Design a deck that works with your home, your outdoor space and the way you want to use it. DC Decks builds new wood and composite decks and replaces aging structures across the District.
A good deck should feel like a natural extension of the house. In Washington, that often means making thoughtful use of a compact yard, working around an alley or neighboring property, and selecting a layout that fits an older rowhouse or detached home without overwhelming the lot.
DC Decks handles new deck construction and complete deck replacement. We begin with the property and your priorities, then help define a practical scope: footprint, access, stairs, railings, surface material and the details that make the space comfortable to use.
Some homeowners are starting with open yard space. Others have an existing deck that has reached the point where repeated repairs no longer make sense. Both situations benefit from a plan that considers the structure as a whole rather than treating decking, rails and stairs as unrelated parts.
A deck-building scope may include:
Wood has a warm, familiar appearance and can be a good fit when initial material cost is a leading consideration. It does require ongoing care. Cleaning, sealing or staining on an appropriate schedule helps protect the surface and maintain its appearance.
Composite decking is popular with homeowners who want to reduce routine surface maintenance. Color, texture, heat exposure, fastening systems and manufacturer requirements all matter, so it is worth comparing actual samples and the complete installed system—not only the board price.
There is no single material that is right for every deck. We help you weigh appearance, upkeep, expected use and budget before the proposal is finalized.
We discuss how you want to use the deck, look at the property and identify practical constraints or questions.
We define the planned size, layout, stairs, railings, decking and other visible details so the estimate reflects a clear scope.
The required drawings, applications and approvals depend on the property and project. Construction begins after the necessary approvals are in place.
Our team builds to the approved scope, keeps the site orderly and walks through the finished work with you.
Deck permits are not one-size-fits-all. The DC Department of Buildings lists porches and decks—including alterations to existing decks—among work that requires permitting. For certain one-level decks on one- or two-family homes, DOB provides a dedicated Deck Permit path and submission guidance. New decks may also require a surveyor’s plat.
Property type, deck size, number of levels, height, historic review and other conditions can change what is required. Check the current DC Deck Permit guidance for your project rather than relying on an old fee table or a year-stamped blog post.
Permit information is general and may change. The DC Department of Buildings is the authority for current application and review requirements.
Reviewed August 15, 2026. Requirements and fees can change. The permit authority and approved documents control each project.
The District of Columbia is the building-permit authority. Zoning, Historic Preservation Office review, public-space work, utilities and condominium or association approval can be separate tracks.
These are DC Decks planning allowances for a complete new deck in the Washington metropolitan market—not a proposal, contract price or government fee. They assume conventional residential construction, straightforward access and standard geometry. Demolition, design or engineering, permit fees, major grading or rock, utilities, cranes, roof replacement, unusual structural reinforcement, premium rails, lighting, kitchens, hot tubs and other upgrades can be additional.
On a phone, swipe the table left and right to see all columns.
| Project type | Early planning allowance | What changes the budget |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-level wood deck | $55–$90 / sq. ft. | Footings, site access, steps, edging, drainage and wood species |
| Ground-level composite or PVC | $75–$125 / sq. ft. | Product line, fastening, trim, heat exposure and border details |
| Elevated or walkout wood deck | $75–$125 / sq. ft. | Height, stairs, guards, bracing, post and footing design |
| Elevated composite or PVC deck | $95–$160 / sq. ft. | Structure, railing system, fascia, stairs and difficult access |
| Rooftop deck | Feasibility study + engineered budget | Roof capacity, reinforcement, waterproofing, access, zoning and crane logistics |
| Repair or resurfacing | Site-measured after framing review | What can safely remain, rail and stair work, rot and hidden connections |
Permit fees are separate. DOB bases the Deck Permit fee on the declared construction cost. Its current examples start at $36.30 when construction cost is under $500 and $71.50 from $500 through $1,000; higher-cost work uses DOB's published formula. Those are government permit fees, not deck-construction prices, and other reviews can add fees. Check the current official fee source.
A low platform is not automatically permit-free in DC. Its attachment, footings, height, lot coverage, setbacks, drainage and relationship to property lines still control the review. Confirm the permit path before treating a ground-level deck like a patio.
Elevated decks need a complete load path from the walking surface to approved footings. Ledger attachment, post and beam sizing, diagonal or lateral bracing, guards, stairs and the connection at the house are frequent plan-review and inspection points.
A rooftop deck is an occupied-roof project, not a standard backyard deck. Structural capacity, roof waterproofing, safe access and egress, guard geometry, zoning height and setback rules, mechanical equipment clearance, fire and historic review may all affect feasibility. DOB and the Office of Planning publish separate rooftop guidance; structural and zoning review should happen before finishes are priced.
DOB's residential Deck Guide reflects the 2017 DC Construction Codes adopted in 2020. The guide is a prescriptive path for qualifying one-level residential decks; a project outside its limits needs project-specific plans and may require a DC-licensed design professional.
Guards, stairs, footings, ledger or freestanding connections, lateral support and load paths are reviewed as one system. An occupied roof, two-story deck, multi-story deck, multifamily property or unusual structural condition does not use the simplest Deck Permit path.
Use these government sources to confirm the current rule for the exact address and proposed design:
Planning disclosure: This page summarizes public guidance reviewed on August 15, 2026 and is not a permit approval, engineering opinion, code ruling or fixed-price estimate.
For early 2026 planning, DC Decks uses broad Washington-area construction allowances of $55–$90 per square foot for a straightforward ground-level wood deck, $75–$125 for ground-level composite or PVC, $75–$125 for elevated wood, and $95–$160 for elevated composite or PVC. Access, demolition, structure, stairs, rails, engineering, site work and selections can move the price outside those ranges. Government fees are separate.
A low platform is not automatically permit-free in DC. Its attachment, footings, height, lot coverage, setbacks, drainage and relationship to property lines still control the review. Confirm the permit path before treating a ground-level deck like a patio.
A rooftop deck is an occupied-roof project, not a standard backyard deck. Structural capacity, roof waterproofing, safe access and egress, guard geometry, zoning height and setback rules, mechanical equipment clearance, fire and historic review may all affect feasibility. DOB and the Office of Planning publish separate rooftop guidance; structural and zoning review should happen before finishes are priced.
Washington, DC generally requires permits for new decks and alterations to existing decks. The exact application and review path depends on the property and scope, so confirm current requirements with DOB before construction.
Wood offers a traditional look and can have a lower initial material cost, while composite typically reduces routine staining and sealing. The best choice depends on appearance, maintenance preference, budget and the complete deck design.
Yes. A complete replacement can include removal of the existing deck, a new or similar layout, framing, decking, railings and stairs, subject to the approved scope and permit requirements.
Schedule a free consultation. We will discuss the property, desired size and layout, material preferences and project constraints before preparing a proposal.
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