Where does decks & patios fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Decks & Patios
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Decks & Patios
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Decks & Patios
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Decks & Patios
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Decks & Patios
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Decks & Patios
Outdoor living built to last, with the footings, the ledger and the drainage done properly before the boards go down.
How this guide works
A deck or patio is a structure first and a surface second. The footings, the ledger and the drainage decide how long it lasts. Work through the decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where decks and patios are used
Decks suit houses and cottages. Patios suit ground-level yards. Commercial patios and rooftop decks need engineering and extra permits.
| Use | Typical build | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Residential decks | Raised, wood or composite | Footings, ledger, railing code |
| Ground patios | Stone, pavers or concrete on a base | Base depth, drainage, slope |
| Commercial patios and rooftops | Engineered, membrane or pavers | Load, drainage, access and fire rules |
Our pick: Raised decks need engineering and permits. Ground patios need a proper base before the surface.
Decision 2: Footings and structure
Footings carry the deck. Frost depth, soil and the height decide the footing size and type.
| Footing | Use |
|---|---|
| Concrete pier with footing | Most decks, below frost line |
| Helical or pre-cast piers | Tight sites or soft soil |
| Ground base | Patios on compacted gravel |
Our pick: Footings below frost depth. A shallow footing heaves in the first winter.
Decision 3: Ledger and house connection
The ledger is where a deck fails. A ledger that is not flashed or fixed properly lets water into the house wall and can pull the deck away.
| Check | Good practice |
|---|---|
| Ledger fixings | Lag bolts or through-bolts to the rim |
| Flashing | Flashing lapped over the ledger |
| Clearance | Gap for air and drainage |
Our pick: Flash the ledger properly. It is the most common deck failure.
Decision 4: Surface material
The surface sets the look, the maintenance and the price. Choose it for how you will use the space.
| Material | Life | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | Good with care | Regular sealing or staining |
| Composite decking | Long life | Low, washing |
| Stone or pavers | Long life | Low, resetting if the base moves |
Our pick: Composite for low maintenance. Wood for the look and the budget.
Decision 5: Railings and stairs
Railings and stairs have code heights and spacing. They are checked on every build.
| Item | Code point |
|---|---|
| Guard height | Set by code for the drop |
| Baluster spacing | Set by code to keep children out |
| Stair rise and run | Set by code for safety |
Our pick: Build railings and stairs to code. It is also the first thing an inspector checks.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
A deck that is failing gives signs before it becomes unsafe. These need checking before the next season of use.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Sagging or bouncy boards | Checking the joists and the footings |
| Loose or moving ledger | Fixing the ledger before anything else |
| Soft or rotting boards | Checking the framing under them |
| Wobbling railing | Checking the post fixings |
Our pick: Fix the ledger and the footings first. The boards can wait; the structure cannot.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
Decks above a certain height or attached to the house usually need a permit and inspections at the footing and framing stages.
| Deck type | Check |
|---|---|
| Low, freestanding deck | Confirm the size and height limits |
| Attached deck | Permit and footing and ledger inspections |
| Raised or large deck | Engineered drawings and inspections |
Our pick: Confirm the permit before the footings are dug. Inspections are easier before the framing is covered.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
A deck depends on the excavation, the concrete and the drainage around it. The order decides how well it holds.
| Trade | What the deck needs |
|---|---|
| Excavation | Utility locates before the footings are dug |
| Concrete | Footings cured before the posts are loaded |
| Railings and stairs | Built to code with the framing |
| Landscape and drainage | Water moved away from the footings |
Our pick: Locate the utilities and set the footings before the framing starts.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
The finish and the fixings decide how long the deck lasts. A maintenance plan is part of the build.
| Material | Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | Seal or stain on a schedule |
| Composite decking | Clean and check the fixings yearly |
| Stone or pavers | Reset if the base moves |
Our pick: Maintain the finish on schedule. It keeps the boards sound and the warranty valid.
Questions
Do I need a permit for a deck?
Often yes, depending on height and size. We confirm it as part of the scope.
Which decking material is best?
It depends on your budget and maintenance preference. We show you the options on the site visit.
How long does a deck last?
A well-built deck lasts many years. Maintenance and drainage make the biggest difference.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the size, the height and how you want to use the space. We check the footings, the ledger and the drainage, then recommend the surface.
Related: Exterior RenovationsStairs & RailingsAll contracting
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