Deck Building& Repair, Portland Metro

Yes — decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in virtually every Portland metro jurisdiction. Some cities also require permits for lower decks that are attached to the house. Elevated decks on sloped lots in cities like West Linn, Happy Valley, and Portland often require engineer-stamped structural drawings in addition to the standard permit. We handle all permit applications, structural drawing coordination, and inspection scheduling as part of every project.

Composite decking is engineered wood-fiber and plastic that resists moisture, rot, and splintering — it requires almost no maintenance beyond an annual wash and lasts 25–30+ years in Oregon's climate. Pressure-treated lumber is less expensive upfront but needs sealing every 2–3 years, can splinter as it ages, and has a shorter lifespan of 10–15 years in the Portland metro's wet conditions. For most properties we recommend composite — the higher upfront cost is typically recovered within 10 years in avoided maintenance and early replacement costs.

A bouncy or unlevel deck usually indicates one of three issues: undersized joists, a failing post base, or a deteriorating ledger connection. The ledger — where the deck attaches to the house — is the most critical element and the most common failure point on older decks. We assess the full structure at every repair estimate: ledger connection, post base condition, joist sizing, and beam integrity. If there's a structural safety concern we'll tell you directly and scope the repair honestly.

Yes — sloped lot decks are one of our most common projects in West Linn, Gladstone, Oregon City, and Bull Mountain in Tigard. Hillside decks require deeper footings, taller posts, and in steeper cases engineered framing approved by the local building department. We design the structure to match your specific grade at the estimate — not a generic flat-lot plan. On lots with significant drop, we'll discuss cantilevered designs that maximize usable deck space without adding excessive post height.

Deck costs vary significantly based on size, material, terrain, and structural complexity. A ground-level pressure-treated deck on a flat lot is priced very differently from an elevated composite deck on a sloped West Linn lot with engineer-stamped drawings. We provide a free written estimate that itemizes every component — footings, framing, decking, railings, stairs, and permit fees — so you know exactly what drives the number. Call or text 503-882-0704 and we'll typically have someone at your property within 24 hours.

Often yes — and we'll tell you honestly which approach makes more financial sense for your specific deck. If the framing is sound and only the surface boards are deteriorating, surface replacement is a fraction of the cost of a full rebuild. If the ledger connection is failing, post bases are rotted, or joists are undersized, a targeted structural repair may extend the life significantly. We assess everything at the estimate and give you the repair option, the replacement option, and our honest recommendation.

Yes — decks over 30 inches above grade are required by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code to have guardrails at least 36 inches high (42 inches for commercial applications). Baluster spacing cannot exceed 4 inches. Post connections must be through-bolted to the framing — not surface-mounted with face screws, which is a common non-compliant installation we see on older decks. All railing work we do is designed and installed to current code requirements.

Yes. Our Oregon CCB license (#255649) covers all construction work including decks throughout Oregon. We also hold a Washington contractor license (#OREGOJB755C8). We carry full general liability and workers' compensation insurance on every job and can provide proof of coverage before any work begins.