Big Bear Decks, Outdoor Living at Its Finest

[UPDATE: This story ran in Big Bear Magazine in the Spring of 96’, certain information has been changed, including names, phone numbers and building regulations pertaining to the Big Bear Lake area. Jim Miller, Director of Building and Safety, (909) 866-5831, informed us that there is now a standard deck plan (280 sq. ft.), available through the BBL Building & Safety office.]

With an average of 300 days of sunshine annually in the Big Bear Valley, decks are considered by many as an extra room, just for entertainment and relaxation.
RIFFENBURGH LUMBER, (909) 866-4675, told us deck season starts mid-to-late April, and “really cranks” in the summer months of Big Bear. Redwood has been by far the most common choice for deck surfaces.
There are also several products on the market, designed for specific deck applications. Tufflex is a urethane propeller textured finish that can be applied over plywood. The product is applied in a 4-step process, and must be installed by an authorized installer. Big Bears’ installer, PRO-FORMANCE CO., (909) 866-3042, says the product is often used in commercial settings, but also is very successfully used in residential settings, as a water-tight coating when the area under the deck needs to be kept water-tight. Depending on the weather conditions, application is usually a fairly simple process, taking only 3 to 4 days for the average deck.
“Trex” is a wood-polymer lumber, available at lumber retailer, BUTCHER’S BLOCK AND BUILDING MATERIAL, (909) 866-5761. Bob Butcher told us the product had been on the market about 6 years, and he saw some definite advantages for a high maintenance area like Big Bear. It doesn’t split like wood, won’t rot or be damaged from moisture and the high UV rays will not effect the surface. One of the biggest advantages for an area like Big Bear – no more staining and no more sanding. No more maintenance! The trade off is the upfront additional cost, and the additional cost of installation. While the boards can be easily cut with a saw, surface boards must be drilled and then screwed to framing lumber. Bob said the product could not span as far as redwood, which means additional framing as well.
He saw the product used very successfully for boat docks in the Big Bear area, and could also see the popularity of the product beginning to grow.
Big Bear weather conditions necessitate a few different considerations than you might need in a more tepid climate. First, deck boards should always be screwed to the framing, using a galvanized deck screw. A quality, galvanized deck screw won’t bleed or easily break. Winter months often require shoveling snow of the deck, and nails are easily pulled up during this process. Also, in designing your handrail, make sure a space below will allow an area to push snow through, during those snow-shoveling months.
Since the 1992 earthquake, codes in Big Bear are strictly enforced for decks, according to John F. Acosta, III, AIA, and licensed architect. (909) 585-6311. He’s seeing more decks coming in for engineering – especially tall and large decks. There are many variables that will effect plans for your deck – the height, size, and shape for certain. Plus, the existing structure the deck will attach itself to must also be evaluated for the additional load.
Building a deck has become quite a bit more complicated than in the past years, and John has seen an increase in demand for his services in deck designing and engineering. Presently, about 50% of his deck business comes right through the homeowner, and 50% through contractors. But whether you are a handy do-it-yourselfer, or hire a contractor to build your deck, all plans now require a California architect/engineer stamp and signature.
If you’ve been considering adding a deck, there are several requirements through Building and Safety you need to know. First, any deck 30” or more above grade will require permits. Guardrails will also be required for decks over 30’.
To submit plans through Building & Safety, City of Big Bear Lake, (909) 866-5831 – They are happy to assist and answer any question. You’ll need:
A. A copy of deed for verification of ownership and easements.
B. One set of plans drawn to scale, comprised of a plot plan (showing existing structures and deck addition), for the County Assessor.
C. Three complete sets of plans drawn to scale, which include your project description, legal description, names, addresses and telephone numbers of the record owner, applicant and the person preparing the map; North orientation; location, width, names of streets and recorded easements on property; square footage of lot, footprint, and total percent of lot coverage; location, size and use of all existing and proposed buildings (call out sq ft. separately for your deck); including dimensions, sq. ft and distance from property lines; location size and species of all existing trees with 6” or greater diameter at breast height, clearly marking all trees proposed for removal “to be removed”; and topography including drainage, erosion control and grading.
D. A foundation plan with related details, showing wood size and method of attachment.
E. A property survey may be required.
F. The city will also require a “pre site inspection”.
If a licensed contractor will be building your deck, Big Bear Lake Building and Safety will need a copy of the signed contract, and verification of active status with the California State License Board, as well as a city business license. If the contractor has employees, he must provide Workers comp. insurance.
Big Bear has a large community of licensed general contractors, experienced and qualified in building decks. Take the time to select a contractor with whom you can communicate. Look at some of the work that has been done by the contractor you choose. Make sure your agreement and contract is fully specified, and in writing. Check references. And always, check the status of the contractor you hire by calling the Contractors Board’s Automated system at (800) 321-2752. In California, the Contractors State license board must license any contractor performing a job in which the total cost of the project including labor & materials is over $500.
Prior to any construction, “ Dig Alert”, an underground service alert should be called at 811. Underground utilities are buried everywhere, often where you least expect them. This no charge service alerts all utilities BEFORE you do any digging. Normally, they can respond within 48 hours. Failure to obtain proper identification of underground utilities is a violation of California law and could result in substantial fines and repair bills.
Big Bear decks need to be sealed properly to protect the top surface from our harsh weather conditions and high UV rays. Paint is never recommended for the surface of your Big Bear deck.
(Note: Since this was originally written, Bob Butcher, well known and respected owner of Butcher’s Block passed away, and the company is being run by son Glen Butcher.)