Our deck was built at the same time as our house, in 1994. 26 years ago. We noticed a slight lean on one corner of our 12x12 deck. I took a shovel and dug down to check the 4x4 corner post. It was rotting under the ground surface as the original deck builder didn’t use concrete forms. The deck was not safe!
Time for a new deck.
We did our research on Homestars and reviewed many contractors. Time after time we noticed fantastic reviews about PTR Carpentry Inc. My wife and I were hoping PTR would be able to do our deck project even though we live an hour north of Toronto.
We sent Paul, the owner, a detailed description of our old deck and what we would like for a new deck. We wanted a much larger deck for entertaining and relaxing.
We received a confirmation email back from Paul abd he said he would review our timeline, our allotted budget and his upcoming schedule. I mentioned that I would demolish the old deck and get the deck post holes dug and poured with concrete, if he could fit us in.
Paul called my number and told me he wanted to alter our deck plans to make it a deck to be proud of. Instead of one large, 16x28 foot deck, Paul drew up a schematic for a 2 tier deck! The upper deck from the patio doors would have an area for a bbq, a table for 6 to eat at, plus a deck box to house the chair cushions. The lower tier would be 1 step down and have plenty of room for a lounge, entertaining area. Gravity chairs, cantilever umbrella plus a propane fire bowl for evening fires. All on the same original 16x28 foot print!
We budgeted $9000 and his quote was well under that. We hired him.
Paul ordered all the lumber and necessary materials. It was delivered a few days before the big build. Paul and his employee, Steve, arrived at 7:30am Saturday morning. His large van had every tool you could think of for building and renovations.
They worked all day and had lunch and dinner at our house. They didn’t take off for hours at a time. They had a job to do and were totally professional the entire time. Extreme polite to my wife and 2 kids plus Paul answered every question, no matter how silly it may seem. Paul made us feel so comfortable and we relaxed after a few chats.
They called it a day at 7pm and left for home. The entire area was left clean and tidy. No nails, screws or scrap wood all over the yard. This was important because we own 2 small dogs that love the backyard. No issues at all.
Paul and Steve returned the following day at 8am. They worked like a well oiled machine. Again, Paul explained what they were doing. We made sure to let them work and only check on them every few hours. By mid-afternoon, Paul knocked on our door. The deck was fully completed!
We walked outside and were blown away. A 2 tier deck just as Paul had drawn up. It was beyond our expectations and It truly was a masterful job. Paul and Steve cleaned up all the scraps and made the backyard look as if they weren’t even there the past 2 days.
My wife and I highly recommend PTR Carpentry Inc. as the one and only choice you will ever need for new build or renovation work. Paul is a professional. A man true to his word. A man proud of the work he does. That’s evident because his employee, Steve, has the same work ethic and professionalism Paul has.
Thank you Paul. You made our backyard something we can brag about. You’re the best of...for a reason. There is no comparison.
