The seven stages, in order
This is one real backyard, photographed at every stage from the same spot. The times are typical ranges for each stage; your builder’s schedule is the one that counts.
Stage 1 of 7
Design and permit
Often a few weeks
Size, height, stairs, railings and boards get chosen and drawn, and the permit goes in if your city needs one. A raised deck almost always does.
Stage 2 of 7
Tear-out and layout
About a day
Any old deck comes out, utilities are located, and the layout is strung with every footing or pile spot marked.
Stage 3 of 7
Footings or screw piles
1 to 2 days, then inspection
Steel screw piles go in and get cut level in a day; poured footings need time to cure. Many cities inspect footings before anything is built on them.
Stage 4 of 7
Framing
1 to 3 days
Beams, joists, ledger and blocking go on. A level, square frame is what makes the boards and railings go on clean.
Stage 5 of 7
Decking boards
2 to 5 days
Boards and fascia go on. Composite and picture-frame borders take longer than plain pressure-treated boards.
Stage 6 of 7
Stairs and railings
1 to 3 days
Stairs get built and railings go on. Aluminum and glass railings are often ordered to size, so ask early when they arrive.
Stage 7 of 7
Skirting, lights and final inspection
1 to 2 days
Skirting, lights and the last trim go on, the final inspection is booked, and you walk the deck together.
What decides how long yours takes
- The permit. Often the longest wait. Your city decides whether you need one and how long it takes.
- Size and height. A raised or multi-level deck means more footings, more framing and more inspections.
- Materials. Composite boards and made-to-size railings take longer to install and sometimes to arrive.
- Season. Spring and summer book up early; a fall build often starts sooner.
- Weather and ground. Rain, frozen ground and rock where a footing goes all push the schedule.
Getting ready for the build
A few things make the build days go smoothly:
- Have utilities located before anyone digs: your builder can book it
- Clear a path through the side yard for materials and keep pets inside
- Check whether your homeowners association needs to approve the design
Knowing where yours is at
Even a short build has days where nothing seems to happen, like waiting on an inspection or a railing order. More builders now send a live timeline instead: one link that shows the stage you are in, today’s photos and the next step.
The Novaks’ deck on their phone, mid-build: framing today, stage 4 of 8.
See the Novaks’ full timeline →
If your builder doesn’t send one, show them this page.
Questions homeowners ask
How long does it take to build a small deck?
A contractor can build a small deck, up to about 200 sq ft, in 1 to 3 days once the permit and materials are in.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Usually yes for a raised deck or one attached to the house, and sometimes not for a low, freestanding one. Your city decides.
How long does it take to build a composite deck?
Longer than pressure-treated wood: composite boards need more precise spacing and hidden fasteners, and picture-frame borders add time.
Are screw piles faster than concrete footings?
Yes. Screw piles go in and can carry the frame the same day, while concrete footings need time to cure first.
When is the best time to build a deck?
Book in winter for a spring build, or build in the fall when builders are less busy. Frozen ground makes footings harder in deep winter.
Sources: build times by deck size from Advantage Lumber, “How Long Does it Take to Build a Deck?” (July 2023). Stage times are typical ranges reported by deck builders.