What Holds a Deck Up Long After It's Built
Decks fail from the inside out. The boards on top are the part you see, but ledger attachment, footing depth, post connections and joist spacing are what decide whether the structure is still solid in fifteen years — and they're what inspectors look at.
We build to code across Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, and each one runs its own permit and inspection process. We've worked through all four, so the approvals happen in the background instead of stalling your project.
Some clients come to us with a deck that's starting to go and needs replacing. Others have nothing out back yet. Either way the build starts the same: a free design consultation, an estimate, then a professionally written proposal you can actually read.
How Your Deck Gets Built
01
Free Design Consultation
We look at the yard, the house and how you plan to use the space.
02
Written Proposal
Layout, materials, scope and warranty terms, all on paper.
03
Permits & Approvals
County permit and HOA review handled before the crew shows up.
04
Build & Inspection
Framed, decked and finished, with inspections scheduled as the work moves.
See Our Deck Projects
Choosing the Right Decking Material
Composite has taken over most of what we build, and the brands aren't interchangeable. We work with Azek, Fiberon, TimberTech, EverGrain and Trex, and each uses its own embossing technique — different grain depth, different finish, different price.
Color and style range is wide across all of them. We walk you through the tradeoffs brand by brand instead of steering you toward whatever we have sitting in the shop.
Signs Your Deck Needs Replacing
- Boards that feel soft or bounce when you walk across them
- Railings that move when you lean on them
- Rot at the base of posts or where the deck meets the house
- Rusted or backed-out fasteners and hardware
- Any gap opening up between the ledger board and the wall
The last one is the serious one. A ledger pulling away from the house is how decks come down, and it's worth a call the same week you notice it.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a deck?
Almost always. Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William all require permits for decks, and most neighborhoods add HOA architectural review on top. We handle both.
Should I repair my old deck or replace it?
If the problem is a few boards, repair. Once the framing, ledger or footings are involved, replacement usually costs less than chasing failures year after year. We'll tell you straight on site which one you're looking at.
How much does a new deck cost?
Size, height, material and access all move it. A ground-level composite deck and a second-story build price very differently, so we quote after seeing the property.
How long does a deck take to build?
Most run a couple of weeks once permits clear. Permit timelines vary by county, which is usually the longest part of the wait.
Get a Deck Estimate Today
Tell us what you're picturing and we'll come look at the space. Estimates are free.