Elevated Composite Deck with Stairs in Meridian

The home's existing second-story deck was original to the 2005 build and had serious structural concerns. The pressure-treated ledger board showed signs of rot where flashing had failed, several joists had visible decay at the beam connections, and the wood decking was splintered and cupping throughout. The railing spindles were loose and did not meet current code spacing requirements. The homeowners wanted to use the space below the deck as a dry patio area, which required a drainage solution.

We performed a complete tear-off of the existing deck down to the posts, which were still structurally sound. New hot-dipped galvanized post brackets, a pressure-treated beam, and 2×10 joists were installed with Simpson Strong-Tie connectors throughout. A new stainless steel ledger board with integrated flashing was bolted to the house. TimberTech AZEK composite decking was selected for its PVC composition and superior moisture resistance at elevation. An under-deck drainage system (DrySpace) was installed beneath the joists to channel water away and create a dry ceiling below. A 16-step staircase with composite treads and aluminum railing provides access to the yard. Code-compliant aluminum railing with tempered glass panels was installed around the perimeter.

The homeowners now have a beautiful, safe elevated deck and a dry patio space underneath — effectively doubling their outdoor living area. The TimberTech AZEK decking carries a limited lifetime warranty and will never rot, split, or need staining. The glass railing panels preserve the view of the Boise foothills that was partially blocked by the old wood spindles. The under-deck ceiling creates a covered patio that stays dry even during Idaho thunderstorms.