We DO NOT install decks from scratch.  This would require design work which we currently don't perform.

We can however re-construct a deck down to the joists. 

Our typical work is follows:

• replace deck flooring
• replace deck railing and/or stair railing
• replace stair treads
• replace risers
• replace balusters
• just about everything except joists

You only need a deck permit if you are installing a deck from scratch or replacing support joists or other support beams.

If you are repairing deck rails, stair rails, deck floor boards, and other non-support boards then the repairs are allowed without permit.

The above is a generaliztion and we do check with each city to be sure we are follwing code.

Exterior wood stains typically come as follows:

• clear
• transparent (you can have a hint of color)
• semi-transparent
• solid color

Stain and sealers help prolong the life of decks by keeping the sun's UV rays from damaging the wood.  Between the UV rays, rain, snow, leaves from trees,  decks will slowly start to weather and turn brown or black if not stained.

Eventually decks dry out enough where they may start to crack and eventually fall apart or end up rotting out.

Clear stains don't add any color to the decks and their primary funtion is to keep water from pentrating the wood.

Transparent stains may actually have a hint of color so you get protection and nice looks.  These allow the grain of wood to show.

Semi-transparents provide more protection than the previous two because the stain itself has some solid particles that provide more protection.

Solid color stains provide for the maximum protection and tend to last longer than ther other types of stains.  

The more solid the stain the less you will have to re-apply over the years.

A brand new pressure treated deck must dry out for about 60 days before it can be stained.  The reason being is that the wood has been treated with preservatives to keep water or any other liquid from penetrating.  If you do stain a brand new pressure treated deck, the stain will likely peel quickly.

A brand new cedar or kiln dried wood deck can be stained or sealed immediately.  These materials have no preservatives or have dried out long enough that staining them won't be an issue.

You can expect to reapply:

clear sealer--every 2 years

transparents--every 2 to 3 years

semi-transparents--every 2 to 4 years

solid colors--every 5 years

Keep in mind that if you have a lot of foot traffic, that will wear out the stain much faster. 

If you have furniture on a deck wherever the legs are rubbing up on the deck will wear out faster.

If you have trees and leaves fall on your deck and stay on there wet--that will cause the stain to wear out faster.

If your deck is in a shady area it will have a hard time drying and will eventually get mold and or algae growing on it.