"Added a deck extension with stairs and a large cement pad. Workers showed up on time, matched existing deck and were professional. CBJ listened to our needs and made sure we were happy with the work before closing the job. We are happy with the results and I would recommend this company to friends looking for exterior work done."
If yes, here's an overview for how we've been bringing decks to people like you from Bel Air to Severn:
If you're specifically looking for information on repairing your wood deck, follow the link below. If not, continue.
I'm Here for Wood Deck RepairThe most important factor in the safety of your deck — and it staying that way.
If you're in Maryland, you want your deck footing to be 32 inches deep in the ground.
Why? Maryland has a freeze-thaw cycle, and the frost line is 30 inches deep in the ground. If you don't go below the frost line, your footing will be pushed out of the ground and your deck will collapse.
You want to install a metal cleat on the bottom of your posts. That cleat sits on the concrete footing of the deck.
Why? Prevents moisture from wicking up from the concrete into the wood. This prevents rot, which makes your deck last much longer.
You want a notched header across your posts — not just bolted to the face.
Why? To properly distribute the weight across your deck. A notch lets the wood carry the load instead of the bolts and hardware. This avoids unnecessary strain on your posts and joists and prevents early collapse.
For wood decks in Maryland, you want 16-inch spacing between joists. You also want galvanized joist hangers.
Why? Not only is it a code requirement in Maryland, but it accounts for the strength of wood versus composite. This is one of the minor factors that makes wood decks cheaper than composite oftentimes.
Have more questions about the structural integrity of your deck?
Call (443) 534-6284The part you see and touch every day.
You want #1 grade pressure-treated lumber for your deck boards — no knots, no splits, no weak spots.
Why? Knots are where rot starts. They crack open, let water in, and within a few Maryland winters your boards are soft and falling apart. #1 grade is denser and straighter — it holds its shape through the heat, the cold, and everything in between.
You want gaps between your deck boards so water runs through instead of sitting on top and soaking in.
Why? Water that pools on your deck soaks into the grain and starts rot from the surface down. Proper spacing lets it drain through. Your deck also needs a slight slope away from the house so nothing pools against your siding.
Every board should be fastened with galvanized steel screws — not nails.
Why? Nails pop up over time and catch your feet. Regular screws rust, stain the wood, and lose their grip after a few Maryland winters. Galvanized steel holds tight and doesn't corrode.
Your handrail posts should be mortised into the deck frame — not just bolted to the surface. As far as ways to find out something is faulty on your deck, a wobbly handrail is the worst on that list.
Why? A surface-bolted post wobbles over time as the hardware loosens. A mortised post is locked into the structure of the deck itself. It's stronger, safer, and it stays solid for years.
Every county in Maryland has its own permitting requirements for decks. Below is a link to a table that breaks down some of the basic differences in permitting requirements and inspections for wood decks across the counties we serve.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link — and the weakest link seen in decks across Maryland is the stain job. A stain done wrong doesn't protect anything. The boards hold more water, UV breaks down the wood fibers, and the grain opens up and rots from the inside out.
A proper stain needs to go on before the wood fibers open up — that's why we use CWF Flood stain, a penetrating stain that can be applied right away on new pressure-treated lumber. Most other stains make you wait weeks, and by then your deck is already taking damage.
This is not a DIY job. Wrong conditions, wrong thickness, bad prep — and you've ruined the entire deck. A professional who knows how to read the weather, prep the surface, and lay the stain evenly is the difference between a deck that lasts and one that doesn't.
Get Your Project Started
CBJ Home Improvement was founded by veterans who learned discipline, integrity, and attention to detail long before they picked up a hammer. That military standard is built into everything we do — from how we communicate to how we finish a job.
Fill out the form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. No pressure, no obligation — just a real conversation about your deck.
Common questions about building a deck in Baltimore. Still have more — just call or send us a message.
Most decks are built in 1–2 weeks once permits are approved. Larger or multi-level decks may take 2–3 weeks. Permit approval timelines vary by jurisdiction in Baltimore County.
Yes. We're responsible for many of the decks across the Baltimore skyline. Bring one of our experts out and they'll tell you what we need to do.
Yes, most decks require a building permit in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. CBJ Home Improvement handles all permit applications so you don't have to worry about it.
No — as long as the dimensions of the deck are maintained and there is no major structural work being done, a repair does not require a permit in Maryland. Replacing boards, railings, and surface-level components is considered maintenance, not new construction.
It varies. We've done decking projects from $6,000 to over $90,000. There are many factors at play, from the types of materials in your deck to the scope of the project. The best way to get a real number is to have us come out and take a look.
No. Power washing forces water deep into the wood fibers, which causes swelling, splintering, and accelerates rot. It also strips the stain and damages the surface of the boards. If your deck needs cleaning, a gentle wash with the right cleaner is the way to go — not a pressure washer.
Yes. We handle the entire permitting process for you. The cost will vary depending on the complexity of the permit process for your specific project, but we take care of all the paperwork and applications so you don't have to.
