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

Cincinnati soil has a way of testing patio materials. The clay content shifts, expands, and puts real pressure on whatev...
06/24/2026

Cincinnati soil has a way of testing patio materials. The clay content shifts, expands, and puts real pressure on whatever you install. We've seen both poured concrete and stamped patterns hold up differently under these conditions.

Poured concrete offers solid structural integrity. A proper 4-inch slab with reinforcement handles the freeze-thaw cycle well. The surface stays uniform, which makes snow removal straightforward.

Stamped concrete adds visual texture but introduces thin spots. The stamping process compresses certain areas while leaving others vulnerable. Over time, those impression lines can become weak points in our local soil conditions.

What we observe in the field:

- Hairline cracks appear more frequently in stamped surfaces during ground shifts
- Poured slabs with control joints tend to crack predictably along planned lines
- Sealer wears faster in stamped grooves, requiring more frequent reapplication
- Both options need proper base preparation to handle Cincinnati's clay

The texture difference matters too. Stamped surfaces feel rougher underfoot after a few seasons.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ "They built us a beautiful stamped patio that has held up great through two winters. The crew was professional and cleaned up everything." - Local homeowner

Stop by our Cleves location or visit our website to discuss which option fits your property.

Heavy foot traffic during holiday weekends often reveals where a deck surface has started to soften or where a railing f...
06/23/2026

Heavy foot traffic during holiday weekends often reveals where a deck surface has started to soften or where a railing feels slightly unstable under pressure. We notice these structural shifts in and around Cincinnati when homeowners suddenly move from solo use to hosting large groups.

Checking for these specific indicators helps ensure safety before the crowd arrives:

➡️ Spongy textures on floorboards
➡️ Gaps wider than a quarter between planks
➡️ Visible rust streaks on fasteners
➡️ Wobbly posts during a firm shake

It is better to identify a loose board now than during a party. Most issues stem from moisture trapped in the joists or weathered fasteners that have lost their grip.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The team did an amazing job on our new deck. Professional and high quality!

📍 Location: Cleves, OH

Request a quote to ensure your space is ready.

Water pooling behind a wall creates a heavy, unseen force. In Cincinnati and the surrounding areas, hillside gardens oft...
06/22/2026

Water pooling behind a wall creates a heavy, unseen force. In Cincinnati and the surrounding areas, hillside gardens often trap moisture against the block, pushing the structure outward until it visibly leans.

Common indicators:
➡️ Wet soil patches at the base
➡️ Horizontal cracks in the masonry
➡️ Soil sinking behind the wall cap
➡️ Efflorescence or white salty streaks on the surface

This hydrostatic pressure happens when water cannot drain fast enough. The weight of saturated earth is far greater than dry soil, leading to structural shifting.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolute professionals from start to finish. Our new outdoor space is perfect."

📍 Location: Cincinnati and nearby towns

Proper drainage systems, like perforated pipe and gravel backfill, divert this pressure away from the wall. Without a clear exit for water, the lean is inevitable.

Learn more about structural stability.

Request a Quote.

A faint smell of mercaptan near a grill manifold usually means a fitting wasn't torqued correctly or a flare joint is le...
06/19/2026

A faint smell of mercaptan near a grill manifold usually means a fitting wasn't torqued correctly or a flare joint is leaking. In and around Cincinnati, we see too many DIY gas runs where the pipe depth is inconsistent, leaving lines vulnerable to soil shift or accidental puncture during landscaping.

Common failures:
➡️ Undersized piping causing pressure drops at the burner
➡️ Improper slope leading to moisture traps in the line
➡️ Lack of a dedicated shut-off valve within reach
➡️ Using non-rated connectors for outdoor exposure

The system just doesn't behave right when the BTU load exceeds the pipe capacity. You get uneven heating or a flame that flickers when the side burner kicks in. We handle the technical routing to ensure the flow is steady and the connections are airtight.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Professional work and great communication.

Get a professional installation.

A slight shudder when stepping near the house reveals a localized bounce that does not match the rest of the deck. This ...
06/18/2026

A slight shudder when stepping near the house reveals a localized bounce that does not match the rest of the deck. This usually points to a failure at the ledger connection or a joist that has pulled away from the house rim.

Observation points:
✅ Visible gaps between the joist hanger and the wood
✅ A distinct clicking sound during weight shifts
✅ Ledger bolts showing signs of oxidation or loosening
✅ Slight dipping of the beam line near the foundation

The structural integrity of the connection is what prevents the entire system from sagging over time. We have seen this pattern in and around Cincinnati when fasteners lose their grip or the wood softens.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great experience with the team, quality work!

If the framing feels unstable, it is a diagnostic clue that the support system is failing.

Request a quote for a structural assessment.

A fine mesh screen fluttering in a breeze is usually the only thing standing between a quiet evening and a swarm of inse...
06/17/2026

A fine mesh screen fluttering in a breeze is usually the only thing standing between a quiet evening and a swarm of insects. We often see open decks in and around Cincinnati where the structural framing is solid, but the usability is limited by the local pest pressure.

Screened enclosures change the system behavior of a backyard.

✅ Fine-gauge mesh blocking small flies
✅ Structural integration with existing deck joists
✅ Reduced organic debris buildup on floorboards
✅ Shielding from wind-driven rain

The difference is physical. You stop hearing the constant buzz of gnats and start noticing the actual silence of the yard. It is a practical shift from fighting the environment to managing it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The team did an amazing job on our enclosure. Everything is sturdy and looks great!

📍 Location: Cleves, OH

Request a quote to upgrade your space.

A hollow thud when walking across a composite deck usually indicates a void between the board and the joist. It is a dif...
06/16/2026

A hollow thud when walking across a composite deck usually indicates a void between the board and the joist. It is a different sound than the solid click of a fresh installation.

Material wear often shows up in the surface texture first.

Observations from the field:
✅ Chalky residue rubbing off on fingers
✅ Slight bowing in high-traffic zones
✅ Brittle edges on board ends
✅ Loss of original grain definition

These patterns appear under similar conditions across many homes in and around Cincinnati. When the composite loses its structural density, the vibration changes. It feels softer, almost spongy, underfoot.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The team did an amazing job on our deck. Quality work and professional!

We focus on structural integrity to stop these failures before they start.

Request a quote to evaluate your deck.

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.

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

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