When most homeowners think about a deck, they picture the finished product—beautiful boards, stylish railings, maybe a cozy seating area for summer nights. But what truly determines a deck’s strength, safety, and longevity isn’t what’s on top. It’s what’s underneath.
At Schonhardt & Sons Home Improvements, we know that a deck is only as strong as its foundation. Here’s a closer look at the essential components beneath the surface—and why each one matters.
- Footings: Your Deck’s Foundation
Footings anchor your deck to the ground and support the entire structure. That’s why we use helical pier footings—a modern alternative to traditional concrete that offers unmatched strength, stability, and speed.
Benefits of Helical Piers:
- Exceed building code requirements
- No digging, mess, or cement curing time
- Installed with minimal ground disturbance
- Ready to build on the same day
- Backed by a 75-year manufacturer warranty
Your deck project starts on solid ground—literally.
- Posts and Beams: Support You Can Rely On
The posts and beams form the skeleton of your deck. These components distribute weight evenly and give your deck its shape and structure. At Schonhardt, we use high-quality, pressure-treated lumber and ensure all framing is securely connected and leveled for long-term durability.
- Joists: The Framework That Holds It All Together
Joists are horizontal boards that run across your deck and support the decking boards above. Their spacing and alignment are critical—not just for safety, but also for proper board placement and a smooth surface. We custom-frame decks to fit your design, including special layouts like picture-framed decking or diagonal installations.
- Hidden Fasteners: Clean Finish, Strong Hold
Once the framing is complete, we use the HIDfast system for many of our Wolf PVC decking installs. This advanced fastening method secures boards out of view, giving your deck a sleek, uninterrupted look—without compromising strength.
Why What’s Underneath Matters
Too often, builders cut corners on framing and footings, thinking homeowners won’t notice. But subpar support systems can lead to:
- Sagging or uneven decks
- Wobbling railings
- Water damage and rot
- Costly repairs—or full replacements—years too soon
That’s why we invest in quality materials and proper techniques from the ground up. Because at Schonhardt & Sons, we don’t just build decks—we build peace of mind.
Thinking about adding or replacing a deck?
Make sure what’s underneath is built to last. Reach out to us for a free consultation and learn how we do things differently.
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