Christopher Branscrum is the owner of Ace and Hammer Construction, a deck-building company based in Kennesaw, Georgia. With more than 20 years in the trades and over 2,000 decks completed, his work is grounded in hands-on experience and a clear focus on structural performance.
He is known for approaching deck construction from the frame up, placing priority on what supports the structure long after the surface materials are installed.
Christopher entered the trades immediately after high school while attending trade school, taking on part-time work in landscaping and hardscape. Working alongside a family friend, he helped build retaining walls, patios, pergolas, and complete outdoor spaces from the ground up.
One early project, a fully built outdoor living area completed entirely by hand, shaped how he viewed construction. It was the first time he saw raw materials turned into a finished space that people could use and enjoy. That experience established a lasting connection to building, not as a job, but as a craft.
That foundation in full-scope outdoor construction continues to influence how he approaches deck building today.
Deck building became a natural specialization because it combines two core aspects of the trade, structural framing and finished outdoor living.
Christopher places particular emphasis on framing, viewing it as the most critical part of any deck. While surface materials and finishes are visible, the long-term performance of a deck depends on the structural decisions made beneath it.
He also sees decks as an extension of the home itself, connecting indoor living with outdoor space. For many homeowners, it becomes a central place for daily life, gatherings, and long-term use, which makes durability and structural integrity essential.
Christopher describes his approach using three principles: craftsmanship, quality, and integrity.
His work focuses on building decks that perform over time, not just immediately after completion. Every deck constructed by Ace and Hammer is framed beyond standard requirements, with structural decisions made to support long-term use rather than minimum compliance.
The company also uses steel support posts on every build in place of traditional wood posts, a choice made to improve durability and reduce long-term structural risk.
In addition to construction standards, Christopher takes a consultative approach with homeowners. Rather than treating projects as transactions, the process is centered on understanding how the space will be used and aligning the build with those needs.
Over time, Christopher has developed a preference for materials that consistently perform in real-world conditions. His work frequently incorporates composite decking systems and metal railing products selected for durability, consistency, and long-term maintenance considerations.
This experience comes from repeated use across hundreds of builds, not theoretical comparison, allowing material choices to be guided by performance rather than trend.
Deck construction often involves site-specific challenges, particularly on complex or constrained properties.
One example includes a multi-level staircase system with changing angles across multiple landings, requiring precise coordination between structural framing and railing systems. Projects like these highlight the importance of planning, adaptability, and attention to detail throughout the build process.
Christopher views these challenges as a core part of the work, requiring both technical skill and practical problem-solving.
Ace and Hammer Construction operates in Kennesaw and the surrounding areas, focusing exclusively on residential deck design and construction.
Projects are typically completed within a short build window once construction begins, with an emphasis on maintaining consistency across each phase of the process. The company provides a five-year craftsmanship warranty on labor and maintains memberships with professional industry organizations, including NADRA and NARI.
Christopher remains actively involved in day-to-day operations and continues to work directly alongside his team on active projects.
Christopher’s long-term focus is on building structures that continue to perform years after completion.
He measures success not just at the time of installation, but by how well each deck holds up over time and continues to serve its homeowners. His goal is to produce work that remains structurally sound and functional well into the future.
He also continues to refine his process and skill set, recognizing that the way he builds today reflects years of accumulated experience and ongoing improvement in the trade.