Hardscaping
We build paver patios, walkways, steps and the outdoor living areas that tie them to the house. Every one gets the excavation, base and drainage that Whidbey Island ground needs.
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Culver Built is a custom deck builder on Whidbey Island, based in Langley. We build wood and composite decks, including covered decks and decks on view lots. A deck here lives outdoors through wet winters and salt air. So we start underneath, at the footings and the ledger.
A deck is often one piece of a bigger job. It goes in during a remodel of an older island home, or it replaces a rotted deck. We also build decks on their own, with the stairs and landings. Call or text (360) 544-9027 for a free estimate.
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We prefer ironwood, also called ipe, for a wood deck. It is dense and hard, and it holds its look. Ironwood is slower to install than softer decking. Picture framing around the edge hides the board ends, and the stairs get the same treatment.
Composite decking is the other common pick, and it asks less of you over time. Every composite board carries a label with the span it can carry, set by a standard test. Some boards need joists closer together than wood decking, so we frame to the label.
The framing under both is pressure-treated or naturally durable lumber, as the code requires. On a deck you see from inside the house, the board direction matters as much as the material.
Island County sets the frost line depth at 12 inches. Deck footings go at least 12 inches into undisturbed ground, with frost protection where the deck attaches to the house. Under the topsoil, one lot can give you dense glacial till, clean sand, cobble or groundwater. We set the footings for what is in the hole.
Where a deck meets the house, the ledger has to be right. The code calls for a treated ledger of 2 by 8 or larger, and it cannot sit on masonry veneer. Flashing above it must be corrosion-resistant metal or an approved material that suits the wall. On older homes we often find rot behind the old ledger, which turns into siding repair on that wall.
Salt air is hard on metal, so the code sets a coating for every deck fastener and connector. Hot-dipped galvanized is the base, and stainless steel is an approved alternate. Island County lists a design wind speed of 97 mph and marks topographic effects yes. That matters on a bluff or an open lot facing the water, and more once a deck carries a roof.
A deck more than 30 inches above the ground needs a guard. Guards run at least 36 inches high, and no opening in one may pass a 4-inch sphere. Cable railing meets that rule when the cables are spaced and tensioned right. The corner posts carry real load, so the framing under them matters.
A covered deck adds a roof, so it adds structure. The posts and footings carry more, and the roof has to shed water where it meets the house. Stairs are the other place a deck shows its age. We build the treads and landings to match the deck above them.
When we tear off an old deck, the rot usually shows at the ledger and the joist ends. We look at that before we price a replacement. Many decks also work better with a paver patio and steps down to the yard beside them. On a walk-out grade, a stamped concrete patio does the same job.
Free, no-obligation estimates across Whidbey Island and the Skagit Valley.
(360) 544-9027From the first call or text to the finished home, here is how it goes.
Reach us at (360) 544-9027 or fill out the form. Tell us about the lot or the house and what you want to build.
We meet you at the property, look at the site or the home, and talk through what is possible. The estimate is free.
We design in house or build from your architect's plans. Then we price a full materials list with local vendors and add labor, so you see the bottom line.
We prepare the permit set with the energy code package and submit it for county review. Once it is approved, clearing, grading, drainage and the driveway go in.
Framing, roofing, siding, the licensed trades and finish carpentry run in order under one contractor. You have one point of contact from the first day to the final inspection.
Common questions about custom decks across Whidbey Island and the Skagit Valley. If yours is not here, call or text and ask.
We build paver patios, walkways, steps and the outdoor living areas that tie them to the house. Every one gets the excavation, base and drainage that Whidbey Island ground needs.
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Concrete patios, walkways and driveways on Whidbey Island, including stamped and colored concrete. We handle the base and the drainage under the slab with our own equipment.
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We remodel Whidbey Island homes, from one room to the whole house. Kitchens, bathrooms, additions and exterior remodels, all under one contractor.
Learn MoreYou work with one team from the first sketch to the last piece of trim. Design, site planning, estimating and construction all run through us.
Three decades of custom home building on Whidbey Island stands behind the work. The company holds a 5.0 rating on Google from seven reviews.
We run our own excavators, a mini excavator, dump trucks and a skid steer. Clearing, grading, drainage and the driveway are handled in house.
Culver Built is a registered Washington general contractor, licensed, bonded and insured. Estimates are free, so call or text (360) 544-9027 to set one up.
Real reviews from real island projects on Google.
Jeff and his team were incredible to work with, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! I approached Jeff with only a vague idea of what I wanted, and together we worked to create an outdoor space that was a thousand times better than anything I could have imagined on my own. He’s got a great eye and sense for space, and I really appreciated his passion for, and collaborative approach to our project. The guys he employs are kind, respectful and talented. I’ve done a number of projects with crews before, and I was so impressed with both the quality of work and professionalism across the entire team. We’re already freaking up future projects, and I genuinely am looking forward to working with Culver Builds again and again!
I highly recommend Jeff Culver and his team. They replaced my roof, demolished an outbuilding, and helped me with a foundation and siding project. Jeff was up-front about cost and communicative as the project went on. I will use Culver again for future projects.
We purchased our dream home on the west side of Whidbey Island above the Puget Sound with 180-degree views of the water and the Olympic Mtns. While we knew the driveway would need to be redone eventually, we soon learned that proper drainage to protect the house and garage had never been installed when the house was originally built. Jeff and his team resolved all of our issues. In front of our garages, Jeff installed proper French drains, a catch basin, and sump pump that pumps the water away. At the same time, Jeff installed proper drainage around the house. Our driveway was a packed dirt path with virtually no stone base. Jeff initially properly graded the driveway before first add a stone base, then a finishing base. After compacting the stone material, our driveway is almost as hard as concrete or asphalt and is 2-3 feet wider and more accessible. While Jeff was working near the garage with his excavator, he accidentally hit the gutter. Jeff immediately told me what happened and within 48 hours, Jeff had an outside gutter company come in and replaced the entire gutter. I appreciated his upfront honesty. As to communication, Jeff could not have been better. I found him through a Google search. He returned my original call within 2 hours. On Whidbey Island you are lucky to even have a contractor return any call. Jeff came out the same day to scope out the work and started the job within 10 days in my case. He and has team where there each day continuing to make progress. Needless to say, I give Jeff a 5-star review and when the next project comes up, I will certainly be reaching out to Culver Construction. Think this review isn’t legit, think again. I’m a small business owner with 50 employees, worked with countless vendors and customers. I know what good service looks like and when it isn’t.
Tell us about the lot or the house and what you want to build. You can also call or text (360) 544-9027 to set up a free estimate.
Tell us about the job. We will get right back to you.
