Table of Contents
Elevated Deck & Fence – Deck Build Grades
We understand that everyone has different budgets and lifestyles when it comes to choosing a deck. We are committed to providing high quality decks that meet your needs. We try to meet a wide variety of needs by offering different build packages and typically start with the one that best fits your budget and lifestyle. Below you will find a breakdown of Elevated Deck & Fence’s build grade options.
Builder Grade
Builder grade projects are built with entry level composite boards, standard construction and minimal frills. Builds will not have joist tape added to all surfaces on the frame which is what is used to extend board life. Corners are stacked leaving the ends of the boards exposed as seen on the stairs pictured on the right. No additional options available.
- 10 year top-to-bottom warranty
- Basic construction with no add on options
Decking Material:
- 25 year warranty on Trex Decking boards
- Entry level composite boards or standard redwood decking
- Footings with pressure treated posts set in ground
- Entry grade pressure treated lumber – minimal code required dimensional lumber framing
Connections, fasteners, & joist tape:
- Code minimum nails and fasteners. Face-nailed only with minimal hardware and positive connections
- Code minimum nailing and exterior rated screws
- No joist tape
Decking layout:
- Custom deck sketch and design
- Code compliant build plans and design
- Simple layout with stacked corners and face-screwed
- Simple double stack fascia with face screws
- Double stack stairs with overlapping ends
Handrail:
- Basic vinyl handrail or wood options
Skirting:
- Basic lattice
Craftsmanship:
- Minimal detail
Preferred Grade
Preferred grade projects are built with mostly mid-tier composite decking materials. Individualized designs are available such as accent boards. Joist tape is added to all surfaces on the frame and corners are mitered for a complete looking finish. This package offers additional options such as an integrated pergola as pictured on the left.
- 25 year top-to-bottom warranty
- Beautiful builds with clean and sleek finishes
Decking Material:
- 25 year warranty on Trex Decking boards
- Mid-tier composite boards or grade A select redwood
- Footings set to 30 inches with pressure treated posts on elevated bases
- Mid-tier pressure treated lumber no. 2 & standard sized framing
Connections, fasteners & joist tape:
- Post-to-beam designs with Simpson Hardware, increased positive connections and structural fasteners
- Higher rated structural nails and TimberLOK/LedgerLOK fasteners
- Butyl and Gorilla joist tape
Decking layout:
- Picture frame, breaker board, and hidden fastener options
- Double stack fascia with mitered corners
- Stairs with mitered corners and visible screw heads
Handrail:
- Double-wall vinyl, composite, or cinch metal railing options
Skirting:
- Options for lattice or composite skirting with exposed screws
Craftsmanship:
- Mitered corners with area leading build and design
Additional options:
- Integrated pergola/cover
- Picture frame design with accent boards
Premium Grade
Premium grade projects are built with upper tier materials for increased durability from boards, screws, joist tape, and more. Premium grade offers a longer warranty and a higher level of craftsmanship.
- 35 year top-to-bottom warranty
- Elegant designs with innovative and eye-catching finishes
Decking Material:
- 35 year warranty on Trex Decking boards
- Upper-tier Trex Transcend composite boards or PVC options
- Gravel base in footings and high tensile strength concrete
- Select structural no. 1 pressure treated framing
Connections, fasteners, & joist tape:
- Positive connections in nearly all parts of the deck with additional corner and beam bracing
- Mid to top-tier structural fasteners
- Trex brand joist protect tape
Decking layout:
- Picture framing system and angled board designs with concealed screws
- Double stack with headlok fascia fasteners and 1×12 fascia board options
- Mitered corners with pocket hole screws in back or cortex system
Handrail:
- Top-tier metal, Trex transcend, or custom cable railing options
Skirting:
- Composite skirting with hidden fasteners
Craftsmanship:
High attention to detail and upper-tier design and finishes
Additional options:
- Metal, cable, or glass railing
- Integrated lighting
- Integrated bench seating, planter boxes, or accent seating
- Trex RainEscape for a complete waterproof deck underneath
- Integrated pergola/cover
- PVC Decking with a 50-year warranty on boards
- Picture frame design with accent boards
Platinum Grade
Platinum grade projects are built with the highest tier materials for maximum durability. Platinum grade offers the longest warranty and exceptional craftsmanship. Designs are highly detailed using the newest most innovative processes. Any additional options are available through a highly customized design. Decks of this caliber will get your exquisite craftsmanship and top-tier durability.
- 50 year top-to-bottom warranty
- Curved designs, industry leading techniques and complete customization
Decking Material:
- 50 year warranty on Trex Decking boards
- Top-tier composite boards or top-tier PVC decking
- Gravel base in footings and high tensile strength concrete or helical pile
- Select structural no. 1 pressure treated or steel framing
Connections, fasteners, & joist tape:
- Maximum connections, custom engineered beams, and steel framing
- Top-tier structural fasteners with highest load ratings
- Top-tier 3040BK joist tape
Decking layout:
- Curved designs, angled boards, and hidden fasteners throughout
- Capped double stack fascia with end capped boards and concealed fasteners – 1×12 fascia options
- Heat-folded corners, mitered and glued on stairs
Handrail:
- Cable, glass, or custom metal railing
Skirting:
- Composite skirting with heat folded corners and hidden fasteners
Craftsmanship:
- Industry leading techniques and finishes with the highest attention to detail and durability
Additional options:
- Metal, cable, or glass railing
- Curved decking
- Integrated lighting
- Integrated bench seating, planter boxes, or accent seating
- Trex RainEscape for a complete waterproof deck underneath
- Integrated pergola/cover
- PVC Decking with a 50-year warranty on boards
- Picture frame design with accent boards
- Cocktail Railing
You will find that the biggest differences between build grades are quality of material, warranty, and craftsmanship. Remember, you can only have two of the following three things; fast, cheap, and good. If it’s good and fast it won’t be cheap. If it’s good and cheap it won’t be fast. Finally, if it’s fast and cheap it won’t be good and if that’s what you’re looking for we aren’t the builder for you. Instead of offering cookie cutter plans and limited options, we offer a customized experience to meet your backyard needs. Yet again, another way we are striving to elevate the contractor experience.
Build Grade Highlighted Differences
Stacked Corners
Cocktail railing
Mitered Corners
Joist tape to extend board life
Integrated Pergola
Solar Panel Light Caps
Custom Gate & Railing
