Deck Construction FAQ
A professionally designed and built deck is a smart way to expand your living space, boost your home’s value, and create an inviting area for outdoor relaxation or entertainment. At Pittsburgh’s Best Remodeling®, we build custom decks that combine beautiful aesthetics with lasting performance.
Whether you’re dreaming of a composite deck with built-in lighting or a traditional wood structure with custom railings, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions homeowners ask when considering a new deck build.
Q: How Much Does a New Deck Cost, And What Factors Affect The Price?
A: Deck pricing can vary significantly depending on the scope of your project. Major cost factors include the size of the deck, complexity of the design (such as multi-level layouts or built-in features), materials used (wood vs. composite vs. PVC), the condition of the installation site, and labor requirements.
Custom add-ons like railings, staircases, lighting, shade structures, and outdoor kitchens can also increase the investment. We provide detailed, upfront estimates so you can make informed decisions that align with your budget.
Q: What Warranties Do You Provide on Materials and Workmanship?
A: Pittsburgh’s Best Remodeling® offers a workmanship warranty on all our deck construction projects. We also use premium decking materials from trusted manufacturers like TimberTech®, Trex®, and Deckorators®, many of which include product warranties ranging from 25 years to lifetime coverage. These warranties protect against issues like fading, staining, and structural damage, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected for the long haul.
Q: What’s The Maintenance Difference Between Wood and Composite/PVC Decks?
A: Wood decks require regular maintenance, including staining, sealing, or painting every 1–3 years to protect against moisture, UV damage, and insect activity. They are beautiful but need consistent care to maintain their appearance and durability.
Composite and PVC decks are low-maintenance alternatives made from a mix of recycled wood fibers and plastic or entirely synthetic materials. These decks resist mold, mildew, rot, and insects, and only need occasional cleaning with soap and water. Choosing composite or PVC can save time and money on upkeep while still delivering a stunning look.
Q: Will a New Deck Add Value to My Home?
A: Yes, a well-designed and professionally installed deck can significantly increase your home’s value. According to recent industry reports, homeowners typically recoup 60–70% of their deck investment when selling their home.
Beyond financial returns, a deck enhances your home’s curb appeal and adds functional square footage, making your property more attractive to prospective buyers. In today’s real estate market, outdoor living spaces are considered a major asset.
Q: How Long Does a Typical Deck Build Take—From Permit to Final Inspection?
A: The entire process, including design, permitting, material ordering, and construction, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. The actual on-site construction phase usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your deck.
Factors that may affect the timeline include weather, permit processing times, inspection schedules, and any custom features you’ve selected. We provide a project schedule at the outset and keep you updated throughout.
Q: Do You Offer 3D Designs or Renderings before We Build?
A: Yes. As part of our design-build process, we offer custom 3D renderings that help you visualize your finished deck before construction begins. This tool allows you to preview design elements such as layout, railings, steps, lighting, and finish colors. 3D designs help ensure the final result aligns with your expectations, minimizes revisions, and provides greater confidence in your investment.
Q: Can You Work with Existing Structures or Expand an Older Deck?
A: We can assess your current deck to determine if it can be safely expanded or if structural improvements are necessary. Depending on its condition and code compliance, we may reuse existing framing or footers.
Many homeowners choose to update or enlarge their older decks to incorporate newer materials, updated features, or improved layouts. We’ll provide expert recommendations to help you make the most cost-effective and safe decision.
Q: How Do Change Orders and Unforeseen Issues (Soil, Drainage, Rot) Get Handled?
A: Unforeseen site conditions such as poor soil, water drainage challenges, or hidden structural rot are not uncommon during construction. If an issue arises, we immediately notify you and review all available solutions.
Any change orders are thoroughly documented, priced, and approved by you before proceeding. We pride ourselves on transparent communication and working collaboratively with homeowners to address unexpected challenges without disrupting the overall timeline or budget more than necessary.
Q: What Railings, Stairs, and Lighting Options Are Available?
A: We offer a wide range of railing systems including wood, aluminum, composite, cable, and glass options, each with its own style and maintenance profile.
Stairs can be designed to fit your landscape, whether you prefer straight runs, wrap-around, or multi-tiered layouts.
For lighting, we can integrate LED post cap lights`, stair lights, under-rail illumination, and even smart lighting systems. These elements not only improve safety but also enhance the atmosphere and usability of your deck after dark.
Q: How Do You Handle Safety, Code Requirements, and Inspections?
A: Safety and code compliance are top priorities at Pittsburgh’s Best Remodeling®. We handle all permitting, scheduling of inspections, and ensure your deck is built to meet or exceed all local building codes. This includes:
- Proper framing
- Footing depth
- Railing height
- Stair dimensions
- Load capacity
Our team stays up to date on changing municipal codes and will walk you through each step to ensure everything is done properly and safely from start to finish.
Q: Which Areas Around Pittsburgh Do You Serve?
A: We cater to many neighborhoods in and around Pittsburgh, PA, including Monroeville, Wexford, Sewickley, Squirrel Hill, and Mt. Lebanon among others. If you’re unsure of your home being within our service area, contact our team. We look forward to answering any questions.