Deck Building FAQ
Straight answers to the questions homeowners across the Main Line, Delaware County and Chester County ask us most.
How much does it cost to build a deck near Philadelphia?
Most decks run from about $15,000 for a simple ground-level pressure-treated wood deck to $80,000+ for a large multi-level composite deck with built-in seating, lighting and railing. The biggest cost drivers are size, decking material (wood vs. composite/PVC), height off the ground, and features like stairs, roofs and screening.
Composite vs. wood decking — which is better in Pennsylvania?
Composite and PVC decking (Trex, TimberTech, AZEK) stand up to Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles, resist rot and fading, and never need staining or sealing — but they cost more upfront. Pressure-treated and cedar wood cost less initially yet require regular sealing every couple of years. For homeowners staying long-term, composite’s lower lifetime maintenance usually wins out.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Almost always, yes. Most townships across Delaware County, Chester County and the Main Line require a building permit and a footing inspection for a new deck attached to the home. We handle the permit application, drawings and inspections with your township as part of the project so it’s done to code.
How long does it take to build a deck?
Once permits are approved, most decks take about 1–3 weeks to build depending on size and complexity. Permit timelines vary by municipality — some townships turn around in a few days, others take a few weeks — so the overall project from signed contract to finished deck is typically 4–8 weeks.
Which decking and railing brands do you install?
We build with the leading composite and PVC decking brands — Trex, TimberTech and AZEK — and install Keylink and RDI railing systems (aluminum, composite and cable). We’ll walk you through the colors, textures and price points so you can match your home and budget.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. JHL Deck Builders is a registered Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (PA HIC #PA035784), fully licensed and insured, OSHA-compliant, BBB-rated and CoStar Group Certified. We carry liability and workers’ compensation coverage on every job.
How long has JHL Deck Builders been in business?
We’ve been designing and building custom decks since 1995 — more than 30 years — and have completed 1,000+ projects across the Main Line, Delaware County and Chester County. We operate from our studio at 12 Smedley Ln in Newtown Square.
Do you build screened-in porches and covered decks?
Yes. Screened-in decks, covered (roofed) decks and three-season porches are among our most popular projects. We can integrate a roof, screening, ceiling fans and lighting into a new build or add them to an existing deck.
Can you build a second-story or multi-level deck?
Absolutely. Elevated second-story decks and multi-level designs are a specialty — they require engineered framing, proper footings and code-compliant railing and stairs, all of which we design and permit for your specific site.
How deep do deck footings need to be in PA?
In southeastern Pennsylvania, footings generally must extend below the frost line — typically around 36 inches deep — to prevent heaving in winter. We dig, pour and have footings inspected to your township’s code before any framing goes up.
Do you repair or replace existing decks?
Yes. We handle deck repair (boards, railings, framing, fasteners) as well as full deck replacement and renovation — including resurfacing an existing structurally-sound frame with new composite decking. We’ll inspect what you have and recommend repair vs. replacement honestly.
What does a deck warranty cover?
Composite and PVC decking carry manufacturer warranties — often 25–50 years on fade and stain for boards from Trex, TimberTech and AZEK. On top of the product warranty, we stand behind our workmanship. We’ll go over the specific coverage for the materials you choose before the build.
See Our Work
Real decks built by JHL across the Main Line, Delaware County and Chester County, PA.
