10 best deck builders in Carlsbad, California
Megan SwinneyContributing Writer
Megan Swinney is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. Drawing from her experiences gr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations
Read MoreWe've ranked the top 10 deck builders that operate within 50 miles of Carlsbad. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Investing in a deck can raise your property value and extend your living space to the outdoors, making it enjoyable in all seasons. From summer barbecues to spring soirées and fall bird-watching sessions, a deck offers an ideal setting for any gathering. While winters can get chilly in Carlsbad, a deck provides the perfect spot to take advantage of warm day in the colder months. Building a deck, however, is no small feat. To create a reliable and enjoyable outdoor area, think about hiring one of the best deck builders in Carlsbad.
Even if you're skilled at DIY projects, hiring a professional deck builder has a lot of benefits. They can use their experience to complete the project with a focus on safety and efficiency, help you choose the correct materials for the project and achieve the desired aesthetic for your outdoor space.
Additionally, professional deck work often comes with a warranty, which can save your money in the long run and give you peace of mind. Building a deck is expensive, but hiring a professional can make it more budget-friendly if something goes wrong. Not only are there affordable deck builders in Carlsbad, but these experts can help you avoid expensive mistakes and the pain of having to overhaul your work.
Find the best deck builders for you in Carlsbad
Look for deck builders in Carlsbad 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.
West Coast Deck
Services Offered
Nucave Construction Inc.
Services Offered
Oceanside Deck Builders
Services Offered
WESTERN OUTDOOR DESIGN & BUILD
Services Offered
Delphi Construction
Services Offered
Resicom Building and Restoration
Services Offered
J.L. Ray Company
Services Offered
Coastal Carpenter
Services Offered
California Pools - Orange County (South)
Services Offered
Fraser Decks and Patio Covers
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.
Designs 4 You Remodeling
Kaminskiy Design & Remodeling
Eco Home Builders
Modern Home Remodeling
How to choose the best deck builder in Carlsbad
When spending a large sum of money on your home, you want to be sure you hire the best deck builder for your project. Consider these factors when assessing local deck-building companies.
Confirm that the company is licensed and insured
Ensure that any contractor you use to work on your home is licensed, bonded and insured. Licensing certifies that your contractors have the required expertise to to the job safely, and insurance and bonds the interests of all parties in case of any unexpected issues. Each state has different requirements for decking contractors. In California, decking contractors must have a D-41 license through the Contractors State License Board.
Read reviews from other homeowners
Look at company feedback on Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews to see how previous customers felt about their experience with a company. Get ideas from friends and neighbors for suggestions, 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 in high demand during those seasons. Find out when your preferred contractor is available and ensure it works with your timeline. Even in dry seasons, unfavorable weather or delays can happen, so make sure you have a secondary 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. Try to keep the estimate parameters as alike as possible. If the companies quote different materials or dimensions, it will be tricky to determine which one provides the best value. 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 often provide services beyond just constructing your deck. They can help you design a backyard oasis by adding lights, custom railing and additional features. Below are common decking services that builders provide:
- Refinishing: Refinishing transforms an existing deck and gives it new life. Typically, deck builders will clean, sand and reseal the existing wood, which takes anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days, depending on your deck's size. This method reuses your older decking, saving you both time and money.
- Lighting installation: With the addition of deck lights, your deck can be made into an outdoor space that you can use any time of day. Your contractor can offer expert advice in selecting the right lights, and help guarantee proper installation. If you plan on using high-voltage equipment, seeking professional help is particularly important.
- Waterproofing: Waterproofing is a method in which a protective seal is put on wooden decks every few years to protect them and extend their longevity. The contractor will first remove any furniture and debris from your deck, then sand the wood and apply the seal. After a couple of days, your deck will be liveable again.
- Staining: Staining is when a protective layer is added to your existing wooden deck. Based on the stain you opt for, your deck can appear brand new just a few hours after the service is done. Bear in mind that it may take up to 12 hours to fully dry.
- Deck repairs: Deck builders can fix damaged boards, existing deck railings and stairs. These repairs can result in substantial long-term savings and prolong the life of older decks. The duration of the repairs can range from a single day to a full week, depending on the extent of the work and the size of your deck.
What are the best decking materials?
There are many types of decking materials to select from. You have the option of an assortment 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 common choice due to its organic appearance and the option to paint or stain it. Several of the most sought-after wood decking choices include these:
- Cedar: Cedar decking is known for being a soft and resilient wood that can resist insects, water and rot. Its moisture resistance reduces its vulnerability to warping or cracking when exposed to low temperatures, but it's more likely to get dents and scratches.
- Redwood: Redwood, known for its close grain and rich red color, is a weather- and bug-resistant wood. However, it can need significant maintenance in regions with high moisture levels and may become discolored if not properly treated. Additionally, redwood can be quite costly.
- Pressure-treated wood: Pressure-treated wood is a favored wood decking board. Its light color makes it easy to stain or paint, and the material is readily available throughout the country. However, it's not as durable as other wood decking options.
Composite decking boards can pass for real wood, but in reality are a combination of plastic and wood fibers. While they may have a higher price tag compared to wood boards, they are not prone to fading, cracking or splitting. This decking material comes with a warranty and won't need paint or stain, making it more convenient to maintain. Plastic and PVC decking also don't fade or require paint or stain, but they can sometimes appear unnatural.
Facts about Carlsbad
Average High in July
Average Low in July
Average Daily Sunlight
Best deck builders for you
Experts Ready to Help
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
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
We reviewed seven national lawn care service companies based on their services ranges, availability and costs. Read why TruGreen is our top full-service pick.
lawnApr. 23
Transform your patchy lawn into a green oasis in nine simple steps. From investigating damage to strategic mowing, this guide has all the tips you need.
deckingApr. 5
We chose the best replacement windows by comparing each brand’s selections, warranties and more. Renewal by Andersen, Harvey and Champion are our top three.
windowsApr. 9
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarApr. 29