FAQs, Warranties, and Financing

Carolina Decks services the Greater Charlotte Area from Lake Norman and Mooresville south to Lake Wylie and Fort Mill.

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Yes! You should always use a licensed & insured contractor who is willing to pull permits for your project. In fact, local building codes require permits for all deck and porch projects. If you are caught building without a permit, code enforcement can require you to tear down the project.

While permits do require extra work from your contractor, the purpose of a permit is to protect the homeowner from unsafe or faulty construction. Work completed for each trade, from framing to electrical, will be inspected at certain benchmarks of construction. Once the final inspection is passed, the permit is closed.

During the pre-construction phase of your project, Carolina Decks will apply for the appropriate permit based on your project’s scope of work.

Yes! Carolina Decks works with a team of specialized craftsmen who are experts in their fields. Our projects often require a variety of different skill sets – you may see carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and masons, to name a few. These specialists are like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly to create top-notch decks and porches. We’ve built strong relationships with them over the years, and share a commitment to quality craftsmanship. We believe using subcontractors who are specialized in a single trade is a best practice that results in the highest quality work.

Using a licensed contractor ensures that the person or company you hire meets certain standards set by your regulating authorities. Licensing requires contractors to have a minimum level of experience, knowledge, and financial responsibility. Hiring a licensed and insured contractor also helps mitigate risk as a homeowner. Ask your contractor to provide their GC license number along with Certificates of Insurance for General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Automotive.

Carolina Decks specializes in composite and PVC decking. Many people refer to composite decking generically as Trex decking, but Trex is actually one of many composite decking manufacturers to consider! Other quality brands to research include Timbertech, Fiberon, Wolfe and Deckorators.

Carolina Decks is a Platinum Pro contractor for Timbertech and highly recommends their decking products. However, if you have a strong preference, no worries! We are experienced in installing products from all of the manufacturers listed above and maintain close relationships with all of our brand reps. If you are undecided which type of decking to go with, we can help break it down during your free on-site consultation

Deck tape, also known as joist flashing tape, is a thin, waterproof membrane that we apply to the deck’s substructure to protect it from moisture. We use deck tape on all of our projects which helps extend the life of the substructure. Using deck tape is particularly important when building a composite deck because you want your substructure to last as long as the decking!

Wood decks tend to be the most affordable upfront, but require regular staining and sealing to fight wear and tear. While classic, wood decks don’t have the longevity compared to manufactured decking. Composite decking offers a blend of affordability and ease of maintenance. Made from a mix of recycled materials like wood fibers and plastics, it’s a sustainable choice with extended lifespans and a wider range of styles and colors. PVC decking boasts the lowest maintenance needs. This entirely synthetic deck material offers superior durability against scratches and fading, though it may lack the natural look of wood.

Check out this blog for a more in-depth breakdown to help you find the perfect deck material for your needs!

After signing a contract and paying your deposit, the typical lead time is about 6-8 weeks. Although this can vary slightly depending on the season.

We call this the “pre-construction” phase. During this phase we are busy drafting plans, pulling permits, creating take-offs, ordering materials, and prepping our crews. We will also schedule a “Handoff” meeting with you to introduce you to your Project Manager and finalize the details of your project.

Carolina Decks installs composite decks with hidden fasteners. These fasteners replace the unsightly screw holes required in wood decking, and also ensure consistent board spacing across your deck.

Most composite deck boards have grooved edges, which allows the fastener to sit in between two deck boards just below the surface of the deck. The fastener is then screwed into the joist below, securing the deck boards in place.

Check out this installation guide from TimberTech for more detailed information.

No! Hidden fasteners for composite decking have eliminated the need for the multitude of screws required to secure wooden deck boards.

In areas where we cannot use fasteners, such as on steps or along the edges of the deck, we do use traditional screws. This is because edge boards have a flat, or finished, edge that is not grooved for a fastener. We plug these holes with a “deck plug” that is color matched to the manufacturer’s product, creating a seamless look.

Composite decking requires minimal maintenance for their owners. There is no staining, sealing, or replacing rotting boards. The only maintenance is to keep it clean for your own enjoyment!

To clean your new deck, we recommend using the manufacturer’s deck cleaner, a simple deck brush, and water from a garden hose. You can also rinse the deck using a pressure washer. Carolina Decks will provide a sample of deck cleaner upon completion of your project.

Depending on the condition of your deck structure, resurfacing can be a great option to renew the life and longevity of your deck. Many resurface clients also take advantage of the opportunity to update other deck features as well, including railings, feature walls, or privacy features.

However, composite decking is only as good as the substructure under it and we want to make sure you get the full life span out of the decking. As a general rule, we will not resurface any deck older than 10 years old. When you schedule a free consultation with Carolina Decks, one of our representatives will evaluate your deck in person and discuss options based on the condition of the structure.

No! There are now several alternative framing methods available. Steel framing offers durability and can resist rot, insects, and warping, but it’s typically more expensive than wood.

Composite materials, made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, can also be used for framing. They’re resistant to rot, insects, and decay and may have a longer lifespan than wood.

Yes! We’ve built many decks to accommodate hot tubs – both standalone hot-tubs and also built-in to the deck. If you plan on putting a hot tub on your deck, let us know at the beginning of your project. There are specific framing requirements to support the weight of the hot tub, keeping you safe and your substructure in good condition for years to come.

A 3-season room is constructed like a screen porch, but in place of screens we install vinyl windows like EzeBreeze. These windows feature screens and a unique 4-track system, offering adjustable ventilation and protection from insects and pollen. Consider adding a mini-split a/c unit or an electric heater to keep your 3-season room comfortable year round.

A sunroom has the same structure as a porch, but creates the feel of a room addition with the installation of real windows and tile flooring. These spaces can be climate controlled with a mini-split or heater, and often feature cozy elements like a fireplace or accent wall for a TV.