How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?
The amount of time it takes to create a deck depends a lot on the size, design, materials, weather, and how fast the workers are. A modest, simple deck can be put together in as little as two weeks, while a multilevel deck or a custom deck can take six months or more from the planning stage to completion.
There is no magic figure for how long it takes to build a deck, but the guide below will give you a rough idea. It divides the process of creating a deck down into steps so you can figure out how long it will take.
Table of Contents
Things That Can Change the Time It Takes to Build a Deck
Getting Deck Builders
Time Estimate: 0 to 10 weeks
This won’t matter to you if you want to build a deck yourself. But homeowners who want to hire deck contractors should think about how long it will take for them to be able to do the work. It can take as little as a few days to select the appropriate deck builder, but they might:
- Not able to start your project straight away.
- Be able to do early work, like designing the deck. But they have to wait weeks before they can start building.
The amount of time it takes for a contractor to start a job depends a lot on where you live, what the job requires, and the time of year. Deck building is most popular in the spring and summer.
Designing the Deck
Time frame: 2 days to 8 weeks
The size and difficulty of your deck design are two important things that will affect how long it will take to build. Here are some things to think about.
The Size of the Deck
It’s easy to create and construct a modest deck, such as a simple 10×10. Most decks, on the other hand, are bigger, usually between 300 and 400 square feet. When there is more square footage, there are more things to think about in terms of materials and structure, including adding extra support posts or beams.
Complexity of the Deck
It may take longer to design decks that have unusual designs, more than one level, or built-in features. These decks may also need particular materials or building methods. Stairs, hot tubs, pergolas, and built-in seats also make the design more complicated, which means it takes longer to plan.
If your deck has a complicated design or is in a difficult landscaping area, you might want to hire a specialist. They can make sure your design satisfies building codes, fits your property, and keeps the structure strong. In addition, they can also provide you with useful advice on how to make your deck look and work better.
Get Building Permits
Time estimate: 1 day to 4 weeks
It is very important to get the right permits for building. You could get big fines and have your project shut down if you don’t have them. Most of them simply take a few business days to process. Some, on the other hand, can take up to a month if the permit office is busy or your building site needs a physical examination.
To find more about construction permits in your area, get in touch with your municipal or county office.
Weather Conditions
Extreme temperatures and rain might affect your deck design, but they can also slow down your project. Heavy rain can stop work on things like pouring concrete or putting down wood decking, while very hot weather can slow down the application of your finishes or change the drying times. Give yourself extra time in case of bad weather.
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Land Conditions
The kind of soil, the slope, and the drainage can all affect your deck project. Some types of soil, like sandy soils, may need extra support, while others, like clay soils, may need ways to drain water. If the slope is really steep, you might need stairs or retaining walls. In addition, think about how plants, root systems, or rocky ground could also affect the deck’s foundation. We constantly highlight how important it is to do a complete site assessment to plan for any necessary accommodations.
Laying the Foundation and Framing
Time Estimate: 2 days to 4 months
This is the first thing you need to do to build a deck. As part of this initial deck building, you might have to dig post holes, pour concrete, put in deck footings, and frame the deck.
This process depends a lot on the size and shape of the deck. It will take longer to build the foundation and frame if the deck is wider and more complicated. If your deck is going to be on a slope or other rough ground, plan for extra time.
Putting on Decking Boards
Time Estimate: 1 day to 3 weeks
Adding deck boards can change your timeline in ways other than size and design. People often say that laying deck planks is the easiest and quickest part of building a deck. Because of this, some new builders often grow too sure of themselves and rush. This leads to inaccuracies, especially in measurements or gaps. Both of these might cost you a lot of money.
Type of Decking
Ipe and pressure-treated timber are two popular types of wood deck boards. They are strong and easy to stain, but they have natural flaws that make cutting and fitting them harder. Some varieties of wood, particularly tropical hardwoods, also need time to get used to their new environment before they can be installed. Composite decking is easy to install because it doesn’t need to be stained or sealed, which saves time during installation and in the future when it has to be cleaned.
Last Touches
Time Estimate: 1 day to 4 weeks
This includes things like stairs and railings, outdoor decorations, and home improvement projects that are connected to your deck, such as outdoor kitchens and storage under the deck.
- Decor for the outdoors: Things like planting and wiring deck lights will make your deck makeover take a few weeks longer. You may also add warm things like patio furniture, twinkle lights, and outdoor rugs that can be put up in an hour or two.
- Things to Do Outside: Custom elements like outdoor kitchens and fireplaces may take longer to finish, but they may really improve your outdoor living space. They can also make your home worth more, just like a deck.
A timeline for the planning and design phase
- Hiring Deck Builders: 0 to 10 weeks. The availability of builders, the schedule of your project, and the amount of work to be done will all affect whether or not you hire them.
- Designing a deck: 2 days to 8 weeks. Simple designs might take only a few days, but specialized projects with unique features might take longer.
- Construction permits:1 day to 4 weeks. It can take anywhere from 1 day to 4 weeks for approvals, especially for complex designs or in places with stringent rules.
The Construction Phase Timeline
Site preparation: 1 week
If the ground is already level, site prep for a 12×12 deck might not take long. It will take longer to build a bigger deck that needs grading, clearing, or drainage.
Framing the deck: 2–3 weeks
This step includes everything from footings and posts to beams and joists. Framing a modest 12×16 house could take one to two weeks. If the deck is 20×20 and has more than one level or a unique design, framing could take up to three weeks.
Decking installation: 1–2 weeks
If you plan and have the right tools, it might take about a week to put decking boards on a 12×16 deck. This step can take closer to two weeks for a bigger 20×24 deck, depending on the materials and design features like patterns or breaker boards.
Building railings and stairs: 1–2 weeks
The size of the deck and how complicated the features are will determine how long it takes to build the railing and steps. If your deck is 12×12 and has simple rails, this stage could take less than a week. It can take closer to two weeks if you’re building a 16×20 deck with unique railings or more than one set of stairs.
The Finishing Phase’s Timeline
- Finishing touches: 1 week. It normally takes approximately a week to add the last touches, such as trim, stain, or lighting.
- Final inspections and clean-up: 1–2 weeks. Depending on the scale of your project and the local inspection schedule, site clean-up and inspections may be different.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of things that make it hard to figure out how long it will take to assemble a deck. Even if it takes a long time to get your deck together, just know that it will be worth the wait. Keep in mind that the wait for a new deck is short compared to how much fun you’ll have with it for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to build a simple deck versus a complex one?
If you use materials that are straightforward to install, like composite decking, you can often create a simple, small deck in as little as two weeks. On the other hand, it can take six months or more to build a multilevel, custom-designed deck. This includes the planning, permitting, and building phases.
Does hiring a professional deck builder affect the overall timeline?
Yes, it can, and it can either make it shorter or longer, based on what is available. If you employ contractors, plan on spending 0 to 10 weeks simply on scheduling. This is because popular builders may have a lot of work to do and won’t be able to start right away, especially in the spring and summer. But professionals often speed up the actual building phase by using their experience and efficient workflows. They also make sure that design and permitting go smoothly to avoid delays.
How much time should I allow for permits and approvals?
Processing a permit can take anywhere from one day to four weeks. It depends on the intricacy of the project, the local municipal or county office, and whether a site visit is needed. Always call your local building authority early to find out what you need to do.
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