Building a Deck: What to Expect From Quote to First Cookout

A deck is one of the most-used upgrades a home can get, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Here's how the process goes when we build one.

Step 1: The walk-through

We look at the grade, the door heights, where the sun lands in the afternoon, and how you actually want to use the space — grilling, dining, hot tub, or just morning coffee.

Step 2: Materials and budget

Pressure-treated wood gives you the most square footage per dollar. Composite costs more up front and gives it back in maintenance. We price both so the choice is yours, not ours.

Step 3: Permits and layout

Most municipalities in the Upstate require a permit for a new deck. We handle the paperwork and the inspection scheduling.

Step 4: Footings and framing

Everything rests on the footings. They get dug to depth, inspected, and poured before a single joist goes up. The ledger gets flashed properly — that connection is where failed decks fail.

Step 5: Decking, railings, and stairs

Boards go down, railings and stairs get built to code, and the site gets cleaned up. Most residential decks run a few days to about two weeks depending on size and height.

Step 6: The walk-through that matters

We finish by walking the deck with you. If something isn't right, we fix it before we call it done.