Been framing decks for years, and the #1 thing that separates a deck that lasts 20+ years from one that rots out in 5 isn't the decking material everyone obsesses over — it's the substructure.

A few things I always check before I'll even quote a job:

1. Footings below frost line. If your footings aren't deep enough for your climate, the whole structure heaves and shifts every winter. This is invisible until it isn't.

2. Ledger board flashing. Most deck collapses trace back to a poorly flashed ledger board rotting into the house rim joist. It's a $30 part that gets skipped constantly.

3. Joist hangers rated for the load, not just 'looks right.' Composite decking is heavier than people think — undersized hangers are a silent failure waiting to happen.

4. Post-to-beam connections, not just nails. Structural screws or through-bolts at every post connection. Non-negotiable.

If a contractor quotes you fast without asking about your soil, frost depth, or house's rim joist condition — get a second opinion.

We just opened up a free quote offer for anyone planning a backyard deck build this season if you want a second set of eyes on your project. Happy to just answer questions too.