Materials & Specs

Prime material. Nothing less.

Most of what makes a deck last twenty years is buried where you'll never see it — the grade of the lumber, the treatment on the posts, and the screws holding it all together. Here's exactly what we build with on every single job.

Get a Free Quote

Prime pressure treated lumber

We build with MicroPro® pressure treated lumber — certified green, cleaner looking, and engineered for ground contact, above-ground, and freshwater exterior use.

Preservative technology

MicroPro® technology

One of the most environmentally friendly and effective wood preservative technologies available.

Certifications

SCS EPP Certified

Also Home Innovation NGBS Green Certified™, UL GREENGUARD GOLD Certified, and Global GreenTag Certified™.

Approved uses

Interior & exterior

Exterior uses include above-ground, ground contact, and freshwater contact. Approved for aluminum contact.

Appearance

Lighter, more natural look

Improved painting and staining qualities for a finish that lasts.

Fastener compatibility

Better corrosion resistance

Approved for use and contact with all standard fasteners.

Structural posts

Ground contact treated 4x4

Every post that touches the ground or concrete is ground-contact rated. That means the preservative treatment is designed for direct burial and wet conditions, so the base of your deck never rots out.

  • Rated for direct soil and concrete contact
  • Deep preservative penetration for long-term rot resistance
  • Used on every deck, pergola, and patio cover we build
Ground contact treated 4x4 lumber used for deck posts

3" coated decking screws

One fastener, used everywhere it touches decking. It's the difference between a deck that stays tight and one that squeaks and lifts in year three.

3" coated decking screws — only

Every board is fastened with 3-inch exterior-coated decking screws. No nails, no staples, no shortcuts.

Why coated

The polymer coating stands up to the copper in treated lumber, so heads don't corrode, bleed, or back out over the seasons.

Why 3 inch

Full 3-inch length bites deep into the joist for a tight, squeak-free deck that stays flat for decades.

All-weather coated heads

The heavy-duty coating resists rust, corrosion, and chemical reaction with treated lumber, so the screw heads stay clean and the boards stay tight.

3-inch coated decking screws used on every Benchmark deck

Fiberon Good Life composite decking

Optional upgrade

We offer a composite upgrade on every deck we build. Fiberon® Good Life Weekender Collection gives you the look of a stained wood deck without the splinters, warping, or yearly maintenance.

Fiberon Good Life Weekender Collection composite deck in Cabin

Why we upgrade to composite

  • Authentic wood grain without splintering, cracking, or rotting
  • Three-sided cap layer resists staining, fading, and moisture
  • Low maintenance — no sanding, staining, or sealing every season
  • Made with 96% recycled content
  • Fire-rated option available for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones

Installed for the best quality and look

We fasten every composite board with color-matched screws driven through the face — never visible clips that can telegraph or loosen. The perfectly matched screw heads blend into the board for a cleaner, more finished appearance and a stronger connection over the life of the deck.

25-year limited warranty

The Good Life Weekender Collection is backed by a 25-year limited warranty covering stain, fade, and performance. See Fiberon for full warranty details and exclusions.

Profile

Square Edge

.93 in. x 5.25 in. face-screwed boards for a traditional look.

Fiberon Good Life Cabin color composite decking swatch

Composite Color

Cabin

Warm, traditional wood-tone look in a low-maintenance composite board.

Fiberon Good Life Cottage color composite decking swatch

Composite Color

Cottage

Soft, weathered-gray look for a modern, beach-house style.

Metal roof colors

Painted metal panels for covered patios, available in every color below.

Galvalume

Brilliant White

Alamo White / Polar

Light Stone

Tan

Taupe

Ash Gray

Pewter Gray

Charcoal

Black

Burnished Slate

Brown

Copper Metallic

Rustic Red

Brite Red

Burgundy

Hunter Green

Fern Green

Ocean Blue

Gallery Blue

40-year limited manufacturer warranty

Every painted metal roof panel is backed by a 40-year limited manufacturer warranty for long-term peace of mind.

Flashing & foam closures

We install flashing and foam closures where needed to seal joints, prevent water intrusion, and keep your covered patio dry.

Behr Premium paints & stains

We'll finish your deck in whatever Behr Premium product you want — but if you ask us, we'll always point you to an oil-based stain. Oil soaks down into the wood instead of sitting on the surface, which means longer deck life, better water resistance, and a finish that fades gracefully instead of peeling.

Our recommendation

Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Oil-Based Stain

Penetrates deep into the wood fibers instead of sitting on top, so it protects from the inside out. Longest deck life, richest grain, and it wears rather than peels.

Natural look

Behr Premium Transparent Waterproofing Sealer

Nearly clear protection for anyone who wants the raw wood tone to show through.

Trim & structures

Behr Exterior Paint

Used on decks when you want a clean look or want to match your house.

We'll use whatever you choose

We're happy to apply the stain or paint you prefer. Ready Seal oil-based is another good option we also use at times.

Rolled on, not sprayed

Every coat is rolled on by hand. Rolling pushes the finish into the grain for deeper penetration and a more even, longer-lasting protective layer than spraying alone.

Freshly stained wooden deck by a pond

Attachments & add-ons

Everything we can build onto your deck, and what it's made of.

Always included

Stairs & steps

Treated stringers with prime tread boards. A 4-ft step set is included on every deck, placed on the side that fits your yard.

Always included

Railing

2x4 top and bottom rails with closely spaced treated balusters — sturdy handhold, clean sightlines, code-conscious spacing.

Pergolas

Post-and-beam pergola framing with notched rafters and shade slats, tied directly into the deck structure.

Patio covers & metal roofing

Full covered patios framed over the deck with 29-gauge painted metal panels in your choice of color.

Ramps

Gentle-slope treated ramps with railing for wheelchairs, walkers, mowers, and equipment.

Composite upgrade

Fiberon Good Life composite decking, .93 in. x 5.25 in. boards with matching fascia and riser, 25-year stain/fade warranty.

Ready to price it out?

Free quote, no pressure, and a 2-year workmanship warranty on everything we build.