10 best deck builders in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Megan SwinneyContributing Writer
Megan Swinney is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. Drawing from her experiences gr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Read MoreWe've ranked the top 10 deck builders that operate within 50 miles of Chapel Hill. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Building a deck is a smart way to raise your home's value and craft a multi-use outdoor space. Decks provide the best environment for summer cookouts, spring gatherings with loved ones and autumn afternoons spent bird-watching. While winters can get chilly in Chapel Hill, a deck provides the perfect spot to take advantage of warm day in the colder months. However, building a deck is no small feat. To install a safe and usable outdoor space, use one of the best deck builders in Chapel Hill.
While you might be skilled at DIY projects, there are many reasons to hire a seasoned deck builder. Their experience enables them to finish the job, provide guidance on choosing the right materials and create the preferred design for your outdoor space.
Professional deck builders usually offer a warranty for their work, which save you money and provide you with a sense of security. Though constructing a deck comes with a high price tag, enlisting professionals can be more budget-friendly if issues emerge. Not only can you find affordable deck builders in Chapel Hill, but these professionals can also guide you in steering clear of pricey mistakes and the need to repeat your work.
Find the best deck builders for you in Chapel Hill
Look for deck builders in Chapel Hill with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.
CQC Home
Services Offered
Sierra Structures - Fences, Decks & Screen Porches
Services Offered
Housing Solutions, Inc.
Services Offered
L.G. Company. Llc
Services Offered
Fiferum Construction
Services Offered
Salem's Handyman
Services Offered
Craftsman Direct Handyman Home Improvement
Services Offered
Cole Restoration Services
Services Offered
Archadeck of Raleigh Durham
Services Offered
TriPoint Decks
Services Offered
More Providers
Below are deck-building companies that provide decent coverage but fell short of top scores in our rating system. We recommend these only for specific coverage needs.
Blue Haven Pools & Spas
JM Decks And Fences
Creative Renovations, Inc.
Standard Construction and Landscaping Inc.
How to choose the best deck builder in Chapel Hill
Building a deck is a considerable investment. To choose the best deck builder for the project, consider these factors.
Confirm that the company is licensed and insured
When bringing on a contractor to work on your property, always confirm they are licensed, bonded and insured. A license verifies the competence of your contractors, while insurance and bonds offer protection for both you and the business, should any issues occur. Not all contractors are required to hold a license under North Carolina state law. However, many cities require decking contractors to have a special license or certificate. Check your local laws to ensure the team you hired is following municipal guidelines.
Read reviews from other homeowners
Look at company reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB to see how previous customers rated their experience with a company. Get ideas from friends and neighbors for referrals, especially if you like their deck.
Consider the best time of year to schedule your deck build
Spring and summer are generally the best times to schedule your deck-building project because of the favorable weather. The downside is that most good contractors will be busy during those seasons. Find out when your preferred contractor is available and ensure it fits your timeline. Even in dry seasons, unexpected weather or unforeseen delays can happen, so make sure you have an alternative plan outlined in your contract, particularly if you have a tight timeline.
Get a free estimate
Request free estimates from the deck builders you are vetting to compare costs. Aim to keep the estimate parameters as alike as possible. If the companies quote different materials or dimensions, it will be challenging to determine which one provides the most cost-effective option. The estimates should include a detailed outline of labor and material costs, along with an expected project duration.
Other services offered by deck builders
Deck builders usually provide services that go beyond setting up deck boards. They can help develop your ideal outdoor living space by adding lighting, unique railing and other features. Below are some common decking services offered by deck builders:
- Lighting installation: Deck lights can make your deck into an outdoor living space that's usable both day and night. Your deck builder can help choose the ideal lights and then install them. It's important to get expert assistance if you're using high-voltage equipment.
- Refinishing: Refinishing is a way to refresh an existing deck. Deck builders usually clean, sand and reseal the current wood, a process that can span from a few hours to several days, depending on the square footage of your deck. Because it repurposes your existing decking, this method helps you save time and money.
- Waterproofing: Waterproofing is the application of a protective seal to wooden decks every few years to keep them in good shape and prolong their life spans. Before sanding the wood and applying the seal, the contractor will tidy your deck of any furniture and debris. Your deck will be available for use again within 48 hours of the process being completed.
- Staining: Staining means a protective layer is put on your existing wooden deck. Based on the stain you choose, your deck can appear brand new just a few hours after the service is finished. Keep in mind that it may take up to 12 hours to fully dry.
- Deck repairs: Deck builders can fix damaged boards, stairs and existing deck railings. Opting for repairs can result in significant long-term savings and extend the life span of older decks. The duration of the repairs can range from one day to a whole week, depending on the extent of the work and the size of your deck.
What are the best decking materials?
There are various types of decking materials to select from. You have the option of a variety of wood decking boards, or you can choose composite decking boards. Wood decks can be built with pressure-treated or untreated natural wood. Plastic, composite and PVC decking are also options.
Wood decking is a sought-after option thanks to its organic look and the possibility of painting or staining it to suit personal preferences. Below are some of the most commonly selected wood decking options:
- Cedar: Cedar decking is a soft, durable wood that offers resistance against insects, water and rot. Because of its moisture resistance, it's less likely to warp or crack in cold temperatures, but it can be prone to denting and scratching.
- Redwood: Redwood, known for its close grain and distinctive red hue, is a weather- and bug-resistant wood. However, it can require extensive upkeep in regions with high moisture levels and may become discolored if not properly treated. Additionally, redwood can be fairly expensive.
- Pressure-treated wood: Another prevalent option for wood decking boards is pressure-treated wood. Thanks to its light color, this material is simple to stain or paint, and it is easily to find in all parts of the country. Nevertheless, pressure-treated wood doesn't have the sturdiness of some other wood decking choices.
Composite decking boards mimic the appearance of real wood, but they consist of a mix of plastic and wood fibers. They are often pricier than wood boards, but they are resistant to fading, cracking and splitting. This decking material often comes with a warranty and never requires paint or stain, making it more straightforward in upkeep. Similarly, plastic and PVC decking don't fade or need paint or stain, but they may seem artificial.
Facts about Chapel Hill
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Average Low in July
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Best deck builders for you
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Our methodology for selecting deck builders
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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