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Building or restoring a deck in Longview — affectionately called the “Timber Town” thanks to its lumber-mill roots — isn’t the same as doing it in the desert Southwest. Our blend of misty mornings, 49-inch annual rainfall, and damp winters demands precise material choices and installation techniques. Working with local deck builders ensures:
High Cascades Construction is headquartered just up I-5 in Castle Rock, so we know every shortcut from Lake Sacajawea to the Nutty Narrows Bridge. When you call us, you’re talking to neighbors, not a national call center.
Longview sits in the sweet spot between the Coast Range and Cascades. That means:
Any deck solution must balance slip resistance for rainy weekends with thermal stability for those rare 100 °F afternoons during the Go 4th Festival at Lake Sacajawea Park.
Before the first post hole is dug, confirm whether you need a permit. In Cowlitz County:
Our team handles the paperwork for you, coordinating directly with county officials so your project stays on schedule.
Material choice drives longevity and maintenance costs. Below are the top contenders for the Pacific Northwest.
Economical and abundant, PT lumber resists insects thanks to copper-based preservatives. Pros: budget-friendly, easy to source. Cons: prone to checking and cupping if left unsealed in rainy climates. Annual sealing is non-negotiable.
Locally loved for their natural tannins and warm hue, cedar and redwood look gorgeous against Longview’s evergreen backdrop. Expect a 10-15-year lifespan with diligent staining every two years. Cost runs higher than PT but lower than composites.
Composites like Trex and TimberTech pair recycled wood fibers with plastics to curb moisture absorption. PVC boards (TimberTech AZEK) take it a step further with a fully synthetic core.
| Feature | Trex | TimberTech AZEK |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Wood + Plastic | PVC |
| Capping | 3 sides | 4 sides |
| Warranty | 25 yr Fade/Stain | 50 yr Fade/Stain |
| UV Resistance | Good | Excellent |
Both options shrug off moss and rot, making them ideal for shaded lots near Gearhart Gardens Dog Park.
If your deck doubles as a showpiece overlooking the Columbia River, tropical hardwoods bring unrivaled density and 40-year lifespan potential. Their high cost is offset by minimal upkeep (annual oiling).
For ultra-modern builds, powder-coated aluminum planks deliver slip resistance and zero rot. Pricey, yes, but maintenance is virtually nil.
Longview soils range from river silt downtown to clay loam on Oregon Way. Always:
Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless fasteners are mandatory; standard zinc plating corrodes quickly in coastal air. Include protective flashing where ledger meets siding — failure is the number-one cause of deck collapse.
Washington code requires 36-inch railings for decks over 30 inches high. Cable, glass, or composite posts all pass muster when installed to manufacturer specs.
April–June offers the most predictable dry stretches, yet fall installations can be ideal if you time them around early storms. Our crew monitors Cowlitz County’s real-time weather radar to pour footings on clear days.
Professionally sealing a 215 sq ft deck in Longview averages $790. Oil-based formulas penetrate deeper than water-based but require respirator safety gear. High Cascades Construction includes cleanup and furniture reset in every sealing package.
If your screwdriver sinks easily into a joist, dry rot has taken hold. Our repair protocol:
Composites resist rot but can scratch. Use nylon-bristle brushes and avoid metal shovels. For hidden moisture issues, our team employs thermal cameras to spot delamination before it spreads.
A professionally built cedar deck in Cowlitz County averages $35-$45 per square foot; composites run $55-$70. The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report pegs deck additions in the Pacific Northwest at a 65-75% ROI upon resale. Factor in projected maintenance:
| Material | 10-Year Upkeep Cost |
|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated | $3,000+ (sealing & board swaps) |
| Cedar | $2,200+ (stain every 24 mo) |
| Composite | $700 ± (soap-and-water washes) |
Choosing locally sourced cedar reduces transportation emissions. Trex boards contain 95% recycled content, diverting 1 billion pounds of plastic film annually. Ask us about FSC-certified hardwoods and low-VOC stains so your deck complements Longview’s commitment to green spaces like Riverside Park.
From hidden-fastener installations overlooking Lake Sacajawea to dry-rot rescues in West Longview, High Cascades Construction crafts decks built for Cowlitz County living. Call to schedule a free on-site consultation today. Let’s transform your outdoor space into the best seat in the house.
Do I need a permit for my deck?
Yes, if it exceeds 200 sq ft, attaches to your house, or sits higher than 30 in.
What’s the most weatherproof material for Longview?
Fully capped PVC boards like TimberTech AZEK offer the best moisture and UV resistance.
How often should I reseal a cedar deck?
Every 18-24 months, ideally each fall before heavy rains.
Can composite boards fade?
Yes, but modern boards carry 25-50 yr fade warranties and resist significant color shift.
What’s the average lifespan of a pressure-treated deck here?
With diligent sealing, expect 15-20 years before major refits are needed.
