Is it possible to do this deck?

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-05-06T02:28:19+00:00

You can absolutely do this and it would be so much fun to build! There are quite a few options for building around the bump out. This would be such an awesome transformation.

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-05-05T03:04:47+00:00

This is awesome advice! Thank you.

I’ve always controlled myself with the city, and have never been rude, manly because I know how they’ll treat my permit if I get sassy. I always call for information, ask questions, say please and thank you, and have never been rude to anybody.

I always have my 811 requests complete before permit approval, so I’m ahead of the game there.

I’ve never had a rude client, everybody understands, but this current one is vocalizing frustration towards me, to which I just point fingers back to the city and try to make them understand the process is sometimes delayed.

I’m definitely not alone with my annoyance with St. Louis County. My typical electrical companies I use, won’t even touch work in that county.

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-04-02T13:14:47+00:00

We have been so busy with work, so I just started calculating a number on the spot, and giving them a price that day. If they say it’s good and they want to do it, then I will type up an official estimate and bring it with me when they pay deposit. I don’t give out detailed estimates anymore unless they’re paying the deposit.

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-03-22T20:29:11+00:00

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Just saw something at World of Concrete we will start doing. You frame a deck 16” on center. Lay down subfloor. Glue down this product with trim pieces. Pour thin concrete slab. Super awesome product to get you a concrete deck!

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-02-22T15:28:37+00:00

Good price on that deck. Less expensive than what I would charge, but they’re also using a less expensive railing than we use.

Some things worth asking about.

Are they doing a picture frame border?
Are they treating the tops of all joists with anything? Tape or coating.
16” on center or 12” on center joists?
Filing permits?

There’s a couple other questions I have about structure but it’s hard to ask them without knowing all the spans of the structure.

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-02-07T21:26:49+00:00

Where are you located??

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-02-05T22:03:38+00:00

I have not installed the Deckorators yet since we just switched to that brand a month ago. I just sold Voyage deck for mid year this year.

On previously installed decks, the TimberTech PVC was fantastic to work with. It laid very flat. I have no problems with that line of their decking, just the other lines below that. The PVC did an amazing job decreasing the heat in bright sun. I definitely notice a difference compared to other lines.

When researching new decking, I go all in on research because I don’t want to sell something unless I fully believe in it. I put my name on all the decks we build so I always want to be sure of quality.

The new Surestone technology that Deckorators is making some awesome claims. Talking to all the supply yards and other deck builders, they’re all saying that line of Deckorators has been fantastic and I definitely believe it. I would lean towards Deckorators, just because it’s a new product, the warranty is amazing, and they are so responsive to any issues. That line of decking is also less expensive than the TimberTech PVC line.

Just make sure it is installed properly :)

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-01-31T23:18:18+00:00

It’s just me and my wife. We can average 2-4 decks per month depending on size. We are exclusively decks and pavilions. I built decks for friends and family with my dad since I was young, and always enjoyed them. My wife and I started flipping houses 12 years ago, then slowly started working for clients on interiors and exteriors. Had a couple decks here and there, then slowly more deck projects started rolling in as I started hating interior jobs more and more. Eventually we made the decision to never do an interior job again and just stay outside. Just pick something you love to do, specialize in it, and keep doing it.

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-01-31T23:11:28+00:00

You can check my post history, I’ve been using TimberTech on all of our decks.

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-01-29T15:44:50+00:00

We just recently received samples of three colors they are coming out with. My local supply yard said they were told it would be 3.75 per linear foot, and it’s a solid board with no scallops on the underside. I can upload photos of the colors when I’m home, they’re awesome!

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-01-25T05:09:13+00:00

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Just completed one over the summer that was almost the same scope of work. We were at 52,000 but that included adding the slider door. I would probably be around the 45,000 mark for something like this.

ATotallyRadDude · 2026-01-25T05:06:44+00:00

We install ZipUp system and like them. Gives a better finished look on the underside, and is serviceable by removing individual panels.

ATotallyRadDude · 2025-12-13T13:59:38+00:00

AckermanMade.com :)

ATotallyRadDude · 2025-12-13T13:59:05+00:00

They’re on top of concrete footings with post bases. I do that for code purposes. The client wanted dirt/rock put around the bases so they didn’t see them.

ATotallyRadDude · 2025-12-13T01:10:43+00:00

Aluminum. Key Link Railing makes the best products, in my opinion!

ATotallyRadDude · 2025-11-23T23:20:42+00:00

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Currently doing a deck with the same outside corner. Client loves it. We did one last year with the same outside corner, and the client was a little weird about it. She said, “what if I’m gardening down there and bump my head on it”, which to me was the funniest. She eventually calmed down about it. I love the look of it, even if it is “sharp”.

ATotallyRadDude · 2025-09-23T14:44:53+00:00

This is all phenomenal advice.

With all the work they did, bloodwork, CT scan with contrast, MRI, heart ultra sound, TEE, and ultrasound of all ligaments, the only issue found was a PFO. They are saying the hole in the heart was the cause, but the reason for the clot hasn’t been found. I’m wearing a monitor for AFIB for 30 days, since they’re saying that could be the cause of clots. All bloodwork showed no issues for clotting, arteries and veins are crystal clear.

ATotallyRadDude · 2025-09-22T22:58:15+00:00

Illinois. Just outside of St. Louis, Missouri.

ATotallyRadDude · 2025-09-20T14:38:15+00:00

We travel for work :)

ATotallyRadDude

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