Begin with how you want to use the deck — dining, relaxing, grilling or entertaining — then plan size, location and stairs around that. Discuss material options, maintenance and any permit needs with your contractor before work begins.
Plan around how you'll use it
A deck for a small table needs less room than one for a full dining set, grill and seating area.
Think about where the sun falls during the times you'll use the deck most.
Layout and access
Consider which door the deck will connect to, where stairs should land and how people will move across it.
Sloped lots, common across the Triangle, can affect deck height and stair placement.
Materials and upkeep
Different decking materials look and age differently and need different maintenance. Ask what each option involves.
Learn more about our deck work.
Questions to ask your contractor
Ask who will be on site, how the scope will be documented and whether permits apply. At Robert Paul Contracting, the owner is on every job site.
Ready to talk it through? Request an estimate or call (919) 440-1477. Our response time is 60 minutes or less, and veterans receive 5% off.
Frequently asked questions
Do decks need permits in North Carolina?
Permit requirements depend on your local jurisdiction and the project. Ask about them during planning.
Can a deck be added to an older home?
Often, yes. The existing structure is reviewed during planning.