Built for Sacramento summers
Sacramento summers bring stretches of nine or more consecutive days at or above 100°F, according to National Weather Service records. Decks in full afternoon sun take a beating. Composite and PVC boards can get hot enough to be uncomfortable for bare feet and pets, especially in darker colors. Lighter colors and heat-reflective product lines help, as does planning shade: a pergola, shade sail, umbrella or the house itself. Wood decks in full sun dry out, check and gray faster on the sunny side and need refinishing more often.
Expansion is another summer issue. Composite and PVC boards installed on a cool morning will grow in the heat; the installer must follow the manufacturer's gapping guidance for the temperature on installation day.
Wet winters and hidden rot
Most of Sacramento's rain falls in winter, and tule fog can keep decks damp for days. That's when water gets behind ledger boards, into the tops of joists and around posts. Decks with poor ledger flashing often show rot in the ledger and the house's rim joist after years of winter rain. If your deck is attached to the house, check for flashing at the ledger and for stains on the wall or ceiling below. Joist tape on the tops of joists slows rot under the boards.
Low decks and drainage
Many Sacramento yards are relatively flat, and low decks sit close to the ground where air circulation is poor. Use ground-contact-rated lumber for low frames, make sure water drains away from under the deck, and leave room for airflow.
Termites
Termites are found in California's Central Valley. Wood decks in contact with soil, and wood piled under decks, invite them. Keep wood off the soil, use metal post bases, and keep firewood and debris out from under the deck.
Permits
Decks attached to the house or above certain heights generally need permits from the City of Sacramento or Sacramento County. Ask the contractor whether yours does.
Before you hire
Ask Sacramento deck builders which decking materials and colors suit full-sun exposure, how they'll flash the ledger, how they'll protect the frame from moisture, how they'll handle shade, and whether a permit is needed. Look up the contractor's California license with the CSLB.
Patio covers and pergolas
Shade structures make Sacramento decks usable in summer. Covers attached to the house need proper flashing at the wall and structural connections, and may need a permit.
Composite or wood
Composite resists rot and doesn't need stain but gets hot in direct sun; wood is cooler and less expensive but needs regular cleaning and refinishing. Ask to see samples of both in afternoon sun.
Annual check
Each spring, inspect the ledger, posts, railings and stairs, probe wood for soft spots, tighten loose fasteners and clean the deck.
Hot tubs
A filled hot tub is very heavy. The frame and footings under it must be designed for that load, or the tub should sit on its own concrete pad. Tell the builder before the deck is designed.