What's included
What Our Deck Building Service Includes
A deck is an outdoor structure that stays wet for much of the year. How it is built matters more than how it looks on day one.
- A site visit to plan the size, height, stairs and access to the house
- Permits where required, plus footings sized and set for the load
- A flashed ledger connection so water cannot rot the house framing
- Framing, decking and railings in the material you choose
- Stairs, hardware and a final walkthrough, with the permit closed out
Local expertise
Decks Built for Stanwood Weather
In western Washington, a deck's biggest enemy is water that has nowhere to go.
Stanwood's long wet season keeps decks damp for months. Water that sits on framing, in joints and against the house leads to rot, loose railings and soft boards. Composite and wood decks both suffer when they are built without drainage in mind. Shaded decks can also grow mildew and turn slippery.
The most important connection is the ledger, where an attached deck meets the house. If that joint is not flashed properly, water runs behind it and rots the house's rim joist and wall framing. We repair water damage for a living, and a leaking deck ledger is a problem we see often. We flash every ledger and fasten it to the structure the way code requires.
We also build for drainage. Board gaps let water fall through, joist tape protects the tops of the framing, and footings keep posts off wet ground. Railings are built to code height where the deck sits high enough to need them. Those details add little to the cost and years to the deck's life.
Our process
How We Build a Deck
Five steps from the first sketch to the first barbecue.
Plan the design and site
We look at the yard, the slope and where the deck meets the house. Then we talk through size, height, stairs and material. You get a written scope and estimate with the design.
Permits and layout
We confirm whether the deck needs a permit and handle the application when it does. The footprint is laid out on site, and utility locates are called in before digging.
Footings and framing
Footings are dug and poured to support the posts. The ledger is flashed and fastened to the house, and beams and joists are framed level. Joist tape goes on the framing before any decking is laid.
Decking and railings
Deck boards are installed with the gaps and fasteners the material needs. Railings go up at code height where required, with posts anchored solidly to the frame.
Stairs, finish and inspection
Stairs are built with consistent risers and solid handrails. Wood decks can be stained or sealed once the wood is ready. The final inspection closes the permit, and we walk the deck with you.
Deck options
Decks We Build
Each material has a different price, look and level of upkeep. We help you choose for your yard and budget.
Pressure-treated wood decks
Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable choice and takes stain well. It needs cleaning and resealing every few years to stay in good shape. We use ground-contact lumber for posts and framing.
Cedar decks
Cedar resists rot naturally and has a warm, classic look. It weathers to silver-gray unless it is sealed regularly. It is softer than other options, so it can dent under heavy use.
Composite decks
Composite boards will not rot or splinter and need no staining. They still need occasional washing, especially in shade, to keep mildew off. The framing underneath is wood, so we build it to the same standard.
Deck repair and replacement
Soft boards, wobbly railings and rotted posts are safety issues. We check the framing and ledger to see what can be saved. Sometimes new decking on a sound frame is enough, and sometimes a full rebuild is the safer choice.
Deck building FAQ
Deck Building Questions, Answered
Common questions about deck building in Stanwood, WA.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Stanwood?
Many decks do. Decks attached to the house or built 30 inches or more above the ground generally need a permit. Small, low, freestanding decks may be exempt. We confirm the requirements with the City of Stanwood or Snohomish County for your property.
What is the best deck material for a wet climate?
Composite resists rot and needs the least upkeep. Cedar and pressure-treated wood work well too when they are sealed and built to drain. Whatever the boards, flashing and drainage matter most.
How long does it take to build a deck?
Construction often takes one to three weeks, depending on size, height and material. Permit review and material orders come first. Your estimate includes a schedule.
Can you replace the boards but keep my existing frame?
If the framing, ledger and footings are sound, yes. We inspect them first. Putting new boards on a rotting frame only hides the problem.
How do I keep my deck from rotting?
Keep debris out of the board gaps, clean the deck each year and reseal wood as needed. Make sure the ledger flashing stays intact. We build with joist tape and drainage so the frame stays drier from the start.
Can a deck damage my house?
It can if the ledger is not flashed. Water gets behind the connection and rots the house framing, often out of sight. We flash every ledger, and we can inspect an existing deck connection for damage.
A deck built to shed water and last.
We design, permit and build your deck with the flashing, drainage and framing it needs for Stanwood's climate. Flexible financing is offered through Enhancify, and 0% interest options may be available.
Improving the outside of your home? We also handle exterior painting, home additions and ADU construction for Stanwood homes.