What this covers
Deck building starts below the ground and ends at the railing cap. The builder lays out the deck to the house, the doors and the yard, digs footings to the depth the local code requires, sets posts and beams, and attaches a ledger to the house with through-bolts and flashing so water never gets behind it. Joists are spaced for the decking chosen, the boards fastened straight with even gaps, and stairs and railing built to code heights and spacing. Where a permit is required, the company pulls it and schedules inspections. Careful work shows in the flashing and the hardware rather than in the boards.
When to call
- A back door that opens onto a step or bare ground.
- An old deck that an inspection found unsafe to keep.
- A yard with a slope that a raised deck would make usable.
- A deck lost to a fallen tree or a fire that reached the back of the house.
What to expect
- DesignSize, height, stairs, railing style and decking material are decided and drawn for the permit.
- Footings and frameFootings are dug and poured, posts and beams set, the ledger bolted and flashed, and joists hung.
- Decking and railBoards are fastened in straight rows, stairs built, and the railing set to code.
- InspectionThe final inspection is passed where required, and you walk the deck with the company.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Does a deck need a permit?
Most jurisdictions require one for a deck attached to the house or above a certain height. The company checks the local rule and pulls the permit where it applies.
Wood or composite?
Pressure-treated or cedar wood can be stained any color and refinished; composite needs less upkeep and keeps its look longer. The frame is treated wood either way.
How is the deck attached to the house?
With a ledger board through-bolted to the rim joist or framing and flashed so water runs out over the siding, not behind it. Freestanding decks on their own posts are also common.
Related: Composite decking · Deck repair · Deck staining · All decks, porches and outdoor living
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.