Hidden Deck Dangers: Why Proper Footings and Framing Are Critical to Your Deck’s Longevity
By Divergent Deck Builders
DREAM DESIGN BUILD
#yourfriendlyneighborhooddeckbuilder
A great deck is more than just a surface—it’s a structure. And like any structure, what’s underneath matters just as much as what’s on top. At Divergent Deck Builders, we’ve learned that some of the biggest deck dangers are the ones you can’t see. One recent project brought that reality into sharp focus.
The Hatch family called us back for round two—last year, we built them a stunning balcony-style deck. This year, it was time to deal with their aging pond-level deck. What we found underneath wasn’t just concerning—it was a warning to every homeowner with an older deck.
🛠️ What’s Hiding Under Your Deck?
From the surface, the Hatch deck looked passable. But beneath it? Total structural failure. Years of moisture from the nearby pond had taken their toll, and worse yet, the original builders had skipped proper footings entirely.
Here’s what we often uncover beneath older decks:
Rotten framing from moisture exposure
Footings set improperly—or not at all
Sagging joists and unstable supports
Inadequate moisture protection
These hidden failures create dangerous conditions for homeowners and guests. Your deck may feel “solid” today—but that doesn’t mean it’s safe or built to last.
📍 Case Study: The Hatch Family’s Hidden Threat
When we arrived at the Hatch property this spring, their pondside deck seemed like a typical tear-out. But as we removed the old boards, a much deeper issue revealed itself: a completely failed retaining wall—leaning, rotted, and pushing the soil toward their home.
This wasn’t just cosmetic. It compromised the entire foundation of their outdoor space.
We knew this wasn’t a simple rebuild—it was a rescue mission.
🧱 The Foundation of Our Method: How We Rebuilt It Right
At Divergent Deck Builders, we never compromise on what you can’t see. For the Hatch rebuild, we took the following steps:
Divergent Deck Builders’ will never compromise on what you can’t see. We took the following steps:
Removed the failed retaining wall and reset the slope grade to protect long-term stability.
Installed new pier footings, engineered to support moisture-rich soil and ensure consistent load-bearing performance.
Next Steps:
Framed the entire deck using 12” on-center spacing—a step that most builders skip to save time and money.
Applied butyl tape over every joist to prevent future water infiltration and rot.
Recent Progress:
Installed Trex Enhance® composite decking in “Foggy Wharf”—a durable, low-maintenance solution perfect for humid or pondside environments.
Built custom-wrapped composite benches and integrated fascia and picture framing to create clean, modern lines.
Final Steps. Every corner was sealed. Every seam aligned. Every joint reinforced.
🏆 The Divergent Difference
We don’t just build decks—we build systems that perform. Our proprietary SOPs are designed to exceed industry norms in strength, safety, and beauty. From footers to fascia, we overbuild because we care about the long-term value of your investment—and your family’s safety.
When you work with Divergent Deck Builders, you get:
Professional-grade structural engineering
Moisture defense from top to bottom
Custom craftsmanship in every corner
Honest advice and deep experience
📞 Conclusion: Think Your Deck Is Fine? Let's Find Out.
If your deck was built more than 10 years ago—or if you live near water, woods, or extreme weather—it’s time to inspect what’s underneath.
✅ Our FREE Design Sessions are the first step in protecting your outdoor investment—but not every project qualifies.
We’re looking to partner with homeowners who care about quality, value, and long-term performance.
👉 Click below to see if you qualify:
📞 Call us today at 616-328-9156
🔗 Book Your Free Design Session
Want to see the full transformation of the Hatch project from failing footings to flawless framing?
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If you’re in the market for a brand-new Composite/PVC deck, let’s talk!
At Divergent Deck Builders, we build composite decks for clients across West Michigan. And the lakeshore from Saugatuck to Ludington. We work with each customer to design and build their dream deck while meeting all the codes and requirements. Feel free to check out some of our Most Recent Builds.
If you’re ready to get started, request a FREE DESIGN SESSION, and we’ll provide you with a custom quote based on your specific project.
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We are Divergent.
“Your Friendly Neighborhood Deck Builders”
