Deck Builder in Seattle
New decks, rebuilds, railings, stairs and refinishing, framed to the Seattle code for load, guards and stairs.
- We look under the boards at the framing, ledger and footings before we price.
- We draw the deck and file the permit when its height or site calls for one.
- You sign off on an itemized, written price before the old boards come up.
By appointment. Limited start dates.
- Over 200 projects
- 4.9 on Google
- 20+ years building
- WA license VOLCABI792C6
A deck you stopped using, or one you never had
Most deck calls we take start with one of these.
Boards that feel soft underfoot
Gray, cupped boards and a railing that moves when you lean on it. Boards that stay wet start to split and loosen, and the surface is usually the first thing to go.
Rot you cannot see from above
On the Mercer Island deck in our gallery, the framing under the boards had rotted. That is why we check the posts, beams and ledger before anyone talks about stain colors.
A deck built to pass inspection
In Seattle, a deck more than 18 inches above the ground needs a permit. An unpermitted deck can surface when the house is sold, so we build and inspect each one as if a buyer will ask.
What we build: decks, railings, stairs and refinishing
One crew handles the deck from the footings to the last coat of stain, including the railing and the stairs.
New decks
Ground level platforms, raised decks off a kitchen door and second story decks. Seattle designs decks for a live load of 60 pounds per square foot, higher than the model code, and we size joists, beams and footings to it.
Rebuilds and structural repair
Rotted joists, posts and ledgers replaced, and a deck that pulls away from the house anchored back to it. The code requires a deck to be anchored to the house or to stand on its own, never held by toenails or nails that can work loose.
Railings
Any open side more than 30 inches above the ground needs a guard at least 36 inches tall, with openings a 4 inch ball cannot pass. We build them in wood, composite, aluminum or cable. Glass has its own rules and may need an engineer.
Stairs and landings
Seattle deck stairs need risers no taller than 7 3/4 inches, treads at least 10 inches deep and a 36 inch clear width. Four or more risers need a handrail.
Refinishing
When the framing is sound, a deck can be saved: loose boards reset or replaced, the surface cleaned and sanded, then stained or painted. Our Seattle refinish took 5 days on site.
Plans and permits
We draw the plan, file the permit and book the inspections. Most Seattle decks need only a subject to field inspection permit; a deck over 8 feet high, over 750 square feet or with a solid surface needs a full construction permit.
Decks we have built and restored
Six real jobs from our portfolio, from full builds to refinishing. Each is captioned with its city and opens its project page.
What homeowners say about working with us
We were nervous about hiring a contractor because we were first-time homeowners, but Volcano Builders made it easy to understand. They made everything clear and helped us stick to our budget. I'm very happy with how everything turned out.
Bar and the team at Volcano Builders did a great job! Professional service, great communication throughout the whole process, and everything was done with care and attention to detail. Highly recommend!
Had a great experience working with Volcano Builders on remodeling bathroom and flooring in my condo! Bar and his team were very professional from estimates to timely completion of the job! Highly recommend!
Just completed my inital meeting with Volcano Builders about my bathroom remodels and couldn't be happier with the interaction. On time, professional and extremely knowledge. Highly recommend you invite them out to see your next home improvement project!
Gad an amazing experience with Volcano Builders on my kitchen project. Bar my project manager was friendly. He make sure to keep me updated during the whole project. Also is team is very nice.
Volcano Builders did a great job on our master bathroom. The tile work and finishing touches were great. Even though they weren't the cheapest quote we got, you can tell they care about quality.
How your deck project runs
Three steps, one team, and a written price before anyone picks up a tool.
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Site visit
We measure the deck or the space for one, check the height above grade, the slope, the framing and how the ledger meets the house, and talk through how you want to use it.
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Plan, price and permit
We draw the deck, price it in writing line by line and file the permit when the height, size or site needs one.
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Build and final inspection
One project manager runs the footings, framing, decking, railings and stairs, books each inspection, then walks the finished deck with you.
What sets the price of a deck in Seattle
Four things drive most of a deck quote. Your written estimate prices each on its own line.
Height and size
A low platform near the ground is the simplest build. Height adds posts, bracing, guards and stairs, and in Seattle a deck more than 36 inches up counts toward lot coverage, which can limit how big it can be.
Decking material
Pressure treated lumber, cedar and composite boards differ in price, upkeep and look. Composite boards, treads and rails that contain wood fiber must meet their own code section, so we use listed products.
Railings and stairs
Every foot of guard and every step adds cost. Wood is simplest; aluminum balusters, cable and composite systems cost more, and a glass railing may need an engineer.
What is underneath
Reusing sound framing keeps a refresh small. Rotted joists, a failing ledger, new footings or a steep lot turn a resurface into a rebuild, and a site in or near an environmentally critical area adds a city site visit.
If you are unsure whether to refinish or rebuild, ask us to open up a few boards at the first visit. What the framing looks like decides it.
Seattle and Bellevue Remodeling Cost Guide
Financing is available: Home Renovation Financing in Seattle.
Homeowners on camera
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Stephanie
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Sarah & Robert
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Paul & Burley
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Mrs. Sergeant
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Linda, Part 2
Deck building across Greater Seattle
Our main office is in Bellevue, and we build and repair decks across King and Snohomish counties, from Seattle, Mercer Island and the Eastside north to Snohomish.
Permits come from the city the house is in. In Seattle, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections issues deck permits, and a deck in or near an environmentally critical area, such as a landslide prone slope, needs a site visit from the city before any permit application. In Bellevue, permits come from Development Services. We file with whichever office covers your address.
Planning more than a deck? See our remodeling pages for Seattle and Bellevue, or all 132+ cities we serve.
Deck questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Seattle?
Yes, if the deck is more than 18 inches above the ground, is a roof deck, or sits in an environmentally critical area such as a steep slope. Most decks need only a subject to field inspection permit. A full construction permit is needed when the deck is more than 8 feet above the ground, has beams 14 feet or longer, has a solid surface or is over 750 square feet. Repairing rotted members in kind does not need one. The rules are on the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections deck page, and we file for you.
How tall does a deck railing need to be?
In Seattle, any deck surface more than 30 inches above the ground or a lower roof needs a guard at least 36 inches tall, and no opening in it may let a 4 inch ball through. Stairs with four or more risers need a handrail 34 to 38 inches above the tread nosing. Glass railings follow separate rules and may need a structural engineer.
Should I repair, refinish or rebuild my deck?
It depends on the framing, not the boards. When the joists, posts and ledger are sound, refinishing or replacing the decking is enough: our deck repair and refinishing job in Seattle took 5 days. When the framing has rotted, as on our Mercer Island deck remodel, a rebuild is the safe choice. We open up the deck at the site visit and show you what we find.
Composite or wood decking?
Both work here. Pressure treated lumber and cedar cost less up front but need regular cleaning and stain; composite needs less upkeep. Composite boards and rails that contain wood fiber must meet their own section of the Seattle Residential Code, and any wood touching concrete near the ground must be treated or naturally decay resistant.
How long does a deck project take?
On site, our jobs have run from 5 days for the Seattle refinish and 1 week for the Snohomish deck to 2 weeks for the Mercer Island remodel. A permit adds approval time. Your written estimate comes with a schedule; How Long Does a Remodel Take in Seattle and Bellevue? explains the phases.
How do I get a price for my deck?
Book a consultation. We visit, measure, look at the framing and the site, then send a written, itemized price before any work starts. For background on costs, read the Seattle and Bellevue Remodeling Cost Guide, or look through the deck remodeling portfolio.
Book your deck consultation
Four quick steps. Tell us about your project and we’ll reach out to discuss it and see if we’re the right fit.