Expert Deck Builders in Burlington, MA

A deck is the kind of home improvement you actually use. Not just for weekend barbecues, but for morning coffee, reading in the afternoon, and evening conversations that stretch past sunset. In Burlington, where many homes have decent backyard space and natural areas like Mary Cummings Park are part of the community character, outdoor living makes sense.

The problem is that Massachusetts weather punishes outdoor structures relentlessly. Between November and April, temperatures cross the freezing point dozens of times. Water finds its way into small gaps, freezes, expands, and damages fasteners and connections. By the time spring arrives, boards have shifted and the structure has loosened. Add humid summers that promote mold on shaded surfaces, intense UV exposure that degrades materials year after year, and snow loads that stress framing. A deck built without accounting for these conditions fails earlier than it should.

Material choice determines both how your deck looks and how long it lasts. Pressure-treated lumber remains the most affordable option at $15-25 per square foot installed. It holds up reasonably well when maintained, but the maintenance is real work. Plan on power washing, sanding, and staining every two to three years. Miss a season and the wood grays, cracks, and starts to splinter. Cedar offers natural beauty and some rot resistance at $25-35 per square foot, though it also requires regular sealing to keep its color.

Composite decking has changed the decision for homeowners who value their time. Products from Trex and TimberTech cost $40-65 per square foot installed, but they never need staining. They resist splintering, warping, and rot. The material handles freeze-thaw better than wood because it absorbs less moisture. Over a 20-year span, composite frequently costs less than wood once you account for maintenance time and stain purchases. For homeowners who plan to stay in their homes, the math tends to favor composite.

Our process begins with a site visit. We look at your yard's grade and drainage patterns, check how the deck will attach to your house, and discuss what you want to use the space for. The ledger board connection is the most critical structural element in any attached deck, and we plan that detail carefully. From there, we develop a design that fits your space and your budget. Simple platforms or multi-level layouts. Built-in seating and planters. Pergolas for shade. Step lighting and post caps. We build what makes practical sense for how you will actually use the space.

Permits are required for most deck projects. We handle the application, pay the fees, and schedule all inspections. You do not need to coordinate with the building department or take time off work for inspector visits. The permit process typically adds one to two weeks before construction begins, and we factor that into the project timeline from the start.

Every deck we build includes manufacturer warranties on materials and our own workmanship warranty on the installation. Most deck problems trace back to construction quality rather than material defects. Footings that extend below the frost line, properly sized joists and beams, adequate fasteners, and correct flashing details are what separate a deck that lasts 15 years from one that lasts 40.

We have been doing this for 27 years under the same family ownership. Our crews arrive when scheduled, protect your landscaping during the project, and clean up at the end of each day. That consistency builds reputation in communities where neighbors compare notes and word travels.