Thinking About Building Your Own Deck? Read This First.

With prices climbing on just about everything, it’s tempting to grab the tool belt, dust off the DIY spirit, and tackle that backyard deck yourself. And hey—we get it. As builders ourselves, we admire that can-do attitude. But before you commit your weekends, PTO, or hard-earned vacation time to a major project, it's worth asking yourself a few important questions.

What looks like a simple deck, can turn into a nightmare. If you're unsure of where to start, or what to do, consult with a professional. No one wants to be left with a project that is half done, or something that looks pieced together.

Consider This Before You Dive In:

• How much is my time worth to me—and to my family?

• Am I prepared to take time off work (or give up vacation days) to complete this?

• Do I fully understand current building codes?

• Do I know which fasteners, brackets, and connectors are required—and where they go?

• Will I need a building permit, and do I know how to get one?

• Do I know how to properly attach the ledger board to the house?

• Do I have the right tools to get the job done safely and efficiently?

  
  

If you confidently answered “yes” to most of these, you probably have a good grasp of what’s involved in a deck build. But if even one of those gave you pause, it might be time to bring in a pro.

Why Hiring a Deck Contractor Just Makes Sense

Building a deck isn’t just about laying down boards. There are structural codes to follow, materials to choose, permits to secure, inspections to pass, and—let’s face it—unexpected issues that almost always pop up along the way. A professional deck builder knows how to navigate every step of that process. That experience can save you from costly mistakes and major delays.

And when you're investing in something that should last 20+ years, getting it right the first time matters.

Your Time Is Valuable

Weekends are short. Vacation time is even shorter. Do you really want to spend yours chasing down missing materials, standing in permit lines, or making multiple trips to the hardware store because you’re a few joist hangers short?

Hiring a contractor means you can relax knowing the job is being done right—and often much faster than going it alone. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your deck is safe, up to code, and built to last.

Bottom Line

You might be handy—you might even have a few builds under your belt—but deck construction is a different beast. A licensed deck builder brings experience, know-how, and the ability to troubleshoot problems before they become major headaches. They also stay current on local codes, inspection requirements, and the latest material options and trends.

If you're looking for a stress-free project that adds long-term value to your home (without eating up your summer), do yourself a favor—consult a pro and start your deck project off right.