Our Process

Our Custom Deck Building Process

We’ve created a simple, transparent process to guide you from idea to reality. Your dream deck awaits.

Questionnaire

Reach out by email, text, or phone, and we’ll guide you through the estimate questionnaire.

Ballpark Estimate

We’ll provide a rough estimate, and if it fits your budget, we can proceed to the next step.

Consultation

We’ll schedule an appointment to discuss your needs, style, and budget at your home.

No-Obligation Estimation

Within 16 days, receive a detailed quote according to the service you’re looking for.

Re-Quote

We’ll adjust the quote until it aligns with your vision and budget.

Moving Forward

Ready to proceed? We’ll meet to finalize the project scope and share the 3D model of your dream deck.

Get a Consultation
Investment Guideline for Composite Decks

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Deck By Design

As you plan your composite deck, consider the following investment insights to guide your decision-making process:

Customizations Matter

Customization options—such as skirting, picture frames, and lighting—will influence the overall investment amount. Additionally, the choice of higher-quality materials can further affect the overall project cost.  

Investment Breakdown:

For Composite Decking, Maintenance-Free Railing, and Pressure-Treated Pine Framing:

Steps and Landings:

 

  • Investment Range: $4,000 – $12,000
    A landing is typically included with steps, and as the deck elevation increases, the number of steps required also rises, which in turn elevates both labor and material costs.
Investment Breakdown:

For Composite Decking, Maintenance-Free Railing, and Pressure-Treated Pine Framing:

Deck Size:

  • Decks Smaller than 144 sq. ft. (e.g., 12’x12′):
    Investment Range: ~$4,000 – $20,000
  • Decks Equal to or Greater than 144 sq. ft. (e.g., 12’x12′):
    Investment Range: ~$60.00 – $120.00 per square foot
Investment Breakdown:

Framing Options

In addition to pressure-treated pine framing, we also offer aluminum and composite framing options. These materials provide enhanced durability and longevity, ensuring your deck will never warp, bend, bow, crack, or split.

  • Composite Framing: Adds approximately ~$20.00+ per square foot.
  • Aluminum Framing: Adds approximately ~$30.00+ per square foot. 

 

 

Key Considerations
  • Material Choices: We primarily use composite or mineral composite materials, offering a range from economical options like Fiberon Good Life to premium choices such as Deckorators Voyage.

 

  • Maintenance Tips: It’s advisable to stain any exposed pine for weather protection. Maintenance-free products should be pressure washed regularly for longevity.

 

  • Warranties: While we don’t provide direct warranties, the products we install come with manufacturer warranties for your peace of mind.

 

  • Project Timelines: Completion times vary based on permit approvals, seasonal demand, and job complexity. Expect timelines ranging from immediate availability to longer waits during peak seasons.

3D Deck Visualization Tool 'Timbertech'

Key Considerations

Click this link to visit 3D Visualization tool

Utilize the design tool offered by ‘Timbertech’ to create a detailed sketch of your desired deck dimensions. Once you have your sketch, you can easily calculate the square footage, helping you determine a reasonable investment range for a composite deck of that size.

Try the 3d Toool now

Examples Of Projects & Investment Amounts

One Of Our Most Impressive Projects: Luxury Outdoor Living Space (2025) $180,000.00

Total project value: Approximately $180,000 (all parties)
Deck By Design’s contribution: Around $100,000

This exceptional outdoor space features bespoke craftsmanship and premium materials. Deck By Design was responsible for key elements such as:

  • The deck, with full double picture frame in Earl Grey
  • Vertical skirting in Latte trimmed in Earl Grey, with a diamond inlay of alternating Latte and Earl Grey
  • The pavilion with cantilevered eave and decorative king truss with diagonals
  • Accent wall in tongue & groove pine
  • Railing, trim, and detailed inlay work

Additional Luxury Features (not included in Deck By Design’s scope):

  • Stone fireplace with gas insert and built-in TV mount
  • Hot tub on stamped concrete pad
  • Outdoor kitchen with custom counter and flat-top grill

This project showcases Deck By Design’s craftsmanship in creating high-end backyard retreats, transforming outdoor spaces into luxurious destinations that impress.

Project: Custom Upper-Level Deck & Pavilion (2025) $80,000.00

Total project scope: Approximately 426 sq. ft. of deck and a 400 sq. ft. pavilion
Deck size: 20′ x 20′

Scope of Work:

Main Deck & Landings:

 

  • Approximately 426 sq. ft. freestanding deck (20′ x 20′) at door elevation, with a 4′ x 4′ landing and steps down to a 4′ x 10′ landing
  • Deck surface: 5/4×6 Timbertech Pro Reserve Reclaimed Chestnut and Fiberon Sanctuary Latte composite decking with PVC wrap, installed using a hidden fastener system
  • Railing: Trex Signature powder-coated black aluminum with vertical square balusters, complemented by charcoal black composite sleeves, skirts, and a cocktail rail in ‘Latte’
  • Picture frames: Double picture frame with hidden fasteners on main deck and landing; single picture frame on stairs toe-kicks
  • Picture frame trim: Custom picture frame trim in ‘Latte’ over the rim of the deck
  • Vegetation fabric & gravel: 4×4 skirting posts, 2×4 skirting frame, vegetation fabric, and #57 limestone gravel (minimum 2″ thick)

 

Additional Features:

 

  • 4 ft. wide gate ‘Trex Signature’ at the top of the stairs for safety and access

 

Pavilion & Support Structure:

 

  • Approximately 400 sq. ft. ledgered to garage roof and wall of the home, attaching to rafters and wall studs
  • Support: (x2) 2×12 headers and 2×10 rafters spaced 16″ o.c.
  • Roof: 2×10 gutter board, with synthetic roof underlayment installed over 2×6 tongue & groove Southern Yellow Pine decking (shingles and gutters not included)
  • Gutter board & rafter trim: White ‘Azek’ 1×12 trim installed over outside rafters and gutter board
  • Column wraps: DSI powder-coated black aluminum column wraps over 6×6 posts

 

Deck By Design’s portion of this build was approximately $80,000, showcasing our expertise in delivering high-end outdoor living features.

This project exemplifies our commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and creating stunning outdoor retreats that transform everyday outdoor spaces into luxurious destinations.

Large & Custom Deck On A Budget (2024) $50,000.00

Scope of Work:

 

  • Total area: approximately 640 sq. ft.
  • Main deck: ~608 sq. ft. (20′ x 27′ + 8′ x 9′) at approximately 24″ elevation, ledgered to the house
  • Octagonal landing: ~23 sq. ft. at approximately 31″ elevation, ledgered to the house
  • Waterproofing house tape behind ledger, with flashing above
  • Approximately 15′ wide box step from deck to grade

 

Materials & Installation:

 

  • Decking:
    • 5/4″x6″ Fiberon Sanctuary ‘Chai’ composite decking with PVC wrap, installed with hidden fasteners
    • 5/4″x6″ Fiberon Sanctuary ‘Earl Grey’ composite decking with PVC wrap, installed with hidden fasteners
  • Double parting board
  • Railing:
  • ‘RDI Finyl Line Vinyl’ railing system with round powder-coated black aluminum balusters, aluminum support inserts, white vinyl sleeves, skirts, and caps

 

Additional Features:

 

  • Vertical skirting in ‘Chai,’ including support framing
  • Picture frame trim in ‘Earl Grey’ for a finished, elegant border
  • Vegetation barrier and gravel installation

 

Structural Details:

 

  • 6×6 pressure-treated posts set on 150 lb. concrete footers (42″ deep, 18″ wide)
  • Beams: (x2) 2x12s directly bearing on notched 6×6 posts, secured with galvanized carriage bolts
  • Joists: 2×10, 16″ on center
  • Frame includes a 2×10 ledger board with flashing and ledger bolts

 

Estimated Cost (2024): approximately $50,000

Average Sized Deck, Very Custom Style (2024) $33,000.00

‘Sanctuary Latte & Chai’ with Finyl Line Vinyl Railing

Scope of Work:

  • Install: approximately 280 sq. ft. deck (14′ x 20′) at approximately 36″-46″ elevation, including door level and yard slopes toward the backyard  
  • Corner details: clip corners of deck at 45-degree angles for a seamless look  
  • Steps: roughly 4′ wide steps from deck to grade  
  • Decking:
    • 5/4×6 ‘Fiberon Sanctuary Latte’ (dark grey/brown) composite decking with PVC wrap, installed with a hidden fastener system (main deck, step treads, and vertical skirting)
    • 5/4×6 ‘Fiberon Sanctuary Chai’ (light grey) composite decking with PVC wrap, installed with a hidden fastener system (trim, toe-kick of steps, and double picture frame)
  • Railing:
    • ‘RDI Finyl Line Vinyl’ white vinyl railing with aluminum support inserts, square white vinyl balusters, and white vinyl sleeves, skirts, and caps

Vegetation Barrier & Gravel: 

  • Install weed block fabric as vegetation barrier
  • 2″ of #57 limestone gravel

Lighting: 

  • Install a 100-watt transformer from ‘Trex’
  • 12 ‘Trex’ riser lights for steps
  • 6-way splitter, 3-way splitter, 10′ cable, 5′ cable, and related wiring

Vertical Skirting: 

  • 4×4 posts to grade
  • 2×4 skirting frame
  • ‘Latte’ vertical skirting
  • ‘Chai’ trim for finishing touches

Double Picture Frame: 

  • 2×10 joists spaced 16″ o.c.
  • Flat blocking under miters for clean corners
  • ‘Chai’ double picture frame with mitered corners

Material List & Structural Details: 

  • Posts: 6×6 pressure-treated with 150 lb concrete footers (42″ deep, 18″ wide)
  • Beams: (x2) 2x12s directly bearing on notched 6×6 posts, secured with galvanized carriage bolts
  • Joists: 2×10, 16″ on center, with galvanized joist hangers
  • Stringers: 2×12 fabricated on site
  • Ledger: 2×10 with flashing and waterproof tape, secured with two 5″ Ledgerlok bolts every 16″
  • Estimated Cost (2024): approximately $33,000.00

12’x24′ Affordable ‘Good Life Cottage’ Deck with ‘RDI’ White Vinyl Railing (2024) $20,000.00

Scope: 

 

  • 288 sq. ft. deck (12′ x 24′) at approximately 30″ elevation, ledgered to the house
  • 4′ wide steps from deck to grade
  • Decking: Fiberon Good Life Cottage (light grey) with PVC wrap, hidden fasteners
  • Double parting board in the center, including support framing (ladder method)
  • Railing: Finyl Line Vinyl with white square balusters, aluminum support inserts, and vinyl caps
  • Picture frame trim: ‘Cottage’ picture frame trim on rim of deck and steps
  • Estimated Cost (2024): approximately $20,000