Top deck builders near you

What should I build my deck out of?

Remember to choose a deck builder near you that offers a deck material with the look and durability you need. Here are some of the most common deck material types and more information about each so you can decide which option is best for you and your home.

• Pressure-treated wood: This is the most commonly used material for most decks. It is chemically treated wood that can withstand mold, insects, and rot. Not only is pressure-treated wood a durable choice, it’s also an affordable one. Pressure-treated wood is easy to obtain, and most local deck builders prefer it because it’s also quite easy to fasten. This material is prone to warping over time, so regular sealing is recommended to keep your deck in good condition.
• Composite: This decking material is made from a combination of recycled plastics and wood fibers. It’s quickly becoming another popular choice for homeowners since it resists warping and splintering. Composite decking requires very little maintenance and isn’t affected by insects. While composite decking is easy to maintain, it can be much more expensive than some other options. Mold and mildew may grow in some dark, damp areas of the deck.
• Aluminum: This lightweight metal won’t warp, rot, rust, or splinter. Aluminum decking is also mold- and insect-resistant. Aluminum is lighter than composite and wood, yet it’s several times stronger. While aluminum is one of the most expensive choices, you’ll save money in the long run since maintenance and upkeep are practically non-existent.
• Cedar and redwood: This beautiful wood will make your deck look attractive thanks to its warm, organic aesthetic. Both materials are becoming more difficult to find, which means they’re also much more expensive than standard pressure-treated wood. While cedar and redwood look stunning for a deck, they’re also vulnerable to rotting, insects, and warping over time.

When should I repair or replace my deck?

If you’re not sure whether your deck needs to be repaired or replaced, contact some qualified local deck builders and ask them to perform an inspection. There are several signs that your deck may need repairs or replacement. For example, wobbling boards or loose handrails along the stairs or sides will likely require some re-tightening. Most deck building professionals can easily spot trouble areas including loose ledger boards or rotted posts. The ledger boards hold the sides of your deck up and attach your deck to the side of your house. If these connections are loose or weakened, they could pose a safety hazard. Ledger boards should be connected with galvanized carriage bolts, so have your decking professional take a closer look to confirm what the issue is.

Any rotting wood or major cracks should be repaired as soon as possible. Rotted wood is weak and prone to breaking or disintegrating, so make sure that you replace any sections of your deck that show signs of rot. Rusted fixtures and fittings are bound to become an issue over time, but as long as they’re still in good condition, they likely won’t need to be replaced. If your deck is old, it’s probably best to replace these parts to strengthen your deck and keep it sturdy.

Depending on where you live, mold and mildew are also common issues. Most mold can be removed via pressure washing, but too much of it may indicate that the wood is already rotted and needs to be replaced. If you decide to clean off mold and mildew, make sure you follow up with a good treatment that is formulated with an antifungal to protect it from issues in the future.

What should I look for in a deck contractor?

When looking for deck builders near you, it’s important to make sure that you do some research before you hire a company. Start by asking family members and friends if they’ve used any local deck builders in the past that they might recommend. Go online and read customer reviews carefully. Highly rated reviews typically mean that they are a company you can trust. You can also check the Better Business Bureau for more information about a few local decking builders. Confirm that the company has a valid local address and phone number and that they’re easy to contact.

Decking builders with years of experience are usually able to provide you with the level of quality and customer service you’re looking for. Always get at least three estimates from different companies so you can do a side-by-side comparison.

Another way to choose a good deck builder is to have them come to your home and provide you with an accurate estimate. They should take a closer look at your property and perform an on-site assessment of your existing deck, or go over the deck plans you have to help you get the most accurate information. Quality contractors can provide customers with written estimates that include the cost of labor and materials. Once you have several of these estimates in hand, you’ll be able to make a better decision about which deck contractor is the right one for you. Don’t forget to confirm that the deck builder has valid, up-to-date licensing and insurance. You should also determine what type of payment methods they accept and whether they offer to finance if it’s something you require. Reputable contractors will be willing and able to answer all of your questions and address any concerns you have before, during, and after your new deck is built.

What do contractors charge to build a deck?

The amount decking builders charge will vary depending on several factors. The national average cost to build a deck is approximately $7,696, but your actual cost will likely be different. The size and scope of your project will play a big role in the total cost. Decks with special features like decorative railings, multiple levels, or special foundation requirements also cost more. The current demand for new decks can also influence how much contractors charge. If decks are in high demand, plan to pay more. It’s best to try and get some estimates during the winter months when most people aren’t shopping for things like decks or pools.

The material you choose for your deck is a big factor in determining the total cost. Affordable materials like pressure-treated wood will cost much less than some more expensive materials like aluminum or composite. If your new deck needs to support the extra weight of items like a hot tub, more rigid (and costlier) foundation structures are required. Poured concrete footings will provide your deck with durable support, but they also cost more to install than decks without them. Small decks attached to your home might not need as much structural support as raised decks, which typically require additional beams and footings. Find out if any permits are required to build your deck and if the cost is included in the contractor estimate. The labor cost to build a deck varies depending on your location and how the builder charges customers for labor. Most decking builders charge by the square foot, but some may charge for labor by the hour.

How hard is it to build a deck?

Some homeowners may think building a deck is an easy DIY project. However, building a durable, reliable deck requires a lot of skill, special tools, and expertise. The scope of your project will determine how difficult your deck is to build. The type of materials, location, and weather conditions can all make building a new deck more difficult and more complex. Homeowners without any prior deck-building experience will likely find the process challenging. Building a deck requires precise measuring and the ability to connect each piece securely so that it’s safe and structurally sound. Deck builders near you have all of those capabilities and are familiar with any local permit and building code requirements. This ensures that your deck is built to the current code, which it’s safer too.

Experienced decking builders know which materials work best for decks based on your location. They’re also well-versed in the different pros and cons of each material. Professionals are also aware of the methods required to build an extremely strong deck and which components you’ll need. They’ll make sure that all post connections are durable, all railings are secure, and that ledger flashing is added to keep moisture out.

If you try to do it yourself, you may end up taking much longer than you hoped, and you could end up spending a lot more than you originally planned. Local deck builders know how much materials are required and can get the job done with less waste. They already have all the tools required to build your deck, whereas you may not have everything you need on hand. This could cost you more since you’ll need to either buy or lease certain tools to do the job.

What is a good size deck for entertaining?

If you love to have lots of guests over for outdoor entertaining, you’ll want to build a deck with plenty of room for cookouts and other gatherings. One good rule of thumb is to try and keep the size of your deck no larger than 20 percent of the interior space of your home, and no larger than the total floor space of the biggest interior room. After any special features are added like fire pits, benches, or room for patio furniture, you’ll need to determine how much extra room is required for people to move around comfortably.

When you’re getting estimates from deck builders near you, think about how many people you typically like to entertain at any given time. Some experts believe that you’d need a deck size of at least 288 square feet to entertain a group of 10-12 people comfortably. However, a larger deck of approximately 392 square feet or more is recommended. As a general guideline, provide approximately 20 square feet of room per guest. Keep in mind that this doesn’t account for the overall size of your yard, so you may not have enough room to build a deck this size. The best way to determine what deck size is right for your entertaining needs is to speak to a few local deck builders. They can assess your backyard and determine just how large your deck can be to accommodate all of your guests comfortably.