Answers
Deck questions, answered
Straight answers to the questions homeowners ask us before a deck gets built. No sales pitch, no jargon, and nothing here that we have not done ourselves on Long Island.
Do I need a permit to build a deck on Long Island?
Almost always yes. Here is who decides, what the building department wants to see, and what happens if a deck goes up without one.
What does a new deck cost, and what moves the price?
We do not publish a price list, and here is why, plus the seven things that actually move what a deck costs so you can read any quote you are given.
How do I decide what kind of deck I want?
A homeowner's guide to the six decisions behind every deck: what you will use it for, material, size and shape, height, the permit, and the timeline.
Is composite decking worth it compared to wood?
What composite and wood each ask of you on Long Island, where the salt air and the freeze and thaw cycle are the real test, and how to choose between them.
Should I repair my deck or replace it?
The parts of a deck that can be replaced on their own, the parts that mean the whole structure is finished, and the checks that tell you which one you have.
Who builds a deck around an above ground pool?
What is different about a pool deck, what the water and the chemicals do to a surface, and what to think about before building around an above ground pool.
What is the difference between a porch, a patio and a deck?
Three words people use interchangeably for three different structures, what each one is for, and which one you probably want.
Why do deck boards crack and warp over a Long Island winter?
Water, freezing and salt, and what each of them does to a deck between November and April, plus what actually helps.
How do I check a deck builder is licensed and insured on Long Island?
Home improvement licences on Long Island are issued by the county and are public. Here is what to ask for, where to check it, and what insurance certificate to want.
How long does it take to build a deck?
The build itself runs from one day to two to four weeks. The calendar is usually set by everything that happens before it, and here is what that is.