Q: Do I need a building permit for my deck, and if so, am I responsible to obtain permits?

A: Most ground-level decks do not require permits; however any deck that is over 30" off the ground will require a permit. While building codes vary from city to city, we will advise you at your consultation as to whether you will require permits for your proposed project.

We are happy to apply for and secure permits for your project. If you would rather secure permits on your own, we will give you some guidelines to help assist you with the process.


Q: How long does it take to build a deck?

A: The amount of time varies, based on the complexity of the design and the size of the project. For instance, a deck that is hand-nailed requires less time than an Ipe' deck that may need to be pre-drilled and hand-screwed. We can provide a more accurate time frame once your project is designed following your consultation.


Q: How much should I expect to pay for a deck?

A: The amount you will pay for your new deck varies greatly and is determined based on the size, type of decking material and fasteners chosen, as well as other features such as handrail, planter boxes, arbors/trellises and pergolas.
At your consultation we are upfront about our current prices (lumber and composite material prices change weekly) and will gladly offer a quote for different material costs.


Q: I have a picture of what I want, can you build it for me?

A: Yes, we are happy to accommodate a particular design or component you are looking for into your new deck. Please keep in mind that we may suggest adjusting the dimensions for code or safety purposes, or to better suit your home's design and landscape. We will do everything we can to make sure you love your new outdoor living space.


Q: Will weeds grow under my deck after it is built?

A: For most decks, we apply a fabric weed block before the decking is installed. If this is required for your deck, it is included in the total deck price.

Q: Do you hire sub-contractors to build my deck?

A: While hiring inexperienced, temporary labor to build your deck is a very common practice in the deck-building industry, Distinctive Deck does not sub out our decks to the 'lowest bidder'. The owner and designer, David Gardenhire, is available at all times for design modifications and to answer your questions. In some instances we may hire temporary labor to haul materials back to the job site, or to clean up the site when finished, but you can trust that your deck is being built by a professional.


Q: What are my payment options?

A: We accept cash, check, and credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX; a 2% convenience charge applies). Upon receiving your quotation, a down-payment is required to secure your start-date. We unfortunately cannot hold a date for your project until we receive a signed quotation and down-payment. The down payment is different for each job, but typically reflects 1/3 to 1/2 the total bid amount. We never ask for full payment up front. Please be wary of contractors who ask for more than 50% of the full project amount up front, even with verifiable references!

Q: Can you install my spa before you build my deck around it?

A: Unfortunately, we are not licensed for the electrical work required for installing a spa. We do, however, have excellent working relationships and contacts with several spa companies in the eastside and south-end. Once you have selected your spa, we coordinate directly with the retailer for your installation of your spa. Typically this includes pouring the concrete pad or spa platform. After the spa is installed, we can then build your deck and/or surrounding features such as steps or railings. We also install access hatches so you may reach the mechanical panel of your spa with ease.


Q: Is pressure-treated material safe to use on my deck?

A: Yes, the new pressure treated lumber is now safer to use for outdoor projects. The industry has recently changed the composition of the chemicals used in treating the lumber by removing a large portion of the arsenic and adding more copper. The down-side is that copper is more corrosive to hardware. Stainless steel hardware is recommended though costly. Galvanized hardware is often used when treated with a rubber membrane to protect it from the copper found in the pressure treated lumber.


Q: Is a new deck a good investment?

A: Absolutely! A new deck on your home here in the Pacific Northwest is an excellent way to add equity. Usually you can expect to recoup from 100-150% of the cost of your deck when you refinance or sell your home.


Q: What can I expect after I fill out the contact form?

A: We will contact you within 24-48 business hours to schedule an appointment time at your home to discuss and design your proposed project.

At your consultation, we will briefly discuss design options and material choices and we'll gather some general information about you and how soon you would like your project completed.

Following your initial consultation, one week lead time is typically needed to complete your final quotation which includes your design specs. Your quotation will be mailed to you and we will follow up with a phone call to make sure you received it and to answer any questions or concerns. Due to fluctuating material prices, the quotation you receive is valid for 30 days from the date printed.

You will receive two copies of the quotation, one to keep and one to sign and return to us with the applicable down-payment. Once this is received by our office, we will contact you to confirm your start-date.

Once your project has begun, please be aware that any alterations to the original quotation (design & materials) will require a signed change-order before any additional work is started.

Upon completion of your deck, you will receive a final bill and instructions for care and maintenance of your deck.