FRAMING AND DECKING

When most homeowners think about a new deck, they focus on what they can see—the deck boards, color, railing, and overall look. But the truth is simple:

If your framing fails, your deck fails.

At Deckmasters of Florida, the majority of decks we replace don’t fail because of the decking material on top—they fail because cheap or improper framing underneath gives out. This page explains, in plain English, what actually goes into proper deck framing and decking, and why cutting corners here almost always leads to expensive repairs or full replacement down the road.

Think of a deck like a house.
The paint, floors, and cabinets don’t matter if the structure underneath isn’t sound.

Deck framing is the structural skeleton of your deck.
It carries the weight of:

• People
• Furniture
• Hot tubs
• Planters
• Grills
• Weather
• Time
   

Most homeowners never see the framing once the deck boards go on, which is exactly why many builders cut corners here.

Many deck builders use:

• #2 Prime pressure-treated lumber (the cheapest option) 
• Sometimes #1 Prime, which is better—but still not ideal for Florida
   

#2 Prime lumber:

• Has more knots
• Twists and warps more
• Holds moisture longer
• Breaks down faster in heat and humidity
   

This is the number one reason decks fail in Florida.

At Deckmasters of Florida, marine-grade framing is our standard, not an upgrade.

Marine-grade framing:

• Has tighter grain structure
• Better moisture resistance
• Greater structural integrity
• Far less warping and twisting
• Performs dramatically better in Florida’s heat, humidity, and salt air
   

This framing costs more—but it’s the difference between a deck that lasts 10 years and one that lasts 25+ years.

Joists are the horizontal boards that support your deck boards.
If they’re undersized, spaced incorrectly, or unsupported, your deck will:

• Bounce 
• Sag
• Crack decking
• Pull fasteners loose
   

• Guess joist sizes 
• Use what’s left on the truck
• Skip permits to avoid engineering
• Copy what they’ve “always done”
   

Without permits, engineering is often skipped, and when engineering is skipped, framing becomes guesswork.

At Deckmasters:

• Joist size is engineered, not guessed
• Spacing is based on:
  • Decking material
  • Span lengths
  • Load requirements
  • Florida building codes
     

Proper joist sizing is critical.
You’ll never see it once the deck is done—but you’ll feel it every time you walk on it.

Every deck must transfer weight into the ground safely.

Depending on engineering and site conditions, this may include:

• Concrete footings with post bases
• Posts embedded in concrete
• Pile systems for waterfront projects
   

What matters is not the method, but that it is:

• Engineered
• Code-compliant
• Built for soil conditions
• Built for load requirements
   

Cheap builders often:

• Undersize footings
• Skip depth requirements
• Ignore soil conditions
   

These mistakes don’t show up right away—but they always show up eventually.

Fasteners are one of the most overlooked—and most abused—parts of deck construction.

• Rust stains
• Structural loosening
• Premature failure
• Squeaks and movement
   

At Deckmasters, fastener selection is intentional:

• Galvanized fasteners where appropriate
• Stainless steel fasteners in high-exposure areas
• Correct connectors for joists, beams, and posts
   

Many builders save money here.
Homeowners pay for it later.

The lowest-cost option—and the shortest lifespan.

In Florida:

• You might get 8–10 years 
• Today’s wood is not what it was 30 years ago
• Think of it as renting, not owning
   

Made from a blend of wood fibers and plastics.

Pros:

• More stable than wood
• Many color options
   

Cons:

• Shorter warranties than PVC
• Performance varies by brand
   

PVC decking is one of the best options for Florida homes.

High-quality PVC decking:

• Does not absorb moisture 
• Will not rot, splinter, or warp
• Resists mold, mildew, and insects
• Can carry warranties up to 50 years
   

Not all PVC is equal.
Some samples builders show homeowners are:

• Imported
• Cheap
• Poorly manufactured
• Minimal or no real warranty
   

We only recommend decking we trust long-term.

Screws go straight through the deck board.

Cheap version:

• Screws visible 
• Rust stains
• Splitting
   

Our preferred method:

• Stainless steel fasteners
• Countersunk
• Matching plugs
• Screws disappear completely
   

• Edge-mounted systems (like CAMO)
• Screws driven at an angle
• Clean appearance
   

We use these when appropriate, but not all decks or materials are ideal for them.

Once a deck is built:

• The framing is hidden 
• The fasteners are buried
• The footings are underground
   

That’s why education matters.

At Deckmasters of Florida, we believe homeowners should understand:

• What they’re paying for
• What actually makes a deck last
• Why cheap decks always cost more later
   

We don’t build decks to look good for a few years.
We build decks to perform in Florida for decades.

That means:

• Marine-grade framing as a standard
• Engineered joist sizing and spacing
• Proper footings and structural connections
• Premium fasteners
• High-quality decking materials
• No shortcuts—ever
   

If you’re considering a new deck, this is the knowledge most builders won’t explain.

📞 Call Deckmasters of Florida at 561-255-7921
to discuss your project and learn what proper framing and decking should look like.