Decks
Overview
Outdoor living is an essential part of Hudson Valley life. Cornerstone Construction builds custom decks and porches designed for safety, durability, and enjoyment. We construct new decks, repair existing decks, install composite decking systems, build attached and detached porches, and ensure ledger connections, footings, and railing systems meet code and performance expectations.
Why Well-Built Deck Matter
Safety:
Proper ledger attachment, flashing, and footings prevent catastrophic failure.
Longevity:
Correct material selection and construction techniques reduce maintenance and extend life.
Usability:
Thoughtful layout enhances functionality for dining, grilling, and entertaining.
Value:
Decks increase usable square footage and can improve property resale value.
Deck Services We Provide
New Deck Construction
- Design and build custom decks in wood or composite material.
- Proper footings (concrete piers or sonotubes) sized for local frost depth.
- Ledger flashing and through-bolting where necessary for safe ledger-to-house connection.
- Stairs, landings, and code-compliant guardrails.
Deck Repair & Reinforcement
- Ledger replacement and flashing repairs to stop water infiltration and restore ledger integrity.
- Joist replacement or sistering for sagging decks.
- Deck board replacement, railing repairs, and fastener upgrades.
Composite Decking & Low-Maintenance Options
- Composite or capped composite decking for reduced upkeep.
- Hidden fastener systems and appropriate substructure design for composite materials.
Porches & Covered Decks
- Design and construction of covered porches and screened porches with roof tie-in to existing structures.
- Proper flashing, roof drainage, and support details.
Custom Features
- Built-in benches, planters, pergolas, and lighting for enhanced outdoor use.
- Retaining walls and landscape tie-ins to manage grade transitions.
Deck Construction Best Practices
Pressure-treated Lumber
Footings set below local frost depth prevent movement and heaving.
Ledger Flashing
Proper flashing and water-resistant barriers prevent rot where deck meets house.
Ventilation and Material Spacing
Allow for drainage and thermal movement especially with composite materials.
Inspection of Existing Structure
Old homes require thorough ledger and rim board examination before tying in a new deck.
Materials and Finish Option
Pressure-treated Lumber:
Cost-effective and traditional choice.
Cedar:
Natural rot resistance and attractive grain.
Composite Decking:
Low-maintenance and long-lasting with a wide range of colors.
Stainless or Hot-dipped Galvanized Fasteners:
Corrosion-resistant connectors that prolong service life.
Safety and Compliance
Decks must meet local building codes for guardrail heights, stair dimensions, and structural loading. We ensure plans and construction follow code and pass inspections.
Maintenance & Care Guidance
We provide maintenance plans and care instructions for wood and composite decks, including staining schedules, cleaning procedures, and routine ledger inspections to prevent water-related damage.
FAQs
How long will a new deck last?
Properly built wood decks with regular maintenance can last 15–25 years; composite decks may last 25+ years with minimal upkeep.
Do you replace old ledgers?
Yes. Replacing a failing ledger and installing proper flashing is a common and important deck repair that restores safety.
Are footings required to be below frost depth?
Yes. In our area, footings must extend below frost depth to prevent frost heave; we size footings accordingly.
Contact & Estimate
To plan a new deck or repair your existing deck, call (845) 853-4940 or email mikkrom@aol.com to schedule a site visit and receive a written estimate including materials, footings, and finish options.