Decks in Lehi take a beating. Sun bakes the boards. Snow and ice pile up. Rain and wind never let up. Boards twist, fasteners corrode, and surfaces lose their color and strength. Damage adds up fast unless you use the right materials and keep up with maintenance. Skip the upkeep, and the deck won’t last.

Sun Beats Down

Lehi sits high. The sun feels closer. UV rays hammer decks, especially those facing south or west. Wood dries out fast. Boards shrink, then swell when the temperature drops at night. This constant movement splits the grain and opens up gaps. Composite boards hold up better, but even they lose color and get brittle after years of direct sun. Surface temperatures soar. Sometimes over 140°F. Walk barefoot and you’ll feel it. Railings get hot enough to burn your hand. Paint and stain peel away. Sealants break down. The deck starts to look tired long before it should.

• Wood turns gray and splinters
• Composite fades and loses its finish
• Fasteners loosen as boards move
• Handrails and steps dry out and crack

Choosing the right material matters. Some woods handle sun better than others. Composite options resist fading, but not all brands perform the same. Composite and traditional deck materials each have their strengths, but neither is immune to Lehi’s sun. Regular cleaning and resealing help, but nothing stops the sun from doing its work. Expect to refinish wood every couple of years. Composite needs less, but still benefits from a good wash and occasional UV protectant.

Snow and Ice Weigh Down

Winter in Lehi brings heavy, wet snow. Decks groan under the weight. A single storm can dump thousands of pounds on a modest deck. Boards bow. Joists flex. Nails and screws pull loose. When snow melts and refreezes, ice forms in every crack. Water seeps in, then expands as it freezes, prying boards apart. Railings wobble. Stairs shift. The whole structure feels less solid by spring.

• Snow piles up fast. Removal is a must
• Ice dams trap water against the house
• Support posts rot where they meet the ground
• Decks without proper slope collect standing water

Ignoring snow load is a mistake. Wet snow weighs more than most people realize. A 10x10 deck can end up supporting several tons after a big storm. That stress finds the weak spots. Old fasteners, undersized joists, or poor connections. Proper winter maintenance keeps decks standing straight. Shovel snow before it piles up. Clear ice from steps and railings. Inspect for sagging or shifting after every storm. Builders who know Lehi’s winters use beefier supports and better hardware from the start, and at TC Decks, we make sure every project is built to handle the toughest conditions.

Water Sneaks In

Moisture is relentless. Rain, snowmelt, and even morning dew work their way into every joint and seam. In Lehi, freeze-thaw cycles make things worse. Water gets into tiny cracks, freezes overnight, and forces boards apart. Over time, gaps widen. Boards cup and twist. Fasteners rust and lose their grip. Mold and mildew take hold in shady spots. The deck feels spongy underfoot. Railings loosen. Posts rot at the base, hidden from view until they finally give way.

• Standing water pools in low spots
• Drainage issues soak the foundation
• Fungal growth weakens wood from the inside
• Paint and stain bubble and peel

Spring runoff adds another challenge. Water from melting snow flows downhill, soaking the ground around deck posts. Without proper drainage, moisture lingers for weeks. Wood never gets a chance to dry out. Professional waterproofing solutions seal up seams and protect vulnerable spots. Flashing, tape, and high-quality sealants keep water out. Annual inspections catch soft spots before they spread. Homeowners who stay ahead of moisture problems see their decks last years longer, and our team at TC Decks can help you identify and address these issues before they become costly repairs.

Wood and Composite Show Their Age

Wood decks in Lehi age fast. Five years in, most show deep cracks, splinters, and faded color. Boards feel rough. Nails pop up. Stain wears thin in high-traffic areas. Even pressure-treated lumber struggles to keep up. Composite decks hold up better. They resist rot, bugs, and most stains. Color stays true longer. Boards don’t splinter. But composite isn’t bulletproof. Cheap brands fade or warp. Gaps open up as boards expand and contract. Mold can grow on the surface if debris piles up.

• Wood needs sanding, staining, and sealing every couple of years
• Composite needs regular cleaning to prevent buildup
• Both need hardware checks. Rust never sleeps
• Decks with poor airflow trap moisture and age faster

Homeowners weigh the costs. Wood is cheaper up front, but maintenance adds up. Composite costs more, but the payoff comes in fewer repairs and longer life. Composite materials offer superior weather resistance and can last 25 years or more with basic care. The right choice depends on budget, style, and how much time you want to spend working on your deck instead of enjoying it. If you’re unsure, we can walk you through the pros and cons of each option and help you make the best decision for your home.

Building for Lehi’s Weather

Decks built for Lehi’s climate last longer. Builders who know the area use thicker joists, better fasteners, and smart design features. They slope decks for drainage. They use flashing to keep water away from the house. They recommend materials that stand up to sun, snow, and rain. Homeowners who work with pros get decks that feel solid year after year. They spend less time fixing problems and more time outside with family and friends. With our experience, we know how to design and build decks that stand up to everything Lehi’s weather can throw at them.

• Choose materials proven in Utah’s climate
• Invest in professional waterproofing and flashing
• Schedule annual inspections to catch issues early
• Clear debris and snow as part of your routine
• Trust builders who understand local weather patterns

Expert Deck Building in Lehi

Ready to build a weather-resistant deck that lasts? Contact TC Decks at 801-472-8939 or schedule your design consultation to discuss the best materials and construction methods for your property.