Building a Deck That Lasts: It Starts with the Basics

Post Date: September 10, 2025

Building a great deck starts long before the first board is installed. I always tell my team that the secret to a deck that really lasts is what happens down at the foundation. Here at Made by Mike Construction, every deck project, whether in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge or any other part of the Vancouver Lower Mainland, begins with making sure we have a super solid foundation. We start with proper footings, robust posts, and level beams. This gives the whole structure its primary strength.

Our carefully select quality framing materials, lumber, and engineered products. We use materials that we know can stand up to our tough West Coast weather. We also pay close attention to the details you might miss. For example, using specialized corrosion-resistant fasteners is absolutely crucial. Standard nails and screws will rust out over time, especially when they get wet. That quickly leads to weak spots. We ensure every connection point is strong and built to hold tight for years. A beautiful finish starts with a foundation built to last.

Protecting What You Don’t See: The Made by Mike Difference

Now, this is the part that truly sets a Made by Mike deck apart. We don’t just build a strong frame; we actively protect it from the elements. To extend the life of every deck we build, we go a big step further by applying a couple of crucial protectors. We use a combination of flashing tape and a thick deck frame coating on all exposed framing surfaces. You can see this in the photo. First, we use specialized flashing tape to seal the tops of all the posts, beams, and joists.

Why? Because water loves to pool on flat surfaces or sneak in through the screw holes. These spots are the main culprits for rot and decay. The tape creates a watertight seal right where the wood is most vulnerable. Second, we apply that durable deck frame coating. This process seals the rest of the exposed wood. It gives the entire frame a tough, durable barrier against moisture penetration. It’s extra work and a bigger investment on our part, but for me, protecting the substructure from rot is non-negotiable.

The Result: True Longevity for Your West Coast Deck

When you combine a strong foundation with our dual layer of protection—the flashing tape and the frame coating—you get a substructure that’s completely protected from rot, decay, and moisture damage. This is the structural integrity that gives you peace of mind.

You won’t have to worry about the deck getting spongy or wobbly in a few years. That is a common problem with decks built the standard way. A deck should be firm, quiet, and reliable underfoot. This comes from a protected frame that maintains its strength.

At the end of the day, what sets a Made by Mike deck apart is the craftsmanship that’s hidden beneath the surface. You get to enjoy the beautiful finish, knowing that beneath the boards lies a structure optimized for the long run. The result is the kind of longevity you can’t see but will definitely feel every time you step out onto your deck.