Design for snow at your site
Washoe County doesn't use a single snow load for the whole county: ground snow loads are set per site from the county's table or the ASCE Hazard Tool, because they change with elevation. A deck in the foothills may need to carry much more snow than one on the valley floor. Joist size and spacing, beam spans, post sizes and footings all depend on the design load. Make sure your builder designs the deck for the snow load at your address, and that a permit and inspection confirm it.
Footings below the frost
Washoe County's residential design criteria set a 24-inch frost line depth. Deck footings should bear below that depth so frost can't heave them. Footings that heave lift posts unevenly, twist the frame and pull at the ledger connection. NOAA's engineering weather data for the Reno airport records about 123 freeze-thaw cycles a year, so shallow footings get many chances to move.
Freeze-thaw and fasteners
Water that gets into checks in wood, gaps at the ledger and holes around fasteners freezes and expands. Good drainage, ledger flashing, joist tape and quality fasteners and connectors rated for the lumber help the structure last.
Sun and wind
Reno's high-altitude sun is intense. Wood decks gray and check quickly and need regular refinishing. Composite in direct sun gets hot; lighter colors help. Wind can lift lightweight furniture and shade structures; anchor pergolas and shade sails properly.
Railings and stairs
Snow and ice make stairs slippery. Consistent risers, solid handrails and good lighting matter. Railings must be built to local code.
Fire considerations
Homes near wildland vegetation should consider fire-resistant decking and railing materials, and keep the area under the deck clear of debris. Check local requirements.
Before you hire
Ask Reno deck builders what snow load they'll design for, how deep footings will go, how they'll flash the ledger, which materials suit sun and cold, and whether a permit is needed. Look up the contractor with the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Composite or wood
Composite and PVC handle Reno's freeze-thaw and dry sun without stain, but darker colors get hot and boards expand in summer. Wood is cheaper and cooler underfoot but grays and checks quickly at altitude and needs regular refinishing.
Annual check
Each spring, after the freeze-thaw season, inspect the ledger, footings, posts, railings and stairs for movement, rot and loose fasteners. Clean the deck and clear debris from board gaps.
Patio covers
Any roof over a deck must be designed for the snow load at your site, which in Washoe County depends on elevation. Attached covers need flashing at the house wall.
Hot tubs
Hot tubs add a heavy concentrated load on top of snow loads. Design the frame and footings for both, or set the tub on its own slab.
Fasteners
Check fasteners and connectors each spring for corrosion and looseness after the freeze-thaw season.