The foundation anchors your deck to the ground and is critical for safety and longevity, especially in Nebraska's climate. All our foundations are installed to a minimum depth of 42 inches to prevent frost heave, which is the upward shift in soil caused by freezing and thawing.

- Description: The traditional method. We excavate a deep, wide hole (42"+) and fill it with poured concrete to create a solid, permanent pier.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Proven, high-strength, and universally code-compliant.
  - Pro: Lowest material cost.
  - Con: Very labor-intensive, messy, and weather-dependent (requires time for concrete to cure).
- Description: An engineered system using a precast concrete head and four long steel pins driven into the ground at an angle. This "spread pile" technology resists frost heave without a deep hole.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Incredibly fast, clean installation with no excavation or curing time.
  - Pro: Code-compliant and engineered for frost performance.
  - Pro: We can start framing the deck immediately.
  - Con: Higher material cost than concrete.
- Description: An advanced engineered solution. A large, galvanized steel "screw" is driven deep into the ground with hydraulic machinery until a specific, verifiable torque (load capacity) is met.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: The best, most stable solution for difficult or unstable soils.
  - Pro: 100% resistant to frost heave and has an exceptionally long lifespan (50-150+ years).5
  - Pro: Fast, clean, and verifiable installation in any weather.
  - Con: The most expensive foundation option; requires specialized equipment.

2. Deck Framing (Substructure)

The "skeleton" of your deck that supports the surface. A straight, stable frame is essential for a flat, beautiful, and long-lasting deck.

- Description: The industry-standard lumber, chemically treated to resist rot and insects.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Most affordable option, structurally strong, and widely available.
  - Con: Sold "wet," making it heavy and extremely prone to warping, twisting, and shrinking as it dries, which can create an uneven deck surface.
- Description: A premium version of PT lumber that is treated and then infused with a rich, cedar-colored stain and a built-in water repellent.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Offers a more finished, aesthetic look if any framing is visible.
  - Pro: The built-in water repellent helps reduce warping and cupping compared to standard PT lumber.
  - Con: More expensive than standard PT and is still prone to some movement.
- Description: A premium wood product that is pressure-treated and then placed in a kiln to remove excess moisture. This "pre-shrinks" the wood.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: The most stable wood framing option; highly resistant to warping, twisting, and shrinking.
  - Pro: Results in a flatter, more level deck. Lighter and can be stained immediately.
  - Con: Higher cost (30-40% more) than standard PT.
  - Con: Limited availability and must be special-ordered.
- Description: A natural softwood known for its beauty and inherent resistance to rot.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Beautiful, natural appearance and lightweight.
  - Pro: Smells amazing!
  - Pro: More dimensionally stable (less warping) than standard "wet" PT lumber.
  - Con: Not as strong or stiff as PT lumber. Not rated for ground contact. We do not recommend it for hidden structural frames.
- Description: A 100% synthetic lumber made from recycled plastic (HDPE), often reinforced with fiberglass for structural applications.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: 100% waterproof. Will never rot, split, or be damaged by insects.
  - Pro: Extremely strong and stiff when reinforced.
  - Con: Very high upfront cost.
  - Con: Can expand and contract significantly with temperature swings.
- Description: A high-performance engineered system of light-gauge, galvanized steel joists and beams.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: The ultimate in performance. Perfectly straight, stable, and will never warp, rot, or split.
  - Pro: Stronger than wood, allowing for longer spans and more open space below.
  - Pro: 25+ year warranty. Non-combustible.
  - Con: The most expensive framing option.
  - Con: Requires special tools and installation training.

3. Deck Accessories

- Description: A self-adhesive waterproof butyl tape applied to the tops of all wood joists, beams, and the ledger board before the decking is installed.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: We recommend this as a best practice for all wood-framed decks.
  - Pro: It is a low-cost, high-value upgrade (often under $100) that protects the frame from rot, which typically starts in screw holes and where water sits.
  - Pro: Ensures the substructure lasts as long as the 25-50 year warranty on the decking it supports.
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4. Decking (Deck Surface)

This is the material you see and walk on. The primary choice is between the lower upfront cost of wood (with high maintenance) and the higher upfront cost of synthetics (with low maintenance).

- Description: The most traditional and affordable decking, chemically treated to resist rot.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Lowest upfront cost.
  - Con: Highest maintenance. Requires mandatory annual cleaning and staining/sealing to prevent splinters, warping, and rot.
  - Con: Has the lowest long-term value and shortest lifespan (10-15 years).
- Description: A natural softwood prized for its rich color and inherent (natural) resistance to rot and insects.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Beautiful, natural wood aesthetic.
  - Pro: Can be low-maintenance if you desire the weathered, silver-gray look.
  - Con: Requires regular oiling/staining to preserve its "new" reddish-brown color.
  - Con: As a softwood, it is easier to scratch or dent than other options.
- Description: The modern standard. A core of recycled wood fibers and plastic (Wood-Plastic Composite) protected by a durable outer shell or "cap" that resists staining, fading, and moisture.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: The best long-term value for most homeowners.
  - Pro: Extremely low-maintenance (just soap and water cleaning).
  - Pro: Will not rot, split, or splinter.
  - Pro: Long 25-50 year warranties.
  - Con: Higher upfront cost than wood.
- Description: A 100% synthetic (plastic) decking that contains zero wood fibers, making it completely impervious to moisture.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: 100% waterproof, making it the best choice for pools, docks, or ground-level decks.
  - Pro: Longest lifespan (50+ years).
  - Pro: Stays cooler to the touch than many composites (especially light colors).
  - Con: Typically the most expensive synthetic option.
- Description: An extremely dense, luxury natural wood prized for its durability and rich, exotic appearance.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Unmatched natural beauty, density, and longevity (40-75+ years).
  - Pro: Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and even fire (Class A rating).
  - Con: One of the most expensive decking options.
  - Con: Requires regular oiling to preserve its dark color; otherwise fades to gray.
  - Con: Extremely difficult and labor-intensive to install.

5. Deck Railing Systems

This choice defines the final style of your deck, ensures safety, and impacts your view.

- Description: The classic, lowest-cost railing option, built on-site using standard PT lumber.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Lowest possible upfront cost.
  - Con: Very high maintenance; must be sealed/stained regularly to prevent splinters and warping.
  - Con: High view obstruction
- Description: A natural wood railing prized for its rich color and natural resistance to rot.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Beautiful, authentic wood look.
  - Pro: More stable and less prone to warping than "wet" PT wood.
  - Con: Requires maintenance to preserve its "new" color (otherwise fades to gray).
  - Con: High view obstruction.
- Description: A low-maintenance system made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic, often designed to perfectly match composite decking brands.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Gives the traditional look of painted wood with almost no maintenance.
  - Pro: Durable, long-lasting, and will not rot or splinter.
  - Con: "Bulky" profile creates more view obstruction than aluminum.
- Description: A 100% plastic (PVC) railing system that is generally the most affordable low-maintenance option.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Lowest cost for a low-maintenance railing.
  - Pro: Very low maintenance (soap and water).
  - Con: Can look "plastic-y".
  - Con: Prone to cracking in extreme cold or warping/peeling in extreme heat, making it a risk in Nebraska's climate.
- Description: A premium, modern railing made from durable, powder-coated aluminum, often in pre-welded panels.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: The best all-around value; balances cost, aesthetics, and maintenance.
  - Pro: Extremely durable; powder-coating prevents rust, rot, or corrosion.
  - Pro: Near-zero maintenance for a 50+ year lifespan.
  - Pro: Slim, minimalist profile provides excellent views.
  - Con: Higher upfront cost than wood, vinyl, or composite.
- Description: A modern system using high-tension stainless steel cables instead of traditional balusters, creating a nearly "invisible" barrier.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Creates a "nearly invisible" barrier, perfect for preserving scenic views.
  - Con: Very high upfront cost.
  - Con: Requires periodic re-tensioning to prevent sag.
  - Con: Complex installation; requires a heavily reinforced frame to handle the high tension.
- Description: A luxury system using large panels of tempered glass as the infill for a completely unobstructed view.
- Highlights:
  - Pro: Provides a 100% completely unobstructed, "invisible" view.
  - Pro: Extremely durable, rot-proof, and corrosion-proof material.
  - Con: The most expensive railing option available.
  - Con: Aesthetically high-maintenance; requires constant cleaning of water spots, dust, and smudges to look good.

Crafted Performance Homes

Omaha & Eastern Nebraska

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Deck Guide for Omaha Nebraska with Crafted Performance Homes

1. Deck Foundations (Footings)

Cast-in-Place Concrete

Block & Rod Foundations (e.g., Diamond Pier)

Helical Piles (Screw Piles)

2. Deck Framing (Substructure)

Standard Pressure Treated (PT) Lumber

Cedar-Tone Treated Lumber

Kiln Dried After Treatment (KDAT) Lumber

Cedar Lumber

Structural Plastic Lumber

Metal (Steel) Frame

3. Deck Accessories

Joist Protection Tape

Lighting

Under Deck Water Barrier (Dry Space Below)

Decorative Hardware

4. Decking (Deck Surface)

Pressure-Treated (PT) Lumber

Cedar Decking

Capped Composite (WPC)

PVC Decking

Tropical Hardwood (e.g., Ipe)

5. Deck Railing Systems

Pressure-Treated (PT) Lumber

Cedar

Composite

Vinyl (PVC)

Aluminum

Cable Railing

Glass Railing

Crafted Performance Homes