Deck Construction

Most decks take two to four weeks of work on site, from digging the footings to the final walkthrough. A small, simple platform can be quicker. Multi-level decks and ones with stairs, built-in seating or a pergola take longer.

The building is usually the shortest part. Design, permit review and material delivery come first and can add several weeks, so the whole project often runs two to four months. We give you an expected schedule with your quote and tell you if anything changes it.

Composite decking, including Trex, is the most popular choice here because it does not warp, crack or splinter in the sun and never needs staining. Dense hardwoods such as ipe also last very well. Cedar and redwood resist rot and insects naturally and look beautiful, but need a UV-protecting finish every one to three years. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable and is what most frames are built from.

There is no single right answer. It comes down to budget, the look you want and how much upkeep you are willing to do. We bring samples and go through the trade-offs with you.

Often, yes. Cities in the Phoenix area generally require a building permit when a deck is attached to the house, sits more than about 30 inches above the ground, or has a roof or shade structure that needs structural support. Low freestanding platforms are sometimes exempt. Many HOAs also want to approve the design.

The rules differ from city to city. We check what applies at your address before work starts and tell you up front what is needed, how long it is likely to take and what it costs.

It varies a lot with size, height, material and features. As a rough guide, most new decks in this area fall somewhere between $8,000 and $30,000, and large or elaborate ones cost more. Pressure-treated wood is at the lower end, composite and hardwood higher. Stairs, railings, built-in seating and shade all add to the total.

That range is only a starting point. After a free visit we give you a written, itemized quote for your deck, so you can see exactly where the money goes.

Usually, provided the slab is sound and drains away from the house. The deck frame has to sit off the concrete so air can move underneath and water can get out. A deck laid tight to a slab traps heat and moisture.

If the slab is badly cracked or slopes the wrong way, removing it and starting from proper footings can be the better and sometimes cheaper option. We will look at it and tell you which makes sense.

Yes, and here it is worth planning from the start. A pergola or solid cover over the seating area decides whether you use the deck in July. Designing the posts and footings for shade at the beginning is much easier and cheaper than adding them later. Tell us how and when you plan to use the deck and we will suggest where shade does the most good.