A new deck raises a lot of questions before the first board ever goes down. Homeowners want to know what a project will cost, how long it will take, and whether they need a permit to begin. We hear these deck-building questions every week from families across Kansas City and Johnson County. To help you plan with confidence, we gathered clear answers to the questions we get asked most, drawn from nearly three decades of building decks.
How Much Does a Composite Deck Cost?
Cost is usually the first thing homeowners ask us about, so we like to address it up front.
What Affects the Price of a Deck?
We build composite decks, which typically run $70 to $100 per square foot. Your final price depends on a few things:
- Design and how high the deck sits off the ground
- Site access for our crew and materials
- The decking, railings, and lighting you choose
What Size is an Average Deck, and How Long Does it Take?
A common deck size is 16 by 14 or 16 by 16. Most builds take about a week, sometimes a day or two longer, depending on the weather and how easily we can dig and reach the site.
Key Takeaway: A clear scope, from size to railing and lighting choices, gives you the most accurate quote and timeline.
What are the Most Common Deck Building Questions About Permits?
Permits protect your investment and keep your project safe and code-compliant.
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes. Every jurisdiction in Kansas City and Johnson County requires a building permit to construct a deck. We permit every project we build.
Does Your Contractor Need to Be Licensed?
The contractor working on your deck must be the licensed permit holder and carry at least a framing license. Always confirm this before signing.
Pro Tip: Ask any builder to show their license and pull the permit in their own name. We always do.
Have more questions about your deck project? Contact DW Decks for a free consultation today.
Composite or Wood: Which Deck is Easier to Maintain?
Many homeowners weigh material choice against the upkeep it requires down the road.
How Much Maintenance Does a Deck Need?
A composite deck needs no maintenance beyond keeping it clean. A quick hose-off or light power wash does the job, and gentler, more frequent cleaning reduces the chance of scuffing.
A wood deck asks for more. You will need to power wash and stain or seal it every two to four years, depending on the climate and the look you want. Pricing between the two has gotten close, and composite is sometimes the cheaper option, which is why most of our clients choose it.
Can You Add a Pergola or Roof Cover Later?
You can add a pergola or roof cover after a deck is built, as long as the deck sits high enough. For a cost-effective retrofit, we oversize the support piers ahead of time and have them inspected for that future load.
People also ask how a deck differs from a patio. A patio is a ground-level hardscape that blends into the yard. A deck is an extension of your home that sits up off the ground, keeps insects at bay, and creates a more functional living space.
Key Takeaway: Planning for a future pergola during the original build saves you from replacing piers later.
Do You Offer Financing, and Why Should You Choose Us?
A great deck should fit your budget and come from a team you can trust.
Do You Offer Deck Financing?
We offer financing through a trusted third party, with options that range from same-as-cash plans to standard APR rates and revolving credit lines. We are happy to walk you through what fits your situation.
What Other Deck Building Questions Do Homeowners Ask?
Homeowners often ask what sets us apart. We have built decks since 1997, nearly 30 years of permitted, code-compliant projects backed by a reputation for consistent service and quality that few builders in the region can match.
Let’s Build Your Kansas City Deck
From cost and permits to maintenance, add-ons, and financing, the right information helps you plan a deck you will enjoy for years. We bring proven experience, full code compliance, and honest guidance to every build. Schedule your free consultation with DW Decks today, and let our team answer all of your deck-building questions.