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Ridgefield, CT's Premier Deck Company
As Ridgefield's premier deck company, Excellence Masonry and Contracting is dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship. Let us bring your vision for the perfect composite or wood deck to life.
A safe, stable deck is fundamentally dependent on its substructure, which is why we build ours to exceed standard code requirements. The most critical element is the ledger board—the piece that attaches the deck to your house. We secure it with structural lags or through-bolts and install proper metal flashing to prevent water from ever getting behind it and causing rot, which is a leading cause of deck collapse. Furthermore, all posts are set on concrete footings that extend below the frost line, and we use appropriately sized joists and beams to eliminate the "bounce" and flex found in poorly constructed decks.
Why Choose Us?
There are many construction, landscaping, outdoor living, and design companies to choose from- here is what makes us different.
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Our Approach is Thorough and Integrated – As a design-build firm, we eliminate the gap between planning and execution, ensuring every project or service is assessed and delivered with maximum efficiency and zero oversights.
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The Team We Have is Experienced and Robust – Backed by a 25-year family legacy and a crew with up to 50 years of expertise, our team of long-term employees and trusted partners provides a level of craftsmanship that only comes from decades in the field.
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Industry-Leading Warranties and a Client for Life Guarantee – We provide warranties that far exceed state minimums. Our "Client for Life" commitment means we intend to stand by you, and our work, well beyond one project or its warranty. Our goal is to build a relationship, and become a trusted resource for you, year after year. We remain open to address issues, answer questions, assist with maintenance, or repairs, no matter what. Our business is relationship based, not transactional.
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Transparency and Consistent Communication – We keep you in control through complete education and daily updates. From the first call to the final walkthrough, we ensure all costs, options, and timelines are fully transparent.
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Commitment to Professional Responsibility and Top-Quality – We take full ownership of project or service management so you don't have to. Our focus is on delivering the highest feasible standard within your budget, supported by premium partners and a high-performance process.
Our Process
Of course, every project, service and every situation is different, and so is our approach. Below is a general and simplified outline of our process. We can also bid and build to your preexisting plan or design.
1.
Discovery/Consultation
We start by assessing your home’s exterior elevation and how you intend to use the space—whether for high-traffic entertaining or a private retreat. We discuss material options (pressure-treated, hardwood, or PVC) and preliminary code considerations. You’ll receive rough pricing and a clear next step for the design.
2.
Design / Planning
During this phase, we finalize the engineering of the frame and the ledger connection. We establish the footing locations and specify G60 metal flashing and structural lags to protect your home’s envelope. We value-engineer the scope to maximize the lifespan of the deck while staying within your established project pricing.
3.
Construction / Service
Our carpentry team brings the plan to life with a focus on structural integrity. We utilize joist tape to prevent rot and ensure every connection exceeds local building codes. Expect a stress-free experience with clear communication and a team that treats your property with the highest level of respect.
What's the difference between wood and composite decking?
Wood decking, like pressure-treated pine or cedar, offers a traditional, natural look but requires regular staining or sealing. Composite decking (like Trex or TimberTech) is a low-maintenance blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers that resists rot and splintering and never needs staining.
FAQ's
Do I need a permit to build a new deck in Connecticut?
Yes, in almost all cases. Decks are structural additions to a home and require a building permit from your local town. The process involves submitting detailed plans for review to ensure the deck is built safely and up to code.
How are deck footings installed to prevent problems?
Proper footings are essential. We dig holes below the frost line (42 inches in CT), pour concrete footings, and attach the support posts using galvanized hardware. This ensures your deck remains stable and won't heave or shift during winter's freeze-thaw cycles.
What kind of maintenance does a new deck require?
A wood deck requires periodic cleaning and re-staining or re-sealing every 1-3 years to protect it from the elements. A composite deck is much lower maintenance, only requiring occasional cleaning with soap and water to keep it looking its best.
Can you build a deck on a sloped yard?
Absolutely. Decks are an excellent solution for sloped properties. We can design a multi-level deck that steps down the slope or a single elevated deck that creates a large, flat, usable space over an otherwise unusable area of your yard.
4.
Walk-Thru, Clean-Up & Maintain
We perform a final inspection of all railings, fasteners, and stairs. We’ll walk you through the finished structure to discuss material-specific maintenance—such as staining cycles for wood or cleaning tips for composites—ensuring your new deck remains a high-performance extension of your home.
Testimonials
Do I need a permit to build a new deck in Connecticut?
Yes, in almost all cases. Decks are structural additions to a home and require a building permit from your local town. The process involves submitting detailed plans for review to ensure the deck is built safely and up to code.
Can you build a deck on a sloped yard?
Absolutely. Decks are an excellent solution for sloped properties. We can design a multi-level deck that steps down the slope or a single elevated deck that creates a large, flat, usable space over an otherwise unusable area of your yard.
How are deck footings installed to prevent problems?
Proper footings are essential. We dig holes below the frost line (42 inches in CT), pour concrete footings, and attach the support posts using galvanized hardware. This ensures your deck remains stable and won't heave or shift during winter's freeze-thaw cycles.
What kind of maintenance does a new deck require?
A wood deck requires periodic cleaning and re-staining or re-sealing every 1-3 years to protect it from the elements. A composite deck is much lower maintenance, only requiring occasional cleaning with soap and water to keep it looking its best.
What's the difference between wood and composite decking?
Wood decking, like pressure-treated pine or cedar, offers a traditional, natural look but requires regular staining or sealing. Composite decking (like Trex or TimberTech) is a low-maintenance blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers that resists rot and splintering and never needs staining.