Building Character LLC

Building Character LLC Deck Builders Cincinnati, aka Building Character. We must listen to each customer’s vision of what they want, and then we create what you want.

We design and install custom decks, retaining walls, waterfalls & fire pits, stamped concrete, koi ponds, outdoor kitchens, and many other outdoor living features for residential customers in the Ciny area With 28 years of experience in servicing the Cincy community and helping our customers create unforgettable outdoor living memories with friends and family. Jared & Jennifer (owners) bring you t

he industry’s most updated outdoor living designs, materials, and customer service. With 28 years of experience in servicing the community and helping our customers create exceptional outdoor living memories with friends and family. Whether it is entertaining clients, friends, or family, we deliver gorgeous outdoor living spaces which bring tranquility and spark conversation. Just check our online reviews (over 400 verified reviews), and you will also see that our craftsmanship and customer service are unmatched. Fact is, you don’t have to rob the bank to get what you want, as we give you various options right at your fingertips to explore how we can enhance your outdoor living space. We always want the expression of your guests to be
“Wow”! Who built your living space?”

You see, word of mouth is the best advertising. From one homeowner to another, we know the most significant investment homeowners will make is their home, and we are here to protect that investment for you. Do not be caught up in the circus here in the tri-state! Make sure you do homework on the contractor you hire for your home improvement needs. Do not get us wrong; there are other good deck builders in tri-state other than ourselves. We have visited homeowners that just paid the ultimate price and looking for resolutions to fix the unsatisfactory work. Or the contractor ran off with their money, incomplete work, or is simply incompetent to make it right. Sad but true: Anyone can throw a toolbox in the back of their truck and call themselves a deck builder. Ask all the right questions when obtaining a bid so you don’t get charged more than you should! The only extras you should get from any contractor would be unforeseen underlying problems and not a surprise charge. This should be an upfront agreement that you and the contractor are both aware of before the project starts. We take pride in a complete bid for your project and making your experience with us a “Stress-Free Experience.”

We do recommend going with a composite deck simply for peace of mind that it is maintenance-free (if your budget allows it). After years of working with wood and composite, we have run the numbers on the upfront cost of composite versus wood. Wood is much cheaper upfront, but you will save money with a composite deck in the long term because you won’t have the costs it takes to maintain a wood deck for the next 20 years. Today’s wood decking isn’t like it was 15 years ago, and today’s composite is not like 20 years ago. Today’s composite has come such a long way in technology that they are now offering fantastic 25-year up to lifetime warranties! We believe in using the highest quality materials such as Fiberon, Azek, Timbertech, Decorators, and Trex, among other top brands. All structure unless noted otherwise (Metal) #1 ground contact pressure treated lumber. Building Character in Cincinnati is a local, family-owned business striving to build a one-on-one relationship with you, our customer. Yes, we are here to make a living to provide for our families, and as we walk away after a hard day’s work, we see what we have accomplished. The relationships that we made humble us in gratitude. Meanwhile, engineering, estimate takeoffs, scheduling, and installs will be going on behind the scenes with our blessed team. We will build your outdoor living to last and make memories! Call us at (513) 592-1103

https://BuildingCharacterCincy.com

A slight shift in the soil line reveals where a retaining wall has started to lean, often signaled by a hairline crack i...
06/15/2026

A slight shift in the soil line reveals where a retaining wall has started to lean, often signaled by a hairline crack in the concrete or a gap opening between the wall and the turf. On the steep slopes found in and around Cincinnati, the weight of a deck combined with saturated earth creates immense lateral pressure.

Structural stability depends on how the wall handles that load.

Observations from the field:
➡️ Concrete spalling near the base
➡️ Water pooling behind the footer
➡️ Slight vibration in deck railings during wind
➡️ Soil erosion under the perimeter joists

If the wall fails, the deck follows. We focus on deep footings and proper drainage to keep the structure locked into the hillside.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The team was professional and the retaining wall is rock solid.

📍 Location: Cleves, OH

Request a quote to secure your slope.

Water pooling at the edge of a paver patio usually means the subbase is washing out. On the hillsides found in and aroun...
06/12/2026

Water pooling at the edge of a paver patio usually means the subbase is washing out. On the hillsides found in and around Cincinnati, this often manifests as a slight dip or a tilting paver where the soil has shifted.

Observation:
➡️ Rusted runoff channels in the turf
➡️ Sinking paver edges
➡️ Wet soil pockets during dry spells
➡️ Visible gaps between pavers and turf

When the ground slopes, water doesn't just sit; it gains velocity. If there is no designated exit for that volume, it will scour the fines right out from under the pavers. We often see the base material migrating downhill, leaving voids that eventually lead to structural failure.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The team was professional and the quality of work is top notch.

Proper grading and the installation of French drains or channel drains stop this movement before the pavers shift.

Learn more about drainage solutions.

That sudden, sharp heat radiating off a stone patio can make outdoor spaces unusable in the middle of the afternoon. It ...
06/11/2026

That sudden, sharp heat radiating off a stone patio can make outdoor spaces unusable in the middle of the afternoon. It is a common observation when inspecting outdoor layouts in and around Cincinnati. A standard umbrella often fails to provide the necessary footprint of shade, leaving large sections of the area exposed to direct sunlight.

Custom pergola designs change how a space handles thermal energy.

🛠️ Design observations:
• Integrated louvers that redirect sunlight angles
• Structural attachment to existing house lines for better wind resistance
• Material choices like heavy timber or composite that resist warping under UV exposure
• Integration of climbing greenery to create natural cooling

A well-placed structure creates a distinct drop in perceived temperature.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The pergola they built for our backyard has completely changed how we use our patio during the day. Great craftsmanship!"

Request a quote to discuss custom shade solutions for your property.

A slight wobble in a deck stair or a single riser that feels just a fraction too tall can disrupt a person's natural gai...
06/10/2026

A slight wobble in a deck stair or a single riser that feels just a fraction too tall can disrupt a person's natural gait. This isn't just a minor annoyance; it is a significant trip hazard.

In and around Cincinnati, building codes are specific about stair geometry for a reason. When steps aren't uniform, the brain cannot predict the footfall, leading to stumbles on the descent.

Field observations often show these issues in older or DIY-led projects:
✅ Riser heights that vary by more than 3/8 of an inch
✅ Tread depths that feel shallow or inconsistent
✅ Structural vibrations when stepping on the stair stringer
✅ Slight leaning in the handrail assembly

Maintaining consistent riser height ensures every step feels identical, which is the foundation of safe deck construction. Ensuring local code compliance protects the integrity of the entire outdoor living space.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The team was thorough with our deck build and ensured every detail was safe and sturdy."

Request a quote to discuss your project.

A slight deflection in a floor joist or a subtle vibration when walking near the ledger board often signals a larger str...
06/09/2026

A slight deflection in a floor joist or a subtle vibration when walking near the ledger board often signals a larger structural calculation error. When adding a porch to an existing structure in and around Cincinnati, the existing foundation often wasn't designed for the redirected weight.

Evaluating load-bearing capacity requires looking beyond the surface.

🔍 Field Observations:
• Existing footings showing hairline fractures under new weight distribution
• Ledger board attachment points showing signs of moisture-driven compression
• Subfloor deflection occurring during peak live load scenarios

If the original rim joist or support posts lack the necessary vertical capacity, the entire assembly is at risk. We focus on verifying the structural integrity of the existing framework before any new materials are introduced.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The team was incredibly thorough during the assessment. They caught a structural issue our previous contractor missed entirely."

Request a quote to ensure your porch addition is built on a stable foundation.

A damp, dark gap between the deck and the house siding often reveals more than just trapped debris. During recent inspec...
06/09/2026

A damp, dark gap between the deck and the house siding often reveals more than just trapped debris. During recent inspections in and around Cincinnati, the absence of correct flashing at the ledger board connection remains a primary driver for structural decay.

When water seeps behind the ledger, it hits the rim joist directly. This hidden moisture creates a perfect environment for fungal growth and wood rot that isn't visible until the connection becomes unstable.

Observations from the field:
✅ Soft, spongy wood texture around the fastener heads
✅ Discoloration of the house siding near the deck attachment
✅ Musty odors emanating from the gap between the structure and the home
✅ Fasteners that appear to be shifting or pulling due to weakened substrate

Ensuring a watertight seal at this specific junction is non-negotiable for long-term safety.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The crew was incredibly thorough with our deck rebuild. They didn't cut corners on the structural details."

Contact Building Character LLC to discuss your next project.

A door that opens to a narrow strip of concrete creates a bottleneck. In and around Cincinnati, we see this often where ...
06/08/2026

A door that opens to a narrow strip of concrete creates a bottleneck. In and around Cincinnati, we see this often where the outdoor space feels like an afterthought rather than an extension of the home.

The transition is where the layout succeeds or fails.

Observations from the field:
✅ Door swing clearing distance for high traffic
✅ Threshold height transitions to prevent tripping
✅ Alignment of indoor island with outdoor grilling zones
✅ Surface textures that signal the shift from interior to exterior

If the path from the stove to the grill requires a three-point turn, the design is fighting the user. We focus on the physical flow. A wide, unobstructed transition allows the interior kitchen to breathe.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Building Character did an amazing job on our deck and patio. Professional and high quality work."

Get a custom layout designed for your home.

Learn More.

A slight wobble in a deck railing is rarely solved by grabbing a screwdriver and torquing down the hardware. When we ins...
06/05/2026

A slight wobble in a deck railing is rarely solved by grabbing a screwdriver and torquing down the hardware. When we inspect decks in and around Cincinnati, we often find that the connection between the post and the rim joist has actually pulled away from the frame due to timber shrinkage or improper blocking underneath.

If you notice these specific behaviors, the underlying support is likely compromised:

• The post shifts laterally when weight is applied.
• A distinct clicking sound resonates from the base mount.
• You can see a hairline gap forming between the post and the decking surface.
• Moisture has begun to darken the perimeter wood, suggesting the seal has failed.

Simply tightening the fasteners into stripped wood or decayed joists creates a false sense of security. Our approach involves stripping back to the structure to reinforce the backing or adding a tension tie to ensure the railing can withstand actual pressure. If your deck in Cincinnati and surrounding areas is showing signs of movement, let us take a look at the framing integrity before the issue becomes a safety hazard.

Composite boards don't behave like pressure treated lumber. They expand and contract based on temperature swings. In and...
06/04/2026

Composite boards don't behave like pressure treated lumber. They expand and contract based on temperature swings. In and around Cincinnati, we see boards buckle or gap unevenly when the thermal expansion isn't accounted for during the fastening process.

Observation points:
✅ Boards bowing upward at the center
✅ Gaps widening or closing between planks
✅ Audible popping sounds during peak heat
✅ Visible friction rubbing at the joist edges

If the gaps are too tight, the material has nowhere to go as it heats up. This creates internal pressure that forces the board to crown. We leave specific clearances based on the board temperature at the time of install.

📍 Location: Cincinnati and surrounding areas

Proper spacing ensures the deck remains flat regardless of current conditions. It is a matter of following the manufacturer's expansion charts precisely.

Request a quote to discuss your project.

The persistent vibrations from thermal expansion and contraction often loosen deck railing hardware, especially in our l...
06/03/2026

The persistent vibrations from thermal expansion and contraction often loosen deck railing hardware, especially in our local climate. Yesterday, during a walkthrough in Hamilton County, I noticed a customer’s top rail had shifted nearly a quarter-inch, creating a gap where the anchor bolt meets the post.

These symptoms reveal how building assemblies respond to fluctuating environmental stress:
• Fastener heads showing slight circular wear in the wood grain
• Horizontal movement when applying firm lateral pressure at the mid-span
• Audible clicking or creaking sounds near the base plates
• Noticeable hardware oxidation around the ledger connection points

When inspecting your system, verify that every bolt remains seated flush against the post. If you detect any play or wobble, the structural integrity is compromised. Our teams frequently address these gaps across Cincinnati and nearby towns by reinforcing connections that have shifted under repetitive expansion cycles. Proper tension is the primary barrier between a stable deck and a hazardous failure.

Request a professional site assessment to evaluate your deck’s current stability.

Address

8089 Furlong Drive
Cleves, OH
45002

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15135921103

Website

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