Deck Framing in West Michigan
The decking is what you see, but the framing underneath it is what determines how the deck is going to perform for years to come.
At Construction Kings, we put just as much attention into the structure underneath a deck as we do the finished surface.
Our West Michigan deck framing is built with pressure-treated lumber, 6×6 support posts, properly sized beams and joists, structural hardware, composite footing pads, and additional moisture protection in vulnerable areas.
Whether we’re building in Grand Haven, Jenison, Hudsonville, Allendale, Grand Rapids, or elsewhere in West Michigan, our goal is to build a solid foundation underneath every deck.
Pressure-Treated Deck Framing
We use pressure-treated lumber for the structural framing of our decks.
This includes the beams, joists, rim boards, blocking, stairs, and other structural components underneath the finished decking.
Every deck is different, so joist sizes, beam sizes, spans, footing locations, and post spacing are determined by the design of the deck and applicable building requirements.
We aren’t trying to use the least amount of material possible. We want the framing underneath the deck to feel solid and provide a strong foundation for the PVC or composite decking above it.
We Use 6×6 Deck Posts
For our structural deck support posts, Construction Kings uses 6×6 pressure-treated posts.
We don’t use smaller 4×4 posts to support our decks.
A deck support system has to carry the weight of the framing, decking, railing, people, furniture, snow, and everything else placed on the structure.
Using 6×6 posts gives us a substantial structural support system to build the rest of the deck around.
Depending on the deck design, our beams can be properly supported by the posts using approved framing methods and structural connectors.
Composite FootingPads
The structure of a deck starts all the way at the bottom.
On applicable projects, Construction Kings uses FootingPad composite footings underneath our deck support posts.
FootingPad manufactures engineered, fiber-reinforced composite footings designed to spread the load from a deck post over a larger area of soil.
Instead of relying on the relatively small bottom surface of a 6×6 post to carry the load, the FootingPad provides a much larger bearing surface underneath it.
That helps distribute the weight of the deck into the soil below.
Why We Use Composite FootingPads
FootingPads are specifically designed for below-grade structural applications, including decks.
The system offers several advantages:
Fiber-reinforced composite construction
Designed for below-grade use
Available in multiple diameters for different structural loads
Helps distribute deck loads across a larger area of soil
Independently tested
ICC-ES evaluated as a code-compliant alternative to equal-diameter concrete footings when used within its approved conditions
Designed specifically for post-supported structures such as decks
Footing size isn’t something we simply guess.
The correct footing depends on factors including the load carried by the post, footing spacing, deck dimensions, snow load, and soil bearing capacity.
We use the appropriate footing size for the deck being built and follow the requirements of the approved project and local building department.
Built for West Michigan Conditions
Building decks in West Michigan means accounting for more than just summer weather.
Our decks have to deal with snow loads, rain, freezing temperatures, spring thaw, moisture, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Footings are installed at the required depth for the project, and FootingPad’s own installation requirements call for installations to extend below the applicable frost line.
That foundation gives us the starting point for everything built above it.
From there, the posts, beams, joists, blocking, decking, stairs, and railing all become one complete structure.
Proper Beam and Post Connections
A strong post doesn’t mean much if the framing above it isn’t properly connected.
We pay close attention to how our 6×6 posts, beams, and joists connect together.
Depending on the design, that can include properly bearing beams on posts along with structural connectors and hardware designed for deck construction.
We also use quality structural hardware where required rather than relying on basic screws or fasteners in places where a structural connection is needed.
These aren’t usually the details homeowners notice when looking at a finished deck, but they’re some of the details that matter most.
Joist Spacing for PVC and Composite Decking
PVC and composite decking needs a properly built structure underneath it.
The framing layout is planned around the decking we’re installing, including the required joist spacing and additional framing needed for areas like:
Picture-frame borders
Breaker boards
Deck-board seams
Fascia
Rail posts
Stairs
Blocking
Other finished details
We plan these details during framing rather than trying to add them after the decking starts going down.
That helps us create a cleaner finished deck while keeping the structure underneath properly supported.
Protecting Our Deck Framing From Rot
Good framing isn’t only about how the lumber is assembled.
It’s also about protecting that lumber from moisture.
Construction Kings takes additional steps to help protect our pressure-treated framing from rot and decay, including the use of:
Joist tape
Postsaver post protection where applicable
Protection over vulnerable horizontal framing surfaces
Cut-end treatment on exposed pressure-treated lumber cuts
Proper flashing at deck-to-house connections
Proper drainage and water management
Our goal is to protect the areas that will become difficult or impossible to access once the finished decking is installed.
Joist Tape Over Deck Framing
We install joist tape over vulnerable framing surfaces before installing the decking.
The tape creates another layer between rainwater and the pressure-treated lumber underneath the deck.
This is particularly important on the tops of joists and beams, where moisture can otherwise collect around decking fasteners and between the decking and framing.
Once PVC or composite decking is installed, those joists could remain covered for decades.
We believe protecting them before they’re covered makes sense.
Framing Designed Around the Finished Deck
We don’t think of framing and finish work as two separate decks.
Before the decking goes down, we’re already thinking about how the finished project is supposed to look.
That includes planning framing for picture framing, fascia, stairs, railing posts, deck-board layouts, and other finished details.
A little more planning during framing can make a major difference in how clean the deck looks when it’s finished.
The Part of Your Deck Most People Never See
When a new deck is finished, homeowners usually notice the decking, railing, stairs, and fascia.
Most of the framing disappears underneath it.
But underneath that finished surface is the part of the deck we’re especially serious about getting right.
Our approach combines:
Pressure-treated structural lumber
6×6 support posts
Properly sized beams and joists
Composite FootingPad footings where applicable
Structural connectors and hardware
Joist tape
Postsaver protection where applicable
Cut-end protection
Additional blocking where needed
Framing planned around the finished deck design
Those details aren’t as noticeable in photos, but they’re a major part of how we build.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Framing
What type of lumber does Construction Kings use for deck framing?
Construction Kings uses pressure-treated structural lumber for our deck framing. The exact sizes and layout depend on the dimensions, loads, spans, and design of each deck.
What size posts do you use under your decks?
We use 6×6 pressure-treated support posts for our deck structures rather than 4×4 support posts.
What are composite deck footing pads?
Composite footing pads are structural footings placed beneath deck posts to spread the concentrated load of the post over a larger area of soil. Construction Kings uses FootingPad composite footings on applicable projects.
Are FootingPads approved for decks?
FootingPad has an ICC-ES evaluation for its molded composite footing pads. The manufacturer identifies them as a code-compliant alternative to equal-diameter concrete footings when sized and installed within the conditions of the evaluation report.
Final approval and footing requirements are determined by the applicable project design and local building authority.
Does Construction Kings use joist tape?
Yes. We use joist tape as an additional moisture barrier over vulnerable areas of our pressure-treated deck framing.
Do you build deck framing throughout West Michigan?
Yes. Construction Kings builds new decks and complete deck rebuilds throughout Grand Haven, Jenison, Hudsonville, Allendale, Grandville, Grand Rapids, Coopersville, Muskegon, and surrounding West Michigan communities.
West Michigan Deck Framing by Construction Kings
At Construction Kings, we specialize in building complete decks from the structure up.
That means we’re not only focused on what your deck looks like when we’re finished. We’re paying attention to the footings, posts, beams, joists, connections, moisture protection, and framing details underneath it too.
We build new PVC and composite decks throughout Grand Haven and the West Michigan lakeshore, as well as Jenison, Hudsonville, Allendale, Grand Rapids, Grandville, and surrounding communities.
If you’re planning a new deck or complete deck rebuild in West Michigan, contact Construction Kings to get started.