Custom Decks, Crafted by Experts, Built to Elevate your Lifestyle

Deck Builder in Rancho Santa Fe, Ca and Surrounding Areas

When building a deck in San Diego / Sonoma County and the surrounding areas, you need a skilled and experienced team that understands your vision, delivers lasting value, and creates high-quality, custom decks that enhance your outdoor living space, and provide a home retreat for years to come.

Choosing between composite, advanced PVC, wood and IPE for your decking

Which Should You Choose?

  • If you want an affordable, classic, and natural deck and don’t mind maintenance, go with wood.

  • If you want a durable, low-maintenance option that mimics wood, composite is a great mid-range choice.

  • If you want a high-end, luxurious wood deck with superior longevity, choose Ipe.

  • If you want the longest lifespan with minimal maintenance and don’t mind a synthetic feel, advanced PVC is the best investment.

    Would you like specific brand recommendations based on your budget and preferred look?

Key Considerations:

  • Durability & Longevity

  • Budget

  • Aesthetics & Feel

  • Maintenance

  • Heat Retention & Comfort

  • natural wood deck for picano builders

    Wood

    Pros:

    Classic and timeless aesthetic.

    Affordable upfront cost.

    Can be stained or painted in various colors.

    Naturally biodegradable.

    Cons:

    Requires regular maintenance (sealing, staining, or painting).

    Prone to warping, splitting, and rot over time.

    Vulnerable to insect damage.

    Shorter lifespan compared to alternatives.

  • Advanced PVC from TimberTech

    Advanced PVC

    Pros:

    Highly resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage.

    Low maintenance – no staining, painting, or sealing required.

    Lightweight and easy to install.

    Variety of colors and textures that mimic wood.

    Cons:

    Higher upfront cost.

    Can feel less natural underfoot.

    Less eco-friendly, as it’s made from synthetic materials.

  • Composite TimberTech for Picano Builders

    Composite

    Pros:

    Durable and resistant to rot, insects, and fading.

    Low maintenance – no painting or staining required.

    Eco-friendly options made from recycled materials.

    Wide range of colors and wood-like textures.

    Cons:

    Can be more expensive than natural wood initially.

    May retain heat in direct sunlight.

    Can scratch or stain more easily than PVC.

    Requires proper installation to prevent warping.

  • IPE for Picano Builders

    IPE

    Pros:

    Extremely durable and resistant to rot, insects, and weather.

    Naturally beautiful with rich, exotic tones.

    Long lifespan – can last 40+ years with proper care.

    Dense and strong, offering excellent structural integrity.

    Cons:

    Higher upfront cost and installation expense.

    Requires specialized tools for cutting and installation.

    Needs regular maintenance (oil treatments) to retain color.

    Heavier than other materials, making handling more labor-intensive.

Which Should You Choose?

  • If you prioritize longevity, low maintenance, and strength, steel framing is the better investment.

  • If you have a tight budget, prefer a traditional build, and don’t mind maintenance, wood framing is a good choice.

  • If you're in coastal San Diego, corrosion-resistant steel or high-quality pressure-treated wood are both viable, but maintenance will be key.

Would you like recommendations based on your specific project, such as decking material compatibility or cost?

Choosing between steel and wood for your deck framing

Key Considerations:

  • Climate & Durability

  • Budget

  • Deck Size & Design

  • Maintenance

  • Fire Safety

  • Wood Framing

    Wood Framing

    ✅ Pros:

    Lower Initial Cost – Wood is generally more affordable upfront than steel, making it a budget-friendly choice.

    Easier to Work With – Contractors are more familiar with wood, and modifications can be made on-site more easily.

    Readily Available – Treated lumber is widely available and doesn’t require special ordering.

    Traditional Aesthetic – Many homeowners prefer the natural feel of a wood-based deck structure.

    ❌ Cons:

    Shorter Lifespan – Even pressure-treated wood can rot, warp, and degrade over time, requiring eventual replacement.

    Susceptible to Pests & Moisture – Termites and wood rot are common issues in wood-framed decks.

    More Maintenance – Requires regular inspections, sealing, and treatments to prolong lifespan.

    Fire Risk – Wood is flammable, which can be a concern in wildfire-prone areas.

  • Steel Framing

    Steel Framing

    ✅ Pros:

    Durability & Longevity – Steel does not rot, warp, or shrink over time like wood, making it a long-lasting option.

    Pest & Moisture Resistant – Unlike wood, steel is impervious to termites and water damage, reducing maintenance.

    Strength & Stability – Steel is structurally stronger than wood, allowing for larger spans and fewer support posts, which can create a more open design.

    Fire Resistance – Steel does not contribute to fire spread, making it a safer choice in fire-prone areas like parts of California.

    Sustainability – Often made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of its life.

    ❌ Cons:

    Higher Cost – Steel framing costs more upfront than wood (material and labor), though it may save money long-term due to lower maintenance.

    Specialized Installation – Requires experienced professionals for proper installation, as cutting and handling steel differs from wood.

    Limited Availability – Fewer contractors specialize in steel framing compared to wood, which could limit your options.

    Corrosion Risk – While galvanized or coated steel is resistant to rust, exposure to salty air (common in coastal areas like San Diego) requires extra precautions.

Extended Outdoor Living Deck and Patio Cover with Privacy Screen
Custom deck with hog wire and natural wood rail.
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Get to know our vendors..

  • trex deck for picano builders website

    Trex - Performance Engineered

    For over 30 years, Trex has been the preferred decking brand for commercial and residential professionals, offering superior alternatives to wood and other composites. Known for creating enviable outdoor spaces, Trex combines innovation, durability, and sustainability.

    Why Choose Trex?

    1. Guaranteed Performance:

    Backed by warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years.

    Low-maintenance surfaces ensure enduring curb appeal.

    2. Award-Winning Excellence:

    Recognized for product innovation and excellence by architects, homebuilders, contractors, and distributors.

    Continues to set and raise the standard for composite decking.

    3. Eco-Friendly Manufacturing:

    Made in the USA with up to 95% recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood.

    Product Highlights

    Highly Durable:

    Resists weather, rotting, warping, splintering, fading, and staining.

    Low Maintenance:

    No sanding or staining required—just soap and water for an effortless clean.

    Heat Mitigating Technology (SunComfortable™):

    Advanced technology keeps boards noticeably cooler in the sun compared to similar products.

    Water Friendly:

    Submersible and resistant to all forms of water, from rain to saltwater.

    Fire Resistant:

    Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) compliant, providing added safety in wildfire-prone areas.

    Let Me See
  • TimberTech Deck for Picano Builders Website

    TimberTech - The Beauty of Wood Without the Upkeep

    TimberTech offers the natural look of wood with none of the maintenance. With a growing portfolio of colors, styles, and innovative designs, TimberTech helps you create an outdoor space that’s both beautiful and enduring.

    Why Choose TimberTech?

    1. Premium Performance:

    Durable and low-maintenance, TimberTech boards won’t fade, stain, splinter, peel, crack, or rot.

    Protected by industry-leading warranties ranging from 25 years to Lifetime.

    2. Realistic Wood Aesthetics:

    The most realistic wood looks on the market, with over 20 finish options across nine collections.

    Features rich wood grains, textures, and multiwidth boards for endless design possibilities.

    3. Long-Term Value:

    Higher initial cost than wood but no resurfacing or staining required, saving money over time.

    Advanced PVC and composite boards are built to last for decades.

    4. Trusted by Professionals:

    A top choice for Contractors, Architects, Builders, and Remodelers across the U.S., thanks to outstanding products and service.

    What Sets TimberTech Apart?

    Innovative Deck Design:

    Always ahead of trends with new colors, finishes, and multiwidth board options to suit any style.

    Provides everything you need to create a truly unique outdoor space.

    Unmatched Sustainability:

    Together with parent company AZEK, TimberTech transforms hundreds of millions of pounds of landfill-bound waste into premium decking products every year.

    Market Leader in Aesthetics and Technology:

    Combines innovative technology with the largest selection of colors and textures for unparalleled beauty and performance.

    TimberTech helps you live your best life outdoors with decking that’s better than wood in every way—durable, sustainable, and designed to last a lifetime.

    Let Me See
  • MOSO Deck for Picano Builders Website

    MOSO Bamboo Outdoor - Sustainable Beauty

    MOSO® Bamboo Outdoor delivers premium bamboo decking, siding, soffits, and lumber for residential and commercial use. Combining exceptional durability, modern aesthetics, and eco-friendly practices, MOSO® sets a new standard for outdoor spaces.

    Why MOSO® Bamboo?

    1. Unmatched Durability:

    Bamboo N-durance® Decking is crafted with Outdoor-Density® technology, offering the highest durability class and a 25-year guarantee.

    Resistant to weathering, fungi, and wear, making it tougher than tropical hardwood.

    2. Sustainable Design:

    Made from rapidly renewable Moso bamboo, harvested without deforestation.

    Environmentally conscious production transforms bamboo into durable, natural outdoor solutions.

    3. Premium Look:

    Warm caramel tones create a luxurious ambiance.

    Options for natural graying or maintaining its original color with simple maintenance.

    4. Easy Installation:

    Pre-grooved boards and MOSO® Fasteners enable quick, seamless installation without pre-drilling.

    Rain-shed surfaces enhance drainage and reduce upkeep.

    Elevate Your Outdoors with MOSO® Bamboo:

    With advanced technology, eco-friendly practices, and timeless aesthetics, MOSO® Bamboo Outdoor is the perfect choice for creating stylish, durable outdoor spaces.

    Let Me See