Expert Deck Builders in Arlington, MA

A deck changes how you use your property. In Arlington, where outdoor activity is part of the culture and weekends often involve the Minuteman Bikeway or Spy Pond, a solid deck becomes an extension of daily life. Not just for summer cookouts, but for morning coffee, after-work decompression, and the small moments that make a house feel like home.

Massachusetts weather tests outdoor structures. Between December and March, temperatures cross the freezing point dozens of times. Water seeps into small gaps, freezes, expands, and loosens connections. By spring, fasteners have shifted and boards have warped. Add summer humidity that promotes mold on shaded surfaces and UV exposure that degrades materials on south-facing decks. A deck built without these conditions in mind starts failing within ten years.

Material choice drives both cost and longevity. Pressure-treated lumber remains the budget option at $15-25 per square foot installed. It handles the elements when maintained, but maintenance is real work. Power washing, sanding, and staining every two to three years. Skip a season and the wood grays, cracks, and splinters. Cedar offers natural beauty at $25-35 per square foot, but it also requires regular sealing to hold its color.

Composite decking has changed the math for homeowners who value their time. Trex and TimberTech products cost $40-65 per square foot installed, but they never need staining. They do not splinter, warp, or rot. The material handles freeze-thaw cycles better than wood because it does not absorb moisture the same way. Over 20 years, composite often costs less than wood when you account for maintenance. Premium PVC products like TimberTech AZEK cost more but stay cooler underfoot and work well around pools or hot tubs.

Our process begins with a site visit. We assess your yard's grade, drainage patterns, how the deck connects to your house, and what the space needs to work for you. The ledger board attachment is the most critical structural element, and we plan it carefully. From there, we develop a design that matches your space and budget. Simple platforms, multi-level layouts with built-in seating, integrated lighting, pergolas for shade. We build what fits how you actually live.

Every deck project requires permits. We submit applications through the town's online system, handle fees, and schedule inspections. You do not need to visit the building department or coordinate with inspectors yourself. The permit process typically adds one to two weeks before construction starts, and we factor that into the timeline from the beginning.

All projects include manufacturer warranties on materials and our workmanship warranty on installation. Most deck failures trace back to how the deck was built, not what it was built with. Proper footings below the frost line, correctly sized framing, adequate fasteners, and careful flashing details determine whether your deck lasts 15 years or 40.

We have been doing this work for 27 years under the same family ownership. Crews show up when scheduled, protect your landscaping, and leave the site clean each day. That consistency builds reputation in towns where neighbors talk and referrals matter.