Welcome to the first session of ABC Deck School. Around here, we believe that if you’re going to do something, you do it right the first time so you don't have to do it again in five years. Aaron brings 35+ years of hands-on building and construction experience to every project, not just business or sales experience, and that matters when you’re talking about structural work. If there’s one thing that kind of real-world experience teaches you, it’s this: your deck is only as good as the ground it stands on.
You can spend a fortune on the highest-quality decking boards, but if the foundation is weak, the whole project is on a countdown to failure. Most homeowners focus on the decking boards or the railing pattern, which is the fun part. But today, we’re going "under the hood" to talk about foundations and footings: the invisible heroes of a 30-year deck.
The Relativity of "Right"
One of the most common questions we get is, "What is the right way to build a foundation?" The honest answer is that "right" is relative. What works for a deck on a flat lot in Chandler might be completely wrong for a sloped backyard in Bullard with heavy red clay.
That’s one reason Aaron’s background matters so much. He has built to hurricane specs in Florida, tornado specs in Oklahoma, and snow load specs in Pennsylvania, so he understands firsthand that "right" always depends on the environment you’re building in. Different regions demand different structural decisions, and that experience is exactly why he knows how to build for East Texas soil, moisture swings, and movement.
Building a lasting structure isn't about following a generic manual; it’s about understanding the environment. We look at three main factors before we even think about digging a hole:
- Soil Composition: Are we dealing with sandy loam that drains quickly, or East Texas clay that expands and contracts like a breathing lung?
- Drainage Patterns: Where does the water go when those heavy spring rains hit? If water pools around your footings, you’re asking for trouble.
- Total Load: A simple porch has different requirements than an above-ground pool deck that needs to support thousands of pounds of water and foot traffic.
Why "Cheap" is Usually Wrong
We know you have choices when it comes to local deck builders. You might see a bid that comes in significantly lower than ours, and it’s tempting to take it. However, the foundation is the easiest place for a "budget" contractor to cut corners because once the dirt is backfilled and the boards are down, you can’t see the mistakes.
Common corner-cutting includes digging shallow holes that don't reach undisturbed soil, using undersized concrete footings, or: worst of all: burying wooden posts directly into the ground or concrete. These methods save a contractor a few hundred dollars in material and a day of labor, but they cost you thousands in deck repairs later when the deck starts to sag or rot from the bottom up.
The Post-in-Dirt Crime
Let’s be clear about something: some foundation methods fall into the category of "not ideal, but okay in the right situation." Burying a wooden post 2 feet deep is not one of them. Even if someone pours concrete around the sides of that buried post, the bottom of the post is still sitting on dirt, and that is where the trouble starts.
From Aaron’s 35+ years of real-world construction and structural experience, this is one of the easiest shortcuts to spot and one of the most expensive ones to fix later. He has built through Florida hurricane specs, Oklahoma tornado specs, and Pennsylvania snow loads, and that kind of hands-on background teaches you to look past what appears solid on day one and pay attention to what will still be working years later. A buried post may feel firm at first, but the long-term problem is still there.
The issue is simple: wood and wet soil are not friends. East Texas ground holds moisture, shifts with the seasons, and keeps pressure on anything buried in it. So even with concrete around the sides, that post base still has direct contact with dirt at the bottom, which means moisture, movement, and eventual rot are built into the system from the start.
The ABC Decking Approach
At ABC Decking, we take a more practical structural approach. Instead of burying posts deep into the ground, we pour a proper concrete footing and set the post just 1 inch into that poured concrete. That gives you the stability of a true footing without trapping a long section of wood down in wet soil where problems start.
This method also makes future repairs much more manageable if a post ever does rot years down the line. You are not digging out a deeply buried failure. You are dealing with a much simpler repair because the post is not entombed in the ground.
Metal post bases are the gold standard, and we are upfront about that. They also add significant cost at about $20 each, which matters when a project has multiple posts. Our 1-inch method gives you a strong, real-world structural solution that keeps the project practical, keeps the footing doing the heavy lifting, and keeps repair costs cheaper and easier down the road if they are ever needed.
The Block Strategy
Now here’s where "right" really is relative. Deck blocks, including systems like TuffBlocks, can actually be a smart and strategic solution when the project calls for them. They are especially useful for pool decks, certain low-profile platforms, or areas with buried septic systems and utility lines where digging deep footings simply isn’t an option.
They can also make sense for specialty applications where access, removability, or limited disturbance matters more than permanent deep excavation. The point is not that blocks are always the best choice. The point is that they can be the right choice when the structure, site conditions, and limitations all line up.
That’s the difference between experience and guesswork. A strategic block layout is a calculated decision. Posts sitting on raw dirt is just wrong. One is adapting the build to the need. The other is skipping the part where the structure has a fighting chance.
Modern Alternatives: Aaron’s Insider Pick
If you want a higher-performance option, especially in sandy East Texas soil, Aaron’s insider pick is the Pylex ground screw system. It is pricier than concrete, but it brings two massive advantages that some homeowners find well worth the extra investment.
First, you can use extensions to reach deeper, more stable ground. Second, they are adjustable, and that adjustability is a game-changer for long-term maintenance. If settling ever happens over time, you can make corrections far more easily without a major teardown. For homeowners who want extra peace of mind and precision, this is one of those modern foundation options that reflects Aaron’s 35+ years of real-world structural experience.
The ABC Approach: Footings Done Right
At ABC Decking, we don’t believe in "good enough." We believe in "over-built." When we design your custom deck, we ensure the foundation is rock solid by following a strict set of professional standards.
1. Getting to Undisturbed Soil
Topsoil is full of organic matter that eventually decomposes and shifts. We dig past that top layer until we hit firm, undisturbed soil. This ensures that the weight of your deck is supported by something that hasn't moved in decades.
2. Proper Footing Size and Spacing
We calculate the exact load-bearing requirements for your specific project. If you're planning a massive outdoor addition, you need more than just a few concrete blocks. We use appropriately sized concrete piers that distribute the weight evenly, preventing the "sinking feeling" that plagues poorly built decks.
3. Post Bases vs. Our 1-Inch Embedment Method
This is where Aaron’s 35+ years of nationwide structural experience really shows up in the details. ABC Decking prefers using metal post bases, and we always offer them as the top-tier option for customers who want the premium approach and are comfortable with the added hardware cost. They are the gold standard for keeping wood separated from concrete and moisture exposure over the long term.
For homeowners who want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, Aaron also uses his proprietary 1-inch embedment method in poured concrete. Instead of burying a long section of post into the ground, we pour a proper concrete footing and set the post just 1 inch into that footing. This high-quality, practical structural solution was developed through 35+ years of real-world building experience to provide solid stability, reduce hardware cost, and make future repairs cheap and easy if a post ever needs attention years down the line.
One Job at a Time: Our Commitment to Quality
You’ll notice that we do things a little differently here. Our "one job at a time" philosophy means that when we are on your property, you have our undivided attention. Aaron Baugh personally designs every project and stays closely connected to each job by reviewing daily photo updates from the crew and checking in with the crew every day.
We aren't bouncing between five different job sites, trying to remember which footings were poured where. We stay focused on your project from the first shovel in the ground to the final screw in the handrail. That steady oversight is backed by 35+ years of actual building and construction experience across very different environments, not just time spent around the industry. This level of focus is how we maintain the high standards we’ve held for over 35 years.
The Written Craftsmanship & Safety Warranty
We don't just tell you our work is better; we put it in writing. Every project we complete comes with our Written Craftsmanship & Safety Warranty. This isn't just a marketing gimmick; it’s a formalization of the way we’ve always done business.
This warranty provides you with a physical copy for your records, giving you long-term peace of mind. We offer a 3-year labor promise on critical safety areas, specifically focusing on:
- Decking Boards: Ensuring they remain secure and properly fastened.
- Handrails: Making sure your deck railings are rock-solid and safe for your family.
- Stairs: Verifying that the most high-traffic area of your deck remains structurally sound.
This warranty is backed by Aaron's daily supervision through photo reviews and daily crew check-ins. We build things to last, but if something isn't right, we fix it. It’s that simple.
Location Matters: Chandler, Tyler, and Bullard
The East Texas environment presents unique challenges. Between the intense summer heat and the unpredictable moisture levels in the soil, your deck's foundation has to be resilient. We’ve seen decks in the Tyler area literally pulled apart by shifting clay because the footings weren't deep enough.
By choosing a builder who understands the local geography, you’re investing in a structure that can handle what Texas throws at it. Whether we are working on a covered porch or a sprawling backyard deck, we adapt our foundation strategy to the specific plot of land you call home.
Designing for Longevity
A great foundation also allows for better deck design. When the base is stable, we can create more complex levels, wider spans, and more beautiful architectural features without worrying about structural failure.
If you’re thinking about replacing an old, shaky deck, or if you’re starting from scratch with a brand-new vision, don't let a "low bid" talk you into a weak foundation. You deserve a deck that stays level, stays safe, and stays beautiful for decades.
Ready to Build Something That Lasts?
Building a deck is an investment in your home and your lifestyle. Don’t settle for a foundation that’s "good enough for now." Let’s build something that your grandkids will enjoy.
If you’re in the Chandler, Tyler, or Bullard area and you want to talk about a project that’s built on 35+ years of experience and a foundation of integrity, we’d love to hear from you. You can check out our gallery to see the level of craftsmanship we bring to every job, or read through our testimonials to see why your neighbors trust us.
When you're ready to take the next step, contact ABC Decking for a straightforward, professional consultation. We’ll look at your soil, your slope, and your goals, and we’ll give you a plan for a foundation that will stand the test of time.
ABC Decking: Exceeding Expectations Is Our Job.
903-992-5301
abcdeckingtx.com