Many homeowners view a deck as a simple wooden platform or a basic weekend project. At Solid Ground, we see it as a high-performance sanctuary. Our journey began in 2009 as “Barefoot Decks,” but as we evolved, we realized our clients needed more than just a deck; they needed a complete outdoor destination that wouldn’t rot away in a few short years.
In a recent feature on The Trades Podcast, Solid Ground’s CEO, Tommy Holstein, shared how we are revolutionizing outdoor living in St. Louis by moving away from traditional lumber and toward a future built on steel.
The Hidden Rot in Traditional Decking
For decades, pressure-treated lumber was the standard. However, the industry has fundamentally changed. Modern, fast-growth lumber doesn’t have the natural resistance to decay that old-growth wood had 30 years ago.
In our Midwest climate, a traditional wood frame often begins to fail, rotting through stair stringers or warping in as little as six to eight years.
This creates a massive “durability gap”. Homeowners invest in premium composite boards with 50-year warranties, only to have the underlying structure fail within a decade. To solve this, we moved exclusively to New Castle Steel framing. Unlike wood, steel is:
- Warrantied for 50 years, matching the lifespan of your premium decking boards.
- Dimensionally stable, so your deck won’t warp, twist, or pull apart as the seasons change.
- Architecturally superior, allowing us to design longer spans and more creative shapes without the limitations of lumber.
We were among the first providers of steel framing in the area, and today we refuse to build with wood because we believe you deserve a structure that actually lasts.
Designing for the “Future” Family
One of the most important lessons we’ve learned over our 16+ years in business is the importance of the “family dynamic” during the design phase. Most people design a space for the family they have today; we challenge you to look 15 years down the road.
“You might have a five and a seven-year-old today, but in a blink, they’ll be 15 and 17. Do you want them hanging out in your backyard with their friends? Then you need a space that grows with them.” — Tommy Holstein
By considering future needs now, we help you avoid building a space you will quickly outgrow. This foresight allows us to integrate “destination” features like custom outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and Regal Ideas glass railings that turn a simple platform into a true sanctuary.
Innovation You Can Feel: Louvered Roofs
A deck is only valuable if you can actually spend time on it. Traditional roof extensions provide shade but often turn the adjacent interior rooms into a “dark cave” by blocking all natural light. We solve this with Apollo Louvered Roofs, which give you total control:
- Natural Reflection: Angle the slats to reflect soft light back into your home’s windows while still enjoying shade on the deck.
- Weather Protection: Close the roof completely for a dry, protected space during unexpected showers.
- Airflow: Open them up on cool evenings to enjoy the breeze and the St. Louis stars.
While these systems offer superior water management, we are always transparent: we use Haven under-deck systems to manage water flow, and we do not claim they are “waterproof” to ensure absolute accuracy and honesty.
A Family Business Built on Heart
Solid Ground is more than just a contractor; we are a family-run business. Tommy handles sales and design while Tara manages operations and finance, and our children are involved across every level of the company, from project management to marketing.
With over 500 decks built and a Deckorators Elite Platinum certification, we treat every client like family. We ensure you always have the right to change your mind during the process.
Hear the Full Story and Start Your Journey
We are proud to be a Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned, and Award-Winning St. Louis business, recognized as the 2023 Deck Specialist of the Year.
Discover the heartbeat behind our craft! We invite you to dive into the full story of our unwavering commitment to quality, our passion for mentorship, and the driving “why” behind every dream backyard we build. Get inspired by Tommy’s full interview on The Trades Podcast!
Ready to see what is possible for your home?
Explore our Gallery of Custom Projects, learn more about our Financing Options to help make your project a reality, and request your Free Estimate today!
