This client was referred to use from one of our main suppliers and approached us to design and build their new deck.  The obstacles to overcome on this project were plentiful.  The existing deck was built right to the edge of the bluff looking over the Mississippi River.  Our scope included removing the old deck and constructing a new deck with a future house expansion in mind. In order to do this we had to work around massive tree roots, mitigate bluff erosion via landscaping and maintain neighbors sight lines.  In order to accomplish all of this we needed an entire specialized team.  The planning and engineering was conducted by Shelter Architects and the landscaping and bluff erosion control was done by Mickman Brothers Landscaping. 

The deck required 14 helical piers to limit the disruption to the bluff.  On these footings we installed Trex Elevations Steel framing and designed for partial deck removal to get equipment near the house for a future house addition.  The steel framing allowed us to keep the deck low to the ground and as flat as possible.  The Trex Elevations also allowed us greater beam spans, resulting in fewer footings than traditional lumber would allow.  The owners and design team chose Azek’s Autumn Chestnut color, installed with hidden fasteners.   Mickman Brothers put in several massive gabion retaining walls to help shore up the bluff against future erosion.  All teams worked in the off months to make sure the clients always had a functional deck during the season.  The deck and gabion walls integrate together to create sitting and entertaining areas for the greatest view we have worked on to date.