What wood species work best for Fort Wayne's climate?

Cedar and pressure-treated timber are great choices for Fort Wayne’s humid continental climate. Cedar wood is naturally beautiful and weather-resistant. It is also less expensive than pressure-treated lumber, though pressure-treated lumber is more durable. For premium-grade applications, exotic hardwoods like Ipe are great for durability but are expensive and hard to maintain. We assist in identifying the optimal wood species for your budget, maintenance choices, and aesthetic objectives.

How often will my wood deck need refinishing?

Deck refinishing is specific to wood species, maintenance exposure, and the overall quality of the finish work. Cedar decks usually require refinishing every 2-3 years, while pressure-treated lumber needs attention every year. Surfaces located in the sun and with high traffic need maintenance more often. We provide maintenance schedules catered to the unique conditions of your installation.

Can you match existing wood structures on my property?

We do specialize in matching existing woodworks such as siding, trim, and deck components. Our approach consists of wood species identification, stain matching, and construction technique replication for seamless integration. For aging structures, we can often provide reclaimed or specially milled lumber that would match the original materials, construction methods, and techniques.

What's the cost difference between wood and composite decking?

The cost to install wood decks is usually lower than composite decking. However, the wood’s maintenance cost can affect composite decks’ long-term ownership cost. Cedar installations are more expensive than pressure-treated wood but cheaper than composites, and exotic hardwoods’ beauty and durability outlast composites, but they’re more expensive. We help in decision-making by providing cost comparison reports and detailing maintenance estimates.

How do you avoid warping, splitting, and other wood deck issues?

Common issues with wood decks can be avoided with a different choice of lumber, better moisture management, and improved installation. We use moisture control with kiln-dried lumber, controlled airflow with ventilated spaces, and apply protective coatings to reduce moisture absorption. Pre-drilling fastener holes, providing sufficient expansion gaps, and using proper fasteners combats deck splitting and warping while avoiding poor wood deck installation and water damage ensures long-term quality.

Wood Deck Installation | Fort Wayne, IN

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Commercial Aluminum Fence Installation | Fort Wayne, IN

A deck isn’t just an addition to a home—it’s an extension of living space and a reflection of lifestyle, supporting thoughtful home improvement. Whether homeowners are dreaming of morning coffee overlooking their garden, summer barbecues with neighbors, or quiet evenings watching the sunset, Gleave Construction is here to bring that vision to life with expertly crafted wood deck construction by reliable deck builders.

Building a wood deck in Fort Wayne requires designing, constructing, and installing custom outdoor spaces with quality cedar or treated lumber for a porch or patio. From design to the finished product, Gleave Construction handles it all, making it super simple to get a quote.

Since 1970, Gleave Construction has served local families with premium materials sourced from reputable suppliers, never big box stores. With foremen with over 10 years’ experience, expect a skilled team to provide high-quality work, honestly.

Wood Deck Installation Process

Gleave Construction handles all permitting paperwork and makes sure every deck and fence meets the area building codes‌. Most custom decks take between 1-2 weeks to complete, depending on complexity and weather conditions. The professional installation process follows three key phases:

Site preparation

The project starts with site preparation, followed by foundation work that meets local frost line standards and premium lumber construction for accurate structural framing.

Install deck

The team installs deck boards and custom railings and stairs, and any additional features, including built-in benches and lighting, and pergolas.

Sanding and sealing

The process ends with sanding and sealing or staining the deck and painting specific areas if needed, and a safety check and complete property tour for homeowners.

Cedar vs Treated Lumber Deck Materials

Gleave Construction offers premium treated lumber with a 25-year warranty and cedar decking with a 10-year warranty, using only professional-grade products that meet high standards for quality and longevity for a strong return on investment. Material selection is important for the area’s climate:

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Cedar Decking

Beautifully crafted with not only inherent resistances to bugs and deterioration. Cedar will handle humidity and changes in temperature while also developing a nicely appealing silver-gray patina over time. If you are a homeowner who enjoys natural wood character and outdoor beauty, cedar is a good choice for you.

Treated Lumber

Maximum longevity through a superior pressure treatment process. Ideal for high-traffic areas and provides value with the 25-year material warranty. Available in various grades to match different design preferences and budgets.

Both options are durable enough to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles, wet spring seasons, and poor winters shared in Northeast Indiana.

Premium Wood Deck Materials

Fort Wayne Custom Deck Design & Pricing

Every deck is unique, with costs depending on size, materials, design complexity, and special features coordinated by experienced deck contractors. Ground-level decks using treated lumber start at one price point, while multi-level designs with custom railings represent different investments. Popular local deck configurations include:

Intimate Spaces: 10×12 to 12×16 breakfast decks perfect for morning coffee and small gatherings near a kitchen entry
Entertainment Decks: 16×20 to 20×30 spaces designed for barbecues, parties, and family activities that can integrate a concrete landing
Multi-Level Designs: Custom configurations that work with sloped yards and provide distinct outdoor zones, including options that step down toward a basement walkout

Gleave Construction provides detailed, transparent quotes upfront and offers flexible financing options. Free quote includes site evaluation, material recommendations, and design consultation tailored to each home’s architecture and the homeowner’s lifestyle needs.

Lifestyle and Neighborhood Fit

For a simple, local fit, think Sycamore Hills in Southwest Fort Wayne for golf course views and large backyards, Pine Valley in the northwest for fairway lines and family barbecues, Woodland Lake where lakeside decks are part of daily life, and evenings downtown after Promenade Park or along the Rivergreenway before a TinCaps game at Parkview Field. We give you decks that fit every need and aesthetic.

Maintenance & Long-Term Care

During the final walkthrough, Gleave Construction provides maintenance guides specific to each deck’s materials. Proper maintenance helps decks stay in good condition:

Regular Care: Weekly sweeping, occasional washing with mild detergent, and keeping drainage areas clear of debris to support customer service standards
Annual Maintenance: Professional inspection of railings, stairs, and structural components; checking for loose hardware or boards and scheduling deck repair if needed
Periodic Treatments: Sealing or staining schedule based on material choice and exposure to local weather

The company remains available for advice, assistance, and repairs during any renovation.

Over 50 years serving the Area

Gleave Construction has built fences and decks locally since 1970. The family-owned company, Gleave Construction LLC, understands soil conditions, drainage requirements, and weather patterns across neighborhoods from Sycamore Hills to Pine Valley and Arlington Park. Installations also include Asbury Woods, The Quarry, Canyon Cliffs, Leo-Cedarville, and Huntertown.

Major Projects in Fort Wayne

Gleave Construction built decks and structures for Electric Works, the Children’s Zoo, Community School, Steel Dynamics, and Dreyer’s Ice Cream. These projects show the capacity to handle complex installations as a trusted general contractor among local deck builders.

Licensed & Warranty Backed

Gleave Construction is fully licensed and insured. Cedar decks include 10-year material warranties. Treated lumber decks include 25-year material warranties. All installations include a 1-year labor warranty, reflecting the company’s integrity.

Northeast Indiana Deck Building Expertise

All foremen have 10+ years of experience in Northeast Indiana. They account for frost line requirements and seasonal ground movement. The team applies proper foundation techniques and material selection for the area’s climate, including clean tie-ins near the roof line where applicable.

Get Your Free Deck Estimate Today

Gleave Construction offers free, no-obligation estimates for wood deck installation in Fort Wayne and nearby communities. Call 260-744-2757 or email Info@gleaveconstruction.com to schedule a consultation or request a quote through HomeAdvisor-branded listings if preferred.

What Happens Next?

Free Consultation: Site evaluation and design discussion at the home
Detailed Estimate: Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Project Timeline: Clear schedule that works around availability and any request for scheduling adjustments

Financing Available: Qualified homeowners can access flexible financing options.

Serving Fort Wayne’s Traditional Construction Market

Gleave Construction serves the Fort Wayne area and surrounding communities, including:

Leo-Cedarville
Huntertown
New Haven
Auburn
Warsaw
Columbia City

Weekend and evening consultations available.
Contact Gleave Construction:

Phone: 260-744-2757
Email: Info@gleaveconstruction.com
Address: 532 E. Hawthorne St, Fort Wayne, IN 46806

Don’t wait for another summer to pass. Start your wood deck project today.