California Fire Season - Building Fire Resistant Decks

With the yearly threat of devastating fires in California, it only makes sense to build smart and safe. Many of the major composite decking manufacturers have developed product lines that are fire resistant and meet new and stringent California fire codes.

Not only do these deck boards give our homeowner's a low-maintenance, long-lasting deck, but they are flame spread tested and fire-rated for at least one hour. This means that with the fast moving fires we experience, there is less of a chance that the deck will catch on fire.

As for the under structure of the deck, fire code requires large timber construction. This means in place of a typical 2x6 joist, we have to use a 4x8. We also oversize the posts and girder to a 6x material.

Here is a link to the State's Fire Marshall website listing approved products in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) for California.

Is your deck old, rotten, termite infested and unsafe?

Our newest deck advertisement!



We are starting a new deck replacement at the beach. The salty, moist air is especially rough on any exterior wood materials.
A great way to improve safety and enhance the value of your home is to repair your deck. Old deck boards, usually redwood, will only last so long without proper care. By removing these boards and installing Trex composite boards you will have an ultra low-maintenance deck that looks great. Trex composite lumber offer a 25 year warranty when properly installed. York Design Group provides a low cost, no hassle service of decking replacements.

Harris Job

This year we have been very fortunate and had the opportunity to work on a great project. We were hired by the Harris family to design landscape their new house. The mission was simple, design with a Tuscany theme - and make it unique. A pool, fireplace, BBQ island, pergola, fire pit, water features, were among a few of the required amenities. Here is a sketch from the first design presentation for a Tuscan pool concept. The arches have been since named the 'aqueduct'.



Here is the sketch for the front entry way;




Another critical design element is the plantings. Our goal was to stay as close to possible to a 'Mediterranean' plant palate. There's also a practical side to this - water (or lack of it). We used several types of water-saving grasses and lawns, including zoysia (in place of tall fescue), carex pansa (CA native meadow sedge) and stipa, juncus, miscanthus and penstemon (accent grasses). The vast majority of the plants fall within this requirement.
Here are few additional photos for the yard;



It's fair to say that this job turned out amazing.

Recent Custom Fountains

Water features are a great way to add interest, ambiance and value to an outdoor space. All of these were custom designed and hand built on site.

Outdoor BBQ Islands

Here are some great photos for some recent BBQ islands completed.

Building Decks - Landscape Contractors Scope of Work

In California, all contractors are governed by the state. There are strict laws that limit the scope of each specialty contractor.
In the past, we have been asked in the past if a landscape contractor (C-27) can build decks. Our answer has always been yes, as long as we don't modify the structure of the house or building. Here is a link to the State's website confirming that yes, a C-27 can contract this type of work.
As San Diego top deck builder, we would love to add your next deck to our portfolio. Give us a call!!!

Trex railing

York Design Group was recently commissioned to build Trex railing samples at several of the J&W Lumber locations in San Diego county. J&W is one of our main vendors, and they specialize in outdoor construction materials: http://www.jwredwood.com/