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Questions & Answers
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Q:
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What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a company like yours?
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A:
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1?? Check Real Work — Not Just Pictures
Ask to see:
• Before & after photos
• Close-up framing (under the deck)
• Past projects in your area
A good deck builder should proudly show structure, not just the finished boards. The framing is what determines whether the deck lasts 5 years or 25.
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2?? Make Sure They’re Licensed & Insured
Always ask for:
• General liability insurance
• Proper permits (if required in your city)
In areas like Gladewater, Tyler, and surrounding East Texas towns, permit requirements can vary. A professional should know the process.
If a contractor avoids this question — that’s a red flag.
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3?? Ask About Materials
There’s a big difference between:
• Pressure-treated lumber
• Cedar
• Composite decking
Ask:
• What brand?
• What warranty?
• How long will it realistically last in Texas heat?
Cheap materials usually mean future repairs.
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4?? Get a Detailed Written Estimate
A real professional should provide:
? Clear scope of work
? Material breakdown
? Timeline
? Payment schedule
Avoid vague quotes like “$8,000 for a deck.” You want transparency.
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5?? Don’t Automatically Pick the Cheapest Bid
If one quote is way lower than the rest, ask why.
Common reasons cheap bids happen:
• Cutting corners on framing
• No permits
• No insurance
• Subpar lumber
• No warranty
The cheapest job often becomes the most expensive fix later.
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6?? Pay Attention to Communication
If they:
• Take days to respond
• Miss appointments
• Don’t explain things clearly
That behavior usually continues during the project.
Professional communication = professional results.
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7?? Look for a Company That Educates You
A good deck company should explain:
• Post spacing
• Beam sizing
• Drainage
• Proper footings
• Code requirements
If they can’t explain why they build it a certain way, they may not truly know.
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8?? Ask About Warranty & Follow-Up
A solid builder stands behind their work.
Ask:
• Do you offer workmanship warrant
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Q:
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What is the most common type of project or service your company provides?
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A:
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??? Custom Residential Deck Builds
That usually means:
? Pressure-treated wood decks
? Ground-level or raised backyard decks
? 10x12, 12x16, 14x20 standard-size builds
? Attached decks off the back of the house
In areas like Gladewater, Tyler, Gilmer, and Big Sandy, most homeowners are looking for:
• A space to grill
• A place to entertain
• Something that adds property value
• A solid, affordable upgrade
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?? Second Most Common: Deck Repairs & Upgrades
This includes:
• Replacing rotted boards
• Updating railings
• Adding stairs
• Resurfacing with composite
• Expanding an existing deck
A lot of East Texas homes have older wood decks that need refreshing due to weather and moisture.
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??? Growing Demand: Covered Patios & Pergolas
More homeowners are asking for:
• Attached patio covers
• Pergolas over decks
• Outdoor living extensions
Texas heat makes shade a big selling point.
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If I had to narrow it down:
?? Standard pressure-treated wood deck builds (12x16 range) are usually the bread-and-butter project.
They’re affordable, high demand, and ideal for first-time deck customers
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Q:
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In what ways is your company environmentally friendly?
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A:
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1?? Responsibly Sourced Materials
We use pressure-treated lumber and composite materials that meet modern environmental standards. Many composite decking products are made from recycled wood fibers and plastics — reducing landfill waste.
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2?? Long-Lasting Builds = Less Waste
A properly framed, structurally sound deck lasts longer.
Longer lifespan means:
• Fewer repairs
• Less material replacement
• Less landfill waste
We focus on building it right the first time.
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3?? Efficient Material Usage
We measure accurately and plan layouts carefully to:
• Reduce scrap lumber
• Minimize over-ordering
• Cut down jobsite waste
Less waste = smarter building.
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4?? Clean Job Sites
We keep job sites clean and properly dispose of debris.
Old wood and materials are removed responsibly rather than dumped illegally.
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5?? Outdoor Living = Less Indoor Energy Use
Adding shaded decks, pergolas, and patio covers can:
• Reduce direct sunlight on the home
• Lower cooling costs in Texas heat
• Create outdoor spaces that reduce reliance on indoor energy use
That’s a win for both the homeowner and the environment.
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6?? Repair Over Replace (When Possible)
If a deck frame is solid, we’ll recommend resurfacing instead of full replacement — saving materials and money.
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?? Simple Version for Marketing
“Clean Cut Decks builds long-lasting outdoor spaces using responsibly sourced materials, efficient construction practices, and waste-reducing methods — because building strong should also mean building smart.”
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Q:
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What would you like your customers to know about your company?
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A:
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At Clean Cut Decks, we’re not just building decks — we’re building outdoor spaces that families will use for years.
We believe in:
?? Building It Right the First Time
The structure matters more than anything. Proper footings, strong framing, correct spacing, and clean finishing are non-negotiable for us. We don’t cut corners.
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?? Honest Communication
You’ll know:
• What you’re paying for
• What materials are being used
• How long the project will take
• What to expect during the build
No surprises. No vague pricing.
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?? Local & Invested in East Texas
We serve homeowners in Gladewater, Tyler, Gilmer, Big Sandy, and surrounding areas.
This isn’t just business — this is our community.
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?? Quality Over Quantity
We don’t rush jobs just to move to the next one. We focus on craftsmanship, durability, and clean finishes that raise property value and make you proud of your backyard.
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?? We Stand Behind Our Work
If something isn’t right, we make it right. Period.
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Short Powerful Version (Great for Social Media)
“Clean Cut Decks is built on craftsmanship, integrity, and pride. We treat every project like it’s our own home — because in East Texas, reputation matters.”
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Q:
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What is your company best known for?
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A:
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Clean, strong, long-lasting deck builds with attention to detail.
We’re best known for:
?? Solid Framing & Structural Integrity
Most people only see the top boards — we focus heavily on what’s underneath. Proper footings, beam support, joist spacing, and leveling are what make a deck last in East Texas weather.
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? Clean Finishes
Straight lines. Tight cuts. Smooth edges.
No sloppy trim work. No rushed corners.
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?? Custom Backyard Transformations
From standard 12x16 decks to larger outdoor living spaces, we design builds that fit the home and increase property value.
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?? Honest, Straightforward Service
Clear pricing. Clear timelines. No surprises.
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?? Building for East Texas Conditions
Serving homeowners in Gladewater, Tyler, Gilmer, and Big Sandy, we build decks designed to handle heat, moisture, and seasonal movement.
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Q:
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What separates your company from the competition?
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A:
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?? We Build Structure First — Not Just Surface
A lot of contractors focus on how the deck looks.
We focus on how it’s built underneath.
Proper footings.
Correct beam sizing.
Tight joist spacing.
Level framing.
That’s what makes a deck last 20+ years — especially in East Texas heat and moisture.
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?? Clean Craftsmanship
Our name says it all.
Straight lines.
Clean cuts.
Balanced design.
No rushed trim work.
We take pride in detail.
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?? Clear, Honest Estimates
No vague pricing.
No “surprise” add-ons.
No disappearing after deposits.
You get a clear scope of work and direct communication from start to finish.
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?? Built for East Texas Homes
We serve homeowners in Gladewater, Tyler, Gilmer, and Big Sandy — and we understand the soil, weather, and building needs of this area.
Not every builder accounts for that.
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?? Reputation Over Volume
We don’t rush jobs just to stack projects.
We focus on quality builds and long-term reputation.
In a smaller community, your name matters — and we protect ours.
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Q:
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Does your company offer a warranty or guarantee?
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A:
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Yes — We Stand Behind Our Work.
At Clean Cut Decks, we believe a company should never walk away from a project once it’s finished.
?? Workmanship Warranty
We offer a workmanship warranty on our builds to ensure the structure, framing, and installation are done properly and perform as expected.
If something isn’t right due to installation — we fix it.
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?? Manufacturer Material Warranties
Many decking products (especially composite) come with manufacturer-backed warranties that cover defects. We make sure customers understand:
• What’s covered
• How long coverage lasts
• What normal wear vs. defect means
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?? Clear Expectations
We explain upfront:
• What is covered
• What isn’t (normal weathering, natural wood movement, etc.)
• How to maintain your deck to protect longevity
Transparency builds trust.
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Q:
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What questions do customers most frequently ask you? What is your answer?
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A:
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1?? How much does a deck cost?
Answer:
Deck pricing depends on size, height, materials, and features like stairs or railings.
In East Texas, most standard pressure-treated wood decks fall in a realistic range based on size and design. Composite and covered structures cost more due to materials and labor.
We provide a clear, detailed estimate after measuring your space — no guesswork.
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2?? How long does it take to build?
Answer:
Most standard decks take about 3–7 days depending on size and weather.
Larger builds or covered patios may take longer.
We give you a timeline upfront and keep you updated throughout the process.
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3?? Do I need a permit?
Answer:
It depends on your city and deck size.
In areas like Gladewater and Tyler, permit requirements can vary. We help guide you through the process so everything is built to code.
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4?? What’s better — wood or composite?
Answer:
• Pressure-treated wood is more affordable and strong.
• Composite decking costs more upfront but requires less maintenance and lasts longer.
We help you choose based on budget, maintenance preference, and long-term goals.
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5?? How long will my deck last?
Answer:
With proper framing and maintenance:
• Wood decks can last 15–20+ years.
• Composite decks can last 25+ years.
The key is building it correctly from the ground up — which is our focus.
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6?? Do you require a deposit?
Answer:
Yes, we require a deposit to secure materials and scheduling. The remaining balance is structured clearly so you know exactly what to expect.
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7?? Are you licensed and insured?
Answer:
Yes. We carry proper coverage and build to local code standards for safety and protection.
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8?? Can you add on to my existing deck?
Answer:
Yes — as long as the current structure is sound. We inspect framing first to ensure it can safely support an expansion.
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9?? What makes you different?
Answer:
We focus heavily on structural integrity, clean finishes, and honest communication. We don’t cut corn
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Q:
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Does your company offer discounts to senior citizens or veterans?
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A:
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At Clean Cut Decks, we proudly support our community — including senior citizens and veterans.
When possible, we offer:
???? Veteran Discounts – As a thank-you for your service.
?? Senior Discounts – To help make outdoor improvements more affordable.
Discount availability may vary depending on project size and materials, but we’re always willing to have that conversation.
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Why We Do It
We believe in giving back to the people who’ve served and supported our community — especially here in East Texas. It’s not just business; it’s respect.
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Q:
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Describe a project or service that your company recently completed (include challenges, costs, and innovative solutions).
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A:
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We recently completed a 16x20 elevated pressure-treated wood deck for a homeowner just outside Gladewater.
?? The Goal
The homeowner wanted a larger outdoor space for entertaining, grilling, and family gatherings. Their original deck was small, aging, and had visible structural wear.
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?? The Challenges
1?? Unstable Soil Conditions
East Texas soil can shift, especially after heavy rain. We had to reinforce the footing depth and widen concrete bases to ensure long-term stability.
2?? Uneven Ground Elevation
The backyard had a noticeable slope. Instead of cutting corners, we adjusted post heights and beam placement to create a perfectly level surface.
3?? Budget Constraints
The homeowner wanted durability but needed to stay within a set budget.
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?? Innovative Solutions
? Installed deeper, reinforced concrete footings to prevent settling.
? Upgraded joist spacing for added structural strength and longevity.
? Designed a clean stair system with proper rise/run spacing for safety and comfort.
? Recommended pressure-treated lumber for affordability while maintaining durability.
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?? Project Investment
The total project cost was approximately $9,500–$11,000, depending on final material selections and added stair features.
This included:
• Demolition of the old structure
• All framing and decking materials
• New stairs and railing
• Labor and site cleanup
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?? The Result
The homeowner now has a strong, level, clean-finished deck built to handle East Texas weather for years to come.
More importantly — they gained an outdoor space that adds usable square footage and increases property value.
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Why This Project Matters
This job highlights what separates Clean Cut Decks:
• Structural integrity first
• Smart solutions for soil and slope challenges
• Clear pricing
• Clean craftsmanship
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Q:
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Is your company a member of any associations?
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A:
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At this time, Clean Cut Decks is not a member of a national trade association.
However, we stay committed to:
• Following local building codes
• Maintaining proper insurance coverage
• Using industry best practices
• Continuing hands-on experience and craftsmanship
For us, reputation, quality work, and customer satisfaction are what matter most.
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How We Charge For Our Services
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Deck or Porch - Build or Replace
- $25.00 to $35.00 per square foot (cedar)
- $15.00 to $25.00 per square foot (pressure treated pine)
- $30.00 to $45.00 per square foot (composite)
At Clean Cut Decks, we believe in clear, honest, and transparent pricing from start to finish. Every estimate is detailed and outlines the full scope of work, materials, and labor so there are no surprises along the way.
We structure payments in fair phases — typically a deposit to secure materials and scheduling, with remaining balances tied to project progress. We never add hidden fees or unexpected charges without discussing and approving changes first.
Our goal is simple: deliver quality craftsmanship at a fair price while maintaining trust, communication, and accountability throughout the entire project.
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