Decks and PorchesJun 18, 2026
EXTERIOR SERVICE
Decks engineered for Maine snow loads..
Composite, cedar, pressure-treated, or screened porches. PE-designed for 50-psf snow load. Hidden fasteners, steel railing options, code-compliant for any town.
✓PE-engineered frame plans (50-psf snow load)
✓TimberTech, Trex, and cedar installer
✓Concrete tube footings below frost line (48")
✓Code-compliant stair rise/run, railing height
● ACTIVE
GAF MASTER ELITE
Decks & PorchesTop 3% nationally
PATHS
The right solution depends on how the house is used
We do not treat every project in this category as the same job. Scope, disruption, budget, and long-term value change depending on which path fits the house and your actual goals.
Lowest maintenance
Composite decks
Best for homeowners who want a cleaner long-term ownership path with less sanding, staining, and yearly upkeep.
•Strongest fit for long-term use•Cleaner hidden-fastener finish•Higher upfront cost, lower maintenance burden
Natural character
Cedar / wood decks
Better when warmth, grain, and natural look matter more than reduced maintenance.
•Richer traditional appearance•Needs regular sealing and upkeep•Great for classic Maine homes and camps
Three-season living
Screened porches
More structure, more envelope detail, and more usability than an open deck, especially for bug-heavy or exposed sites.
•Best for comfort and longer seasonal use•Higher scope than an open platform deck•Strong fit for family and hosting spaces
SCOPE
WHAT'S INCLUDING IN EVERY JOB
Every line item below is in the contract. No surprises, no "we'll figure it out on-site." If we do the work, these are part of the price.
01
Design
Hand-drawn or 3D plan. Railing style, stair location, lighting if wanted.
02
Engineering
Joist span tables + footing schedule. Stamped plans if required by town.
03
Permits
Pulled by us. ~$100-$300 per town.
04
Footings
Concrete tubes, 48" deep, inspected before pour.
05
Framing
Pressure-treated, hot-dipped galvanized hardware, through-bolted to house.
06
Decking
Composite, cedar, PT, or tropical hardwood. Hidden fasteners for composite.
07
Railing
Composite, cable, steel, or wood. Code-height 36" or 42".
08
Lighting + wiring
Post caps, stair lights, plug outlets — if wanted.
EARLY WARNING
Signs your roof is already telling on itself.
CATCH IT EARLY AND THIS IS A
ROOFING JOB.
WAIT TOO LONG AND IT BECOMES
ROOFING + DECKING + INSULATION +
CEILING.
01
Ledger movement
Loose attachment points can turn a deck into a structural issue, not just a finish issue.
02
Soft framing or steps
Rot in stringers, posts, or framing means the problem is deeper than replacement boards.
03
Unsafe railings
Wobble usually points to framing, fastening, or code deficiencies that need corrective work.
04
Short footings or heave
Movement after winter often means the original deck was not built for frost depth or soil conditions.
MATERIALS
We only installwhat we'd put on our own house.
Premium composite
TimberTech AZEK
Capped polymer, 50-year stain/fade warranty. Best heat resistance in the category.
Standard composite
Trex Transcend
25-year residential warranty, 125+ colors. Most popular composite in Maine.
Natural wood
Western red cedar
Rot-resistant, takes stain beautifully. Needs re-seal every 2-3 years.
Budget option
Pressure-treated pine
Most economical. Will gray, then you can stain or leave natural. 15-20 year life.
PROCESS
How the job runs, start to finish.
01
Site visit
Measure, discuss height, access, railing style. Locate underground utilities.
02
Design + bid
3-7 day turnaround. 2-3 material options at different price points.
03
Permit + dig-safe
1-3 weeks. We call dig-safe 72 hours before digging.
04
Build
Typical 16x20 deck: 4-7 crew days. Screened porch: 8-14 days.
05
Sign-off
Town inspection, walk with you, warranty paperwork.
Recent Projects
Selected Decks & Porches projects
Browse our latest construction projects that showcase our commitment to quality, innovation and craftsmanship. Each project represents our dedication to excellence and client satisfaction.
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COVERAGE
Decks & Porches in your town
Based in Hudson, we cover all of Penobscot County — and the closer neighborhoods of Hancock and Waldo counties. 45-minute radius from our yard, same-day response within 30
Questions
Things people actually ask.
More questions? Call +1 (203) 725-5058 or request an estimate — we don't believe in pressure sales.
Composite vs. cedar?
Composite: zero maintenance, 25-50 year warranty, costs ~2x cedar. Cedar: beautiful, needs re-staining every 2-3 years, lasts 20-25 years. We do both.
Do I need a permit?
Yes in most Maine towns for decks over 30" high or attached to the house. We pull all permits for you and handle inspections.
How long does a deck last?
Pressure-treated: 15-20 years. Cedar with regular sealing: 20-25 years. Composite: 25-30+ years depending on brand. The frame itself (PT wood) lasts 25-40 years if footings are correct and it's kept dry.
Can you add a screened porch?
Yes. Screened porches need a roof, proper flashing, screen framing, and often a small foundation if it's not attached to an existing roof. We've built many in Penobscot County — they're a great way to beat mosquitos and black flies.