Deck Builders in Alpine, UT

Alpine took its name because early settlers compared the views to the Swiss Alps, and deck builders in Alpine, UT are usually hired to take advantage of that same view. The city sits at 5,049 feet on the slopes of the Wasatch Range at the northeast edge of Utah County. Many lots slope, and the best seat in the house is often a deck hanging off the back, well above the yard.

Three things we plan for here

1. Height and slope

An elevated deck on a hillside needs tall posts, diagonal bracing, footings set into stable soil and a ledger that is properly flashed and bolted to the house. We design the frame for the full height on the downhill side and lay out stairs so they follow the grade instead of dropping straight down.

2. Snow at 5,000 feet

Alpine averages 74.4 inches of snow a year, more than many valley cities, and January highs average under 39 degrees. Snow load and frost depth from the city's building criteria set the size of every footing, beam and joist. We confirm those figures with Alpine's building office before drawing a plan, especially for covered decks and pergolas that catch snow.

3. Fire and fault

The Quail Fire burned more than 2,200 acres on the northeast side of town in July 2012, and the surrounding hills have had other brush fires since. A deck is a place where embers can collect, so we talk through options: keeping the space under the deck enclosed or clear of debris, using metal railings, and choosing board materials with fire performance in mind. The west side of Alpine also runs above the Wasatch Fault, so we pay close attention to lateral bracing and to how the deck ties into the house.

Homes owners keep

Alpine homes are typically owner-occupied, long-held and valuable: 88.8% are owner-occupied, 91.4% of residents lived in the same house a year earlier, and the median owner-occupied value is $977,500. That usually means owners care about materials that last and look right with the house. Materials that fit that goal include capped composite or hardwood decking, black aluminum or cable railings that do not block the view, and stone-clad stair bases.

Our work in Alpine

• Hillside composite and hardwood decks
• Wood decks in cedar for owners who prefer natural boards
• Covered decks and pergolas framed for mountain snow
• Cable, glass-panel and metal railings for unobstructed views
• Deck repair, replacement, staining and sealing

Getting started

Alpine is about 32 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, and it is within our service area. Call (385) 506-4516 to set up a visit. We walk the slope with you, talk through materials, and send a written quote with drawings.

Call (385) 506-4516