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    Flicker Construction LLC - Fort Collins Deck Builder
    Composite Deck Installation

    Composite Deck Installation

    Stop settling for a backyard you can't fully enjoy. We build custom composite decks that look beautiful, resist the elements, and require almost zero maintenance.

    Call (970) 238-5244

    You have probably been thinking about this for a while. Maybe the deck out back has boards that flex when you step across them and railings that have started to shift in ways they should not. Maybe you have gradually stopped using the backyard altogether because the space was never finished the right way. Or maybe a previous contractor left you with work that looked fine on the surface but you know in your gut was not done correctly.

    Whatever brought you here, you are in the right place.

    Flicker Construction LLC is a family-owned company that specializes in composite deck installation. We use in-house crews on every job, carry full licensing and insurance, and bring over 10 years of dedicated decking experience to every project we take on. We show up when we say we will, communicate clearly from the first call through the final walkthrough, and build composite decks that perform the way they are supposed to for the long haul.

    No subcontractors. No shortcuts. No surprises.

    Why Composite Decking Is the Right Long-Term Investment

    This comes up in nearly every estimate conversation we have. Composite decking costs more upfront than pressure-treated wood, and homeowners want to know whether the difference is genuinely worth it. Here is a straightforward answer.

    The Maintenance Reality

    A natural wood deck that is properly maintained requires consistent sanding, staining, and sealing every one to three years depending on weather exposure. Fall behind on that cycle and the degradation accelerates. Composite decking removes that cycle from your life entirely. Periodic cleaning with soap and water is all it takes to keep the surface looking good. That is the full maintenance list.

    Built to Handle Real Weather

    Quality composite boards are engineered to resist moisture absorption, UV fading, warping, splintering, and cracking through repeated freeze-thaw cycles and heavy seasonal use. The material holds up year after year in conditions that accelerate the wear on natural wood without consistent treatment.

    Aesthetics That Hold Over Time

    Modern composite decking is a significant step forward from the earlier products in this category. Today's boards feature realistic grain textures, deep color profiles, and finishes that closely replicate the appearance of natural wood. The difference is that composite holds that appearance season after season rather than graying, staining, or fading the way untreated or even well-maintained wood does.

    A Value Equation That Shifts Over the Life of the Deck

    The upfront installation cost of composite is higher than pressure-treated wood. Over the lifetime of the deck, the calculation changes. Reduced maintenance costs, a longer material lifespan, and consistent aesthetic quality shift the total ownership cost significantly in favor of composite. For homeowners who plan to stay in their home and want to genuinely enjoy their outdoor space without constant upkeep, composite is the more practical choice.

    What Makes Flicker Construction LLC the Right Choice

    There are many deck contractors available. Here is what separates us from the rest of the field.

    • In-House Crews on Every Job

      We do not use subcontractors. Every Flicker Construction project is completed by our own crew, people we train, trust, and are directly accountable for. When you hire us, you know exactly who will be on your property and exactly who stands behind the finished work.

    • Licensed and Insured

      We are fully licensed and insured on every project. This protects you, your property, and everyone involved from any complications that arise on the job site. It is a non-negotiable standard for how we operate.

    • Family Owned and Operator Accountable

      We are not a franchise. We are a family-owned business and every deck we build carries our name. That personal accountability changes the way you approach the details of every single project.

    • 10+ Years of Dedicated Decking Experience

      Our team has spent more than a decade focused specifically on deck construction. We understand composite materials, proper substructure design, fastener systems, building code requirements, and the finishing details that separate a well-built deck from a problematic one.

    • Free Estimates With No Obligation

      We come out, walk your space, listen to what you want, and put together a clear free estimate at no cost. You are never pressured to move forward, and we do not treat the estimate as a sales opportunity.

    Our Composite Deck Installation Process

    We have developed a process that gives homeowners clear visibility at every stage from the first conversation to the final inspection.

    Step 1: Free Estimate and On-Site Consultation

    We schedule a time that works for you, come out to your property, walk the area together, and discuss how you use the space, what you want in a finished deck, and what your budget looks like. From that conversation, we build a detailed, free estimate.

    Step 2: Material Selection and Design Planning

    We help you choose the composite decking product, board profile, and color that fits your home and your goals. We also walk through railing options, fascia treatments, and any additional features you want incorporated into the project.

    Step 3: Permitting

    We manage the permitting process for every project we build. We know what is required, how to submit correctly, and how to keep things moving without unnecessary delays on your end.

    Step 4: Substructure Construction

    Before any composite board is installed, we build the frame correctly. The substructure is what determines how a deck performs over the long term. Proper joist sizing, correct spacing, quality structural hardware at every connection point, and adequate footings all receive the same level of attention as the finished surface above.

    Step 5: Composite Deck Installation

    Our crew installs your composite decking using manufacturer-recommended fastener systems and installation techniques. We maintain proper board spacing for expansion, set railing posts correctly, and deliver a finished product that looks clean, performs reliably, and reflects the standard of craft we bring to every job.

    Step 6: Final Walkthrough and Project Close

    We walk the completed deck with you before we consider the project done. Every element is reviewed. If anything does not meet your expectations, we address it before we leave.

    Signs Your Current Deck Is Ready to Be Replaced

    If you are uncertain whether the timing is right, these are the indicators that point clearly toward action.

    • Boards that flex, sag, or feel soft underfoot, which often signal structural rot in the decking or substructure below.
    • Railings that move when tested or posts that have shifted out of plumb, creating a genuine safety concern for anyone using the deck.
    • Significant warping, cracking, or splintering across multiple boards that makes the surface uncomfortable or hazardous to walk on.
    • A deck you have gradually stopped using because it no longer looks or functions the way it should.
    • Repairs from a previous contractor that failed to hold, or original construction that was clearly not done to the right standard.

    A deck in any of these conditions is not just aesthetically past its useful life. In several of these situations, it is a legitimate safety issue that deserves immediate attention.

    If a Past Contractor Left You with a Problem

    We hear this often enough that it is worth addressing directly. A homeowner hires someone, pays a deposit, and something goes wrong. The crew stops showing up consistently. The work fails to meet code. Communication breaks down. The finished deck has visible problems that were dismissed or never properly addressed.

    That experience makes trusting the next contractor feel genuinely difficult. We understand that, and we do not take the responsibility of earning your confidence lightly.

    In-house crews mean direct accountability. Consistent communication from estimate through completion means you always know where the project stands. And over 10 years of hands-on decking experience means we know how to build composite decks correctly and how to handle complications professionally when they come up.

    You are welcome to ask us anything before you decide. We give straight answers because that is how this relationship should start.

    Ready to Build a Composite Deck That Actually Lasts?

    The first step is a conversation. Call us or request your free estimate online and we will come out to your property, assess what you have, and put together a clear plan for what you want to build.

    Call Flicker Construction LLC at (970) 238-5244. Free estimates. In-house crews. Built right.

    Call (970) 238-5244

    Composite Deck Installation: Frequently Asked Questions

    The timeline depends on the size and complexity of your specific project. A standard single-level composite deck typically takes between three and seven business days to complete once materials are on-site and permitting is in place. Projects with multiple levels, integrated features, or more complex site conditions may require additional time. We walk you through a realistic timeline during your free estimate so you know exactly what to plan for.

    For most homeowners, yes. The upfront installation cost is higher than pressure-treated wood, but composite significantly reduces the ongoing maintenance demands that come with a natural wood deck. You eliminate the recurring cycle of staining, sealing, and board replacement over time. The material also holds its appearance reliably season after season, which affects both how much you enjoy the space and the long-term value it adds to your home.

    Most composite decking is installed with hidden fasteners that clip into a groove along the edge of each board, so the finished surface has no visible screw heads. Some products are face-screwed with color-matched fasteners instead, depending on the board profile. Composite also generally requires tighter joist spacing than wood, which is why an existing frame sometimes needs extra blocking before composite can go down over it.

    Installation costs vary based on the size of the deck, its height off grade, the composite product selected, railing type, and site-specific conditions. Composite decking does cost more per square foot to install than pressure-treated wood, primarily due to material costs. We provide detailed, no-obligation estimates that give you a clear picture of exactly what your specific project involves before you make any commitment.

    Very little compared to natural wood. Regular cleaning with a mild soap and water solution is all most composite decks need to stay looking their best. In areas with heavy shade, persistent moisture, or organic debris accumulation, periodic deeper cleaning can help prevent surface buildup. You do not need to sand, seal, or stain composite decking. That maintenance simplicity is one of the primary practical reasons homeowners choose it.

    No. Composite decking does not require sealing or staining. The protective layer is built into the material at the manufacturing level. Applying sealant or stain to composite decking is not recommended and in some cases can negatively affect the surface performance or compromise the finish warranty. This is one of the clearest and most direct ways composite reduces long-term ownership costs compared to natural wood.

    In some situations, yes. If the existing substructure is structurally sound, properly sized for composite loading, and meets current building code requirements, composite boards can be installed over the existing framing. However, older deck frames often require careful evaluation because composite decking responds differently to moisture and structural movement than wood. We inspect every existing structure during the free estimate and give you an honest answer about whether it can be retained or needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.

    Most quality composite decking products carry manufacturer warranties covering both the structural integrity of the board and the surface finish. Warranty terms vary by brand and product line but commonly range from 25 years to lifetime coverage depending on the specific tier. We walk you through the warranty terms for the composite products we recommend during your consultation so you know exactly what coverage you are working with.

    Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, and Azek are among the most well-regarded and widely installed composite decking brands on the market. Each offers multiple product lines at different price points with varying levels of board capping, finish depth, color selection, and warranty coverage. We help you evaluate these options based on your project goals, aesthetic preferences, and budget rather than defaulting to a single brand for margin reasons.

    Today's composite decking offers an extensive range of choices. Most major brands carry multiple color families spanning lighter natural tones to deep warm browns, rich grays, and charcoal finishes. Grain textures range from subtle to highly realistic wood grain patterns, and many products feature variegated color tones that closely replicate the appearance of natural hardwoods. Board profiles also vary between square-edge and grooved options, which affects the fastener system used during installation.

    Inspections happen at set stages rather than all at the end. The footings are inspected before concrete goes in, the framing is inspected before the surface boards cover it, and there is a final inspection once the deck and railings are complete. We schedule each one and meet the inspector on site. Because the framing inspection happens before decking goes down, it is the stage that most rewards building it right the first time.

    A properly installed composite deck with a well-built substructure can last 25 to 30 years or longer depending on the specific product and the conditions it faces. The long-term durability of a composite deck is closely tied to how the substructure is constructed beneath the surface boards, not just the quality of the composite material itself. This is why the framing and installation technique receive the same level of attention from us as the decking material on top.