Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes. Permit requirements vary by municipality and some jurisdictions may require engineered plans and inspections. With decades of experience managing permits in-house, we take care of the process for you and help ensure your project meets all local requirements.

Permit timelines vary significantly depending on the municipality. Some jurisdictions can issue permits in as little as 2–3 weeks, while others may take several months. For example, permits within the City of Austin often require engineered plans and can take 3 months or longer due to the review process and approval requirements.

We offer an industry standard one year workmanship warranty. The vast majority of problems, if they occur, will pop up in this timeframe. That being said, we are a locally owned and operated company that has been around since 1984 and are going to take care of the people who trust us to build their decks.

We maintain the highest certifications through continuous training in following builder programs:

*Trex Pro Platinum  Trex FAQs

*TimberTech Platinum Timbertech FAQs

*Fortress Pro Builders Program Fortress FAQs

Because of these certification levels, our customers benefit from the longest and most durable warranties provided by the manufacturer.

We can usually provide a ballpark estimate for a simple 10x10 deck after a brief conversation. While the size of the deck matters, many other factors have a significant impact on the final cost.

For example, we'll need to know the deck's height above the ground, whether stairs are needed, the size and number of stairs, the type of railing, and any special features you'd like to include.

A quick conversation helps us provide a much more accurate estimate and avoids surprises later in the process.

Pricing

Check out this link for examples of real projects we have built and their associated materials with rough costs.

Yes. We offer two financing options to give our clients payment flexibility.

• *HFS Home Improvement Loans is available through a link included with your project proposal. Each proposal displays monthly payment options with Acorn. See example below. This is a soft credit pull
  HFS Home Improvement Loans Photo

• *Frost Bank Financing is available directly through our website link. This is a hard credit pull

If you have questions, please email Jennifer at hello@austindeck.com

Yes, but there is a fee associated with processing.

The Austin Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code is a set of building and landscaping regulations aimed at hardening structures against wildfires. All new construction and applicable remodels within designated WUI proximity zones are required to follow the 2024 WUIC.

The code applies to areas within city limits deemed at higher risk of wildfires (typically western Austin, areas near the greenbelts, and zones bordering large wooded tracts).

Use the official 2024 WUI Code Map to see if your specific property falls into a designated hazard zone.

The Land Development Code (LDC) Section 25-8 defines “Protected” trees as those with a diameter at breast height (DBH 4.5 ft.) of 19 inches (60 inches circumference) or more. These trees have Critical Root Zones (CRZs) that require protection and impact how and where we can impact the soil with deck footings.  

We work closely with City of Austin arborists to ensure our projects comply with all tree protection requirements. When protected trees are present, our team uses creative engineering and construction solutions—including spanning large root zones when necessary—to minimize impact while delivering a safe, durable, and long-lasting deck.

We use #1 Grade Treated Yellow Pine, Ground Contact or Critical Structure (treatment level) for most projects.  We can also use TimberTech Aluminum Framing or Fortress Steel Framing systems which are much more prevalent in our projects within WUI areas.

It depends on the size, permitting, design, and HOA approval.

A 10x10 can take a few days.  A 40x20 can take a few weeks.

We try to keep all our projects to a duration of two weeks or less, however the level of detail, design characteristics, and complexity will add time to a project.

• Wood: Lowest upfront cost and natural appearance, but requires regular staining, sealing, and maintenance.

• Composite: The most popular choice on a national level, but not in Austin due to heat underfoot.  Offers the look of wood with much less maintenance and excellent long-term durability.

• Advanced PVC: Premium decking with the highest resistance to moisture, fading, and staining. Typically the most expensive option but requires very little upkeep.

In general: Wood decks generally cost less upfront, Composite offers the best balance of value and maintenance, and Advanced PVC provides the highest performance and longevity.  Hardwood decks with materials like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, or any of the thermally/chemically modified materials can have a wide range of pricing differences and material lead times.

All types of decking material can get hot in the right conditions. The Composite manufacturers are getting better at mitigating heat, there is no denying that the denser composite material will hold heat longer than wood or advanced PVC. 

The real question is how will you be using your deck and how much shade does your yard provide?  We will recommend the materials we have used with the most success based on your unique situation and budget.

Yes, we send proposals after our initial design consultations.  Changes can be made, of course, but you’ll have the ability to make selections between decking, railing, and skirting options, to name a few.

Your project will be handled from start to finish by the first person you meet.  The project developer with whom you start the design of your deck will be responsible for the entirety of the project from start to finish- which we say is when you’re happy with the final product.

All of our construction crews are led by our employed crew leaders and project developers.  Our crew leaders have been in their roles with the company between 10 and 30 years.

Cedar Park
Westlake
Leander
Round Rock
Georgetown
Hutto
Pflugerville
Buda
Kyle
Driftwood
Volente
Lago Vista
Liberty Hill
Dripping Springs
Manor
Elgin
Bastrop
Del Valle
Lakeway
Bee Cave
Spicewood
Marble Falls
Horseshoe Bay