Most people start with a size in mind, like "maybe 12 by 16." A better place to start is a question: what do you want to do out there? A deck that fits a grill, a table for six and a couple of lounge chairs needs a different shape than one built mainly for a hot tub or a kids' play area.
Custom deck building in Kannapolis
Custom deck building for Kannapolis homes covers simple ground-level platforms, raised decks off a second-story door, multi-level decks on sloped lots, and decks that tie into an existing porch or patio.
The older Cannon Mills houses around town usually have small back porches and modest yards. There, a low deck with a wide stair often adds a lot of usable space without crowding the lot. Newer subdivisions tend to have bigger yards and higher back doors, which opens up larger layouts and room for a covered section later.
How to plan a deck around your routine
At the free on-site visit, expect a lot of practical questions:
- Where does the grill go? Close enough to the kitchen door to carry plates, far enough from siding and windows to keep smoke and heat off the house.
- How many people sit down to eat? A table for six needs roughly a 10x10 area just for the table and chairs to pull out.
- Where is the afternoon sun? In Kannapolis summers, a west-facing deck gets hot. The builder may suggest a lighter board color, a pergola, or planning for a future roof.
- Kids and pets? Railing style, gate locations and stair width all change.
- Future plans? If a hot tub or screened porch might come later, the deck can be framed for the extra load now so you're not rebuilding.
From there the builder sketches a layout and a material plan, and you get it in writing with the price.
What goes into a well-built deck
The parts you see are boards and railings. The parts that matter most are hidden:
- Footings. Concrete footings sized and set to the right depth. NC811 gets called before any digging so utility lines are marked.
- Ledger attachment. Where the deck meets the house, the crew bolts it properly and flashes it so rain can't sit behind it. This is where most deck rot starts.
- Framing. Pressure-treated joists and beams, spaced for the decking you choose. Composite usually needs tighter joist spacing than wood.
- Joist protection. Tape on joist tops helps shed water in our humid, rainy climate.
- Decking, railings and stairs. The finished surface, safe railings and stairs with proper rise and run.
Permits and inspections are usually required for decks, and the contractor pulls them. Inspections typically happen at the footing stage and at the end.
Timeline
Once the permit is approved, most standard decks take one to two weeks of building. Multi-level decks or projects with a lot of stairs take longer. Weather can push dates a few days, since a careful crew won't pour footings or set framing in heavy rain.
What to ask any deck builder
Whoever you hire, ask these:
- Who pulls the permit, and is it included in the price?
- How will the deck attach to the house, and how is the ledger flashed?
- What joist spacing are you using for this decking?
- What size and depth are the footings?
- Is the price in writing, with materials and railing style listed?
If the answers are vague, keep looking.
What a good builder won't do
A good builder won't build without a permit when one is required, won't attach a deck without flashing, and won't quote a firm price over the phone, because slope, height and access change the real number. That comes from the on-site visit and a written quote.
Materials and related services
Most new builds are either composite decks or wood decks, and many homeowners add a covered deck or screened porch to get relief from sun and pollen. If you already have a deck that's past saving, see deck replacement. For typical prices, check the deck cost guide.
Call (980) 324-2790 or request a free quote to get started.
Questions people ask
How big should my deck be?
Start with what you'll put on it. A grill and a small table fit on about 10x12. A dining table for six plus a couple of lounge chairs usually needs 12x16 or larger. At the estimate, the builder can measure your yard and furniture plans and suggest a size that fits both.
Do I need a permit for a new deck in Kannapolis?
Usually, yes. Decks generally need a permit and inspections, and the contractor pulls them. It should be included in the plan and the written quote.
Can you build a deck on a sloped yard?
Yes. Sloped lots are common in newer Kannapolis subdivisions. Builders use taller posts, multiple levels or a combination to keep the deck level and stairs comfortable. Slope does add cost, which shows up in the written quote.
Can I add a roof or screened porch later?
Yes, if the deck is planned for it. Footings and beams can be sized for a future roof now, which costs a little more today and a lot less than rebuilding later. Mention it at your estimate.