that connect indoor and outdoor living.
Mountain decks face extreme conditions: 40–70 PSF snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and moisture from rain and humidity. We've built on steep slopes requiring tall posts and engineered footings, lakefront sites with shoreline setback restrictions, and exposed ridges where wind and snow dictate railing design. Proper ledger flashing, joist hangers, post-to-beam connections, and code-compliant railings ensure safety and longevity. When your project includes excavation for footings, retaining walls, or landscaping integration, we coordinate the full scope as a turnkey builder.
Typical Project Types
What's Included in Deck Builds
- Custom Design & Layout: Single-level, multi-tier, or wraparound decks sized to your lot, views, and lifestyle—from 200 to 2,000+ SF.
- Frost-Protected Footings: Concrete footings poured 42–48 inches deep (below frost line) with proper diameter for post loads.
- Ledger Board Attachment: Properly flashed and bolted ledgers (no nails) with through-bolts or lag screws meeting IRC standards.
- Structural Framing: Pressure-treated joists, beams, and posts with galvanized joist hangers, bolted connections, and engineered spans.
- Decking Materials: Cedar (natural beauty), composite (low-maintenance Trex, TimberTech), or pressure-treated (economical).
- Code-Compliant Railings: 36-inch guardrails (42 inches for decks over 30 inches high) with 4-inch sphere rule balusters.
- Stairs & Landings: Code-compliant stair construction with proper rise/run, handrails, and landings where required.
- Covered Options: Roof structures, pergolas, shade sails, or solid covers for all-weather use and UV protection.
- Built-In Features: Benches, planters, lighting (low-voltage or solar), privacy screens, and outdoor kitchen rough-ins.
- Permitting & Inspections: Building permits, engineering (for tall or cantilevered decks), and final inspections handled by our team.
Our Deck Construction Process
- Design consultation & site assessment: We meet on-site to discuss deck size, levels, views, access, and intended use (dining, entertaining, hot tub). Slope, soil conditions, and sun exposure are assessed. Setbacks, HOA rules, and shoreline restrictions are verified.
- Plans & permitting: Deck plans are drawn showing layout, framing, footings, railings, and stairs. Engineering calculations are completed for tall decks (over 8 feet) or cantilevered designs. Building permits are submitted and approved.
- Footing excavation & concrete pours: Footing locations are staked and dug 42–48 inches deep. Sonotubes or formed holes are set, rebar is placed, and concrete is poured. Footings cure 5–7 days. Post bases or embedded posts are set and aligned.
- Framing & ledger installation: The ledger board is flashed with peel-and-stick membrane and bolted to the house rim joist (never siding). Beams are bolted to posts, joists are hung with galvanized hangers, and the frame is squared and leveled. Blocking and bracing are installed per code.
- Decking & railing installation: Decking boards are fastened with hidden clips (composite) or screws (wood). Boards are spaced for drainage and expansion. Railings and balusters are installed, posts are trimmed, and caps are added. Stairs are built with proper rise/run and handrails.
- Finishes & final inspection: Cedar or PT decking is stained or sealed (if specified). Lighting, outlets, or built-in features are completed. Final inspections are passed, and the deck is ready for furniture and use.
Code Compliance & Safety
- IRC Deck Standards: Footings, ledger attachment, joist spans, railing height, and baluster spacing meet IRC Chapter 5 and local amendments.
- Ledger Flashing: Peel-and-stick flashing over ledger board prevents water intrusion and rot—critical for long-term durability.
- Proper Fasteners: Galvanized or stainless joist hangers, through-bolts (not lag screws alone), and code-rated fasteners throughout.
- Snow Load Engineering: Tall decks or covered structures engineered for 40–70 PSF snow loads plus live loads.
- Licensed Contractor: All work performed under WA and ID general contractor licenses with full insurance coverage.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free consultation and site evaluation. We'll provide a detailed quote and timeline for your project.
Our Process
Design & Site Assessment
Layout, levels, views, slope analysis
Plans & Permitting
Deck plans, engineering if needed, permits
Footings & Concrete
Dig footings 42-48 inches, pour, cure
Framing & Ledger
Ledger flashing, beams, joists, blocking
Decking & Railings
Decking boards, railings, balusters, stairs
Finishes & Inspection
Staining/sealing, lighting, final inspection
What's Included in Deck Builds
- Custom Design & Layout: Single-level, multi-tier, or wraparound decks sized to your lot, views, and lifestyle—from 200 to 2,000+ SF.
- Frost-Protected Footings: Concrete footings poured 42–48 inches deep (below frost line) with proper diameter for post loads.
- Ledger Board Attachment: Properly flashed and bolted ledgers (no nails) with through-bolts or lag screws meeting IRC standards.
- Structural Framing: Pressure-treated joists, beams, and posts with galvanized joist hangers, bolted connections, and engineered spans.
- Decking Materials: Cedar (natural beauty), composite (low-maintenance Trex, TimberTech), or pressure-treated (economical).
- Code-Compliant Railings: 36-inch guardrails (42 inches for decks over 30 inches high) with 4-inch sphere rule balusters.
- Stairs & Landings: Code-compliant stair construction with proper rise/run, handrails, and landings where required.
- Covered Options: Roof structures, pergolas, shade sails, or solid covers for all-weather use and UV protection.
- Built-In Features: Benches, planters, lighting (low-voltage or solar), privacy screens, and outdoor kitchen rough-ins.
- Permitting & Inspections: Building permits, engineering (for tall or cantilevered decks), and final inspections handled by our team.
Equipment & Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Let's Build Something Great Together
From initial site walk to final inspection, Tacoma Creek Build Co. delivers professional dirt work you can build on.