Deck Builder in Boston: Managing Logistics for a Three-Story Rebuild
- Wow Construction LLC
- Jan 3
- 2 min read
Building in the suburbs is one thing; building in the heart of Boston is a different ballgame. Between tight property lines, parking restrictions, and strict building codes, city construction requires careful planning.
We recently completed this three-story deck rebuild for a multi-family home in Boston. The old deck was structurally compromised, but the project came with a unique twist: we had to demolish the deck without removing the roof above it.
The Challenge: Saving the Roof The client wanted to keep the existing roof structure over the top deck. This required precise structural shoring. Before demolition, we installed temporary wood posts to support the weight of the roof.
Once the roof was secure, we demolished the old three-story structure and removed the debris. This was no easy task—the property setback is extremely narrow, meaning every piece of wood and trash had to be carried out by hand. There was no room for a dumpster right next to the work zone.
Commercial Code Compliance Since this is a three-family home, it falls under commercial building codes in Massachusetts.
Railings: We can’t just use standard residential rails. We are installing 42-inch height railings to meet commercial safety standards.
Footings: To support three stories of load, we dug new 4-foot deep "Big Foot" concrete footings, ensuring the structure stays stable below the frost line.
Logistics: The "Boston Factor" Any contractor in Boston knows the struggle of logistics. Finding parking spots for our crew and coordinating material deliveries on a narrow street requires military-level organization. We planned our deliveries carefully to avoid blocking traffic and kept the site clean despite the tight quarters.
The Result The new structure is built with durable pressure-treated lumber, designed to withstand New England weather. It provides safe, code-compliant outdoor space for tenants on all three levels.
Need a Deck Replacement in Boston? If you own a multi-family home and need a contractor who understands commercial codes and city logistics, contact Wow Construction LLC.
Comments