Frequently Asked Questions

Often, yes. In Salt Lake City, a deck that attaches to the house, sits more than 30 inches above grade or has a roof generally needs a building permit, and other Utah cities set their own rules. Low, freestanding decks may be exempt. We confirm with the city before work starts and handle the application when one is needed.

Angi's 2026 national data puts the average deck at about $8,321, with most projects between $4,339 and $12,653, or roughly $30 to $60 per square foot built. Composite runs higher, about $25 to $54 per square foot installed. High decks on sloped lots, roofs, and premium railings add cost. We give a written price after seeing the site.

Published figures vary widely. Angi's 2026 guide lists a 20 by 20 foot deck at $16,000 to $24,000, while Fixr's older table runs $6,000 to $22,000 depending on material. Height off the ground, railing style and stairs move the number a lot. Your written estimate sets the price.

Salt Lake City Building Services lists a frost depth of 30 inches, so footings need to bear below that. Shallower footings can heave when the ground freezes. On sloped lots we also check post height and bracing on the downhill side.

Both work. Composite holds its color better under strong high-altitude sun and needs no staining, but costs more up front and darker colors get hot in summer. Wood costs less to build but needs regular staining or sealing in this dry, sunny climate. We go through the trade-offs for your yard at the estimate.

Usually, but with an extra step. Salt Lake City requires approval, in the form of a Certificate of Appropriateness, for most exterior work on locally designated historic properties, apart from paint color and minor maintenance. The city asks owners to verify with Planning staff whether a project needs one, and we contact the Planning Counter before the design is final.

Spring through fall is the easiest stretch, since footings need unfrozen ground and finishes need dry, mild weather. Spring and early summer fill up fast, so planning and permits are worth starting in late winter. Repairs and some framing work can continue in milder winter weather.

Angi's 2026 national figures put installed composite decks at about $25 to $54 per square foot, and Fixr lists $28 to $40. A 300-square-foot composite deck can land anywhere from the high four figures into the tens of thousands depending on height, railing and stairs. We give a written price after seeing the site.

Capped composite resists fading much better than wood, but most boards still lighten slightly over the first months outdoors before settling. Uncapped, older-style composite fades more. Manufacturers' fade and stain warranties spell out what they cover.

It can, especially darker colors in full afternoon sun. Lighter colors and some heat-mitigating product lines run cooler, and shade from a pergola or cover helps. We bring samples so you can compare.

Yes, usually with a plastic shovel pushed along the length of the boards, since metal blades can scratch the surface. Brands differ on which ice melts they allow, so check the care guide for your specific boards.

Sometimes. The frame has to be sound, and composite usually needs joists at 16 inches on center or closer. Older decks were often framed at 24 inches or have worn ledgers and shallow footings, so we inspect before recommending a resurface.

Fixr lists installed pressure-treated decks at about $15 to $25 per square foot and cedar at $19 to $29. Angi's 2026 overall average is about $8,321 for a deck project. Height, slope, railing and stairs change the number. We give a written price after a visit.

It depends mostly on the framing, the footings and how the boards are maintained. In a dry, sunny climate, boards wear out from UV and checking faster than from rot, so regular staining is the biggest factor you control.

Treated lumber costs less and is very durable for framing and decking. Cedar is more stable, lighter and better-looking to many people, but softer and pricier. Both need UV-blocking stain in Salt Lake City sun.

Kiln-dried and cedar boards can often be finished soon after installation. Wet pressure-treated lumber needs to dry first, which can take weeks to months. A simple water-drop test shows when the wood will absorb stain.

If the deck attaches to the house, sits more than 30 inches above grade or has a roof, you generally do. We confirm with the city and handle the drawings and application when required.

Angi's 2026 data shows an average deck repair around $2,246, with a range from about $300 to $18,000 depending on what is wrong. Board and railing repairs each typically run $500 to $4,000. Structural work like new footings or a ledger costs more.

If the damage is limited to boards or a railing, repair is cheaper. If the ledger, joists and footings all need work, replacement is often the better value, since you end up with a new deck built to current code. We give you both numbers when it is close.

In Salt Lake City, the usual causes are footings that sit above the 30-inch frost depth and have heaved and settled, rotted posts, or soil that washed out on a slope. The fix is usually new footings at proper depth and new or reset posts.

Usually, if the deck is attached to the house or high enough to need one. Replacing boards alone generally does not, but structural work and full rebuilds generally do. We confirm with the city for your project.

Yes, if the frame is sound. We check the ledger, joists and footings first, since putting new boards on a failing frame wastes money.

HomeGuide lists an installed prefab 12 by 12 foot pergola at about $1,450 to $5,750 and a custom wood one at $4,300 to $9,350. Louvered systems run much higher, about $45 to $175 per square foot installed. We give a written price after a visit.

Generally, yes. A roof adds weight and snow load, and covered decks generally need a building permit in Salt Lake City; we confirm with the city for your project. We prepare the drawings and handle the application.

An open pergola lets most snow fall through, so it carries little load. Louvered and solid roofs carry snow and must be rated or framed for the load at your elevation, which is higher on the benches and foothills.

Often, but the deck framing and footings have to carry the added weight. Many existing decks need new or larger footings under the roof posts. We check before quoting.

A solid roof gives full shade and is cooler at midday. A pergola filters sun and lets heat escape, and shade cloth or slats can increase coverage. Orientation of the slats to the sun makes a big difference.

Fixr lists installed railings from about $30 per linear foot for wood to $210 for glass, with composite at $80 to $165 and cable at $115 to $175. HomeAdvisor gives a similar overall range of $35 to $210. A typical deck needs 30 to 60 feet of railing.

Under the International Residential Code, guards are generally at least 36 inches tall and are required where the deck is more than 30 inches above grade. Openings must stop a 4-inch sphere. Local amendments can apply, so we confirm with the city.

Cable railings are widely used, but the cables must be tensioned so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through, which takes proper post spacing and hardware. We install them to meet the opening rule.

Usually the stringers are poorly attached at the top, or the base at the bottom has shifted with frost. Rebuilding the attachment and setting the bottom on a stable footing usually fixes it.

Yes, if the deck frame is sound where the posts attach. We check the rim joists and blocking and fix weak spots before installing new guards.

Angi's 2026 data puts professional deck staining at about $550 to $1,250, averaging around $850, or roughly $2 to $4 per square foot. Stripping old finish and heavy sanding add to that. We give a written price after seeing the deck.

Angi suggests every two to three years in general. Sunny south- and west-facing decks in Salt Lake City often need it sooner. If water soaks in instead of beading, it is time.

In strong sun, stain. Clear sealers repel water but usually do little to block UV, so the wood still grays. Semi-transparent stain gives UV protection while showing the grain.

Spring and early fall usually work best: mild temperatures, dry wood and no frost overnight. In summer we work early in the day or in shade so the stain does not dry too fast.

Often, yes. Cleaning, brightening and sanding remove the gray surface fibers, and stain protects the fresh wood. Boards that are split deeply or soft should be replaced first.