Fort Thomas Deck Project – Out with the Old and in with the New

Justin Schmidt • March 31, 2022

This is our current project we are working on in Ft Thomas, Kentucky.

We demolished the existing 20 plus year old (1000 sq ft deck) and started with a clean slate. Anytime you are considering a new composite deck, make sure the contractor is recommending that you replace the framing.

Stone house with steep roof and wooden decks on a wooded hillside under a cloudy sky
20 plus year old structure has to go

30 Yards of Concrete (No Problem)

When you are building a large deck on a hillside you need to get engineers involved. The engineers can determine the size of the footings required to properly support the structure.

This job was a monster. After doing his calculations, the engineer determined we would need 13 footers, that would require 30 yards of concrete.

Construction site with excavated holes and a green concrete mixer truck on muddy ground.

KDAT Treated Lumber is the way to go

The homeowner wanted the best framing possible to ensure a good installation of the composite decking. KDAT lumber (explained below) was used to make reduce the shrinkage that can occur with regular treated lumber. It also allows the decking to lay flatter.

KDAT material made it easy for use to use a solid black stain on the joist and posts, which you will see in the current photo’s below.

ProWood Kiln Dried (KDAT)

Kiln Dried for stability and lower weight.

ProWood ®  Kiln Dried After Treatment (KDAT) has all the weather-beating durability you demand from treated wood, yet it’s dried in a kiln, which reduces shrinking and warping. You’ll not only find it’s easy to cut, but you can stain or seal it immediately.

This is robust, reliable lumber you can count on for lifetime protection against termites and decay, as well as dimensional stability. Benefits include:

  • Compatibility with aluminum and carbon steel (black iron) fasteners
  • Lower weight for improved handling and easy installation
  • Pre-shrinks the inevitable width and thickness drop due to moisture loss
  • Finished panel thickness is closer to final result

Current Project Update

The LP Pre-finished siding for the gables should arrive this week. We are doing an incredible concrete overlay on the upper level, and we can’t wait to show you.

Partially built hillside house with exposed framing and wraparound deck among leafless trees

Deckorators Decking is looking good

A little bit of dirt while working up here today, but it can’t hide the beauty of this decking. Stay tuned for the final pics of this job and a walk-thru video.

Covered wooden deck with dark railings and steps overlooking a yard and neighborhood street
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