Custom decks, built to last
Composite or wood, built on footings and framing that will still be solid when the boards are long paid off.
A deck is a structure, not just boards
The part of a deck everyone sees is the decking and the railing. The part that decides whether it lasts is underneath: the footings, the framing, and above all the ledger, the board that fastens the deck to the house. Most serious deck failures start there, when water gets behind a ledger that was not flashed and rots the house framing it hangs from. We build the structure first and build it right, then make the surface look good.
Composite or wood
- Composite decking does not need staining or sealing, will not splinter, and holds its color. It costs more up front and is the choice for owners who never want to refinish a deck again.
- Pressure-treated wood costs less and is the traditional choice. It needs cleaning and sealing every few years to stay in good shape.
- Railings in composite, aluminum or wood, with balusters, post caps and lighting options.
Either way, the framing underneath is pressure-treated lumber, so the structural details are the same.
How we build a deck
- Design around the yard: the size, the stairs, where the grill and table go, and how it meets the door.
- Footings below the frost line, so the deck does not heave in a North Jersey winter.
- A flashed ledger fastened into the house framing, with flashing that keeps water out of the wall behind it.
- Joists, beams and hardware sized for the span, with proper connectors at every joint.
- Stairs and railings built to the heights and spacing the code requires.
Deck and exterior together
A new deck often sits right against siding and below a door or windows. If those are due too, doing them together means the flashing at the ledger and the trim around the door are planned as one job. See our siding, door and window work.
Common questions
Is composite decking worth it?
If you do not want to stain or seal a deck every few years, usually yes. It costs more up front but needs almost no maintenance and does not splinter.
How long does it take to build a deck?
A typical deck takes a few days to about a week once work starts, depending on size, stairs and railings. Permits and material lead times come first.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Attached decks generally need a permit from your town's construction office. We handle the drawings and the inspections.
How much does a new deck cost?
The size, height, decking material, railing style and number of stairs set the price. See our cost guide.
This page was last updated in September 2026.
Planning a deck for next summer?
Call (973) 625-7663. Spring fills up fast, so the best time to plan is now.