How to Build the Perfect Outdoor Deck for your Tahoe Cabin
The Truckee Deck Builders local choice. The Tahoe mountain environment is extreme to say the least. Because of our sunny days, clear blue skies and cold (even in the summer!) nighttime temperatures, our decks need to be built to withstand the high-desert and low humidity climate. Eagle Bear Construction has the experience to help you select the best deck options for our unique conditions.
The Best Wood For A Tahoe Deck
Decks are constructed from manufactured composites or hardwoods, such as con-heart redwood, or cedar. There are pros and cons to both options. New manufactured decking can now tolerate our rugged environment, requires minimal maintenance, and is easy to install. However, it can get very hot in the summer months. Hardwood is softer on the feet and has a more beautiful look, but requires more maintenance. Cost-wise, the two options even themselves out. Composites are quicker to assemble and cost more per square foot, while wood is cheaper but requires more labor to sand and stain.
The next step is selecting a top rail. Most composite decking companies have complete systems to create a seamless look. For wood decks, options include thicker planks or metal.
How The Deck is Constructed
Mountain modern homes often combine steel posts with cable deck railings. Cable deck railings or welded steel are expensive to purchase, require no maintenance (other than the occasional tightening), and withstand the elements with ease. Glass panels are another option for a modern-look. Wooden posts and hog wire panels are increasingly popular in the basin. And wooden pickets offer a classic feel and lower price point.
Deck Maintenance and Winter Snowfall
One of the toughest parts of Tahoe decks is cleaning all the snow off them! It’s much easier to push through than go up and over deck railings, especially when our Sierra cement dumps down. This makes cable deck railings a great option because the cables can easily slice through the snow.
Deck Design Based on Your Toys
To offset the cold of winter or the brisk lake temperatures, many Tahoe homeowners have hot tubs. Hot tubs are very heavy, and require additional deck bracing. Decks must oftentimes be re-engineered and brought to code. One of the best parts of mountain living is nighttime star-gazing from your hot tub. Many homeowners are adding sturdy, wooden, slat-type screens built up around their hot tub for additional daytime and nighttime privacy. Additionally, many clients prefer an under-the-top rail cable lighting that creates a down-light glow to minimize light pollution.
Snow loads and roof shedding are other factors that require more heavy-duty bracing and design.
Tahoe Deck Fire Prevention
With fire danger recently at all-time highs, the US Forest Service has currently banned the use of all charcoal BBQ’s. Many homeowners chose to run a propane line directly to their gas BBQ’s during deck remodels.
Under the Deck Storage
Tahoe is known for both its adrenaline-fueled and peaceful nature-seeking sports, like mountain biking or paddleboarding. Because sun-exposure is brutal for all the equipment, and many Tahoe homes lack garages, under-the-deck toy storage becomes a priority. Whether it’s building an enclosure or efficient racks, many homeowners like this upgrade when remodeling or designing a deck.
Let’s Summarize
- Decks in Tahoe are built from manufactured composites or hardwoods to withstand the high-desert and low humidity climate.
- Composite decking is newer, requires minimal maintenance, and is easy to install but can get hot in the summer. Hardwood has a more beautiful look but requires more maintenance.
- The next step is selecting a top rail – most composite companies have complete systems, while wood decks have options including thicker planks or metal.
- Cable deck railings or welded steel are expensive to purchase but require no maintenance and withstand the elements with ease. Glass panels are another option for a modern-look while wooden pickets offer a classic feel at a lower price point.
- • To offset the cold of winter or brisk lake temperatures, many Tahoe homeowners have hot tubs which require additional deck bracing that must oftentimes be re-engineered and brought up to code.
- • Snow loads and roof shedding are other factors that require more heavy-duty bracing and design in Tahoe decks .
Now that you know a little more about what kind of deck is right for you and your home in Tahoe, it’s time to start thinking about the next steps. At Eagle Bear Construction, we can help you with every phase of your deck upgrade project. We offer a wide range of services from demolition to final touches like choosing the perfect railing. To get started, simply fill out our Job Request form and one of our team members will be in touch shortly to discuss your project in further detail.
