Professional Deck Builder in Olympia
Custom Design & Structural Restoration

Most new deck construction in Olympia requires a permit. City of Olympia regulations require permits for decks over 200 square feet or more than 30 inches above grade. Thurston County (unincorporated areas) has similar requirements but enforces them at county level. Permits ensure your deck meets current structural codes for seismic safety, proper ledger board attachment, and adequate footing depth. We handle all permit applications, engineering plans, and inspection scheduling as part of our deck building service. The permit process typically adds 2-3 weeks to the timeline but ensures your deck is safe, legal, and won't cause issues when you sell your home.

The best deck materials for the Pacific Northwest climate balance moisture resistance, slip safety, and maintenance requirements. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, Azek) excels in our wet climate—it resists mold, mildew, and rot while requiring minimal maintenance. Cedar remains popular for its natural beauty and moderate moisture resistance, though it requires regular staining (every 2-3 years). For slip resistance, choose textured composite or grooved cedar—critical for our 50+ inches of annual rainfall. Avoid smooth surfaces and tropical hardwoods that become slippery when wet. We recommend composite for low-maintenance longevity and cedar for clients who enjoy the maintenance ritual and natural wood aesthetics.

New deck construction costs in Olympia range from $35 to $75 per square foot depending on materials and design complexity. Pressure-treated lumber decks start at $35-45/sq ft. Cedar decks run $45-60/sq ft. Premium composite (Trex, TimberTech) costs $55-75/sq ft. These prices include labor, materials, and basic railing systems. Custom features add cost: multi-level designs (+$8-12/sq ft), built-in benches (+$300-600 each), glass or cable railing systems (+$150-200/linear ft). Average 300-400 square foot deck projects in Olympia run $15,000 to $28,000 total. We provide itemized quotes showing material vs. labor costs and options at different price points.

Yes, repairing wood rot is one of our specialties. Our structural assessment process identifies all compromised areas—joists, beams, posts, ledger boards, and decking. We replace rotted structural members with pressure-treated lumber, ensuring proper flashing and moisture barriers to prevent future rot. Joist and ledger board replacement is critical for safety—these support the entire deck structure. In many cases, selective repair is more cost-effective than full replacement, especially if the rot is localized to one area. We provide honest assessments comparing repair costs vs. replacement costs. Our woodworking expertise means we can match existing materials and maintain your deck's appearance while ensuring structural integrity.

Composite decks in Washington typically last 25-30 years with minimal maintenance. Major manufacturers (Trex, TimberTech, Azek) provide 25-30 year warranties covering structural integrity, stain resistance, and fade resistance. In our wet climate, composite outperforms wood significantly—no rot, no mold growth, no annual staining required. Color retention is excellent with newer composite formulations using cap-stock technology. The only maintenance required is occasional washing with soap and water. Composite decking handles our freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and heavy rainfall without degrading. This longevity makes composite more cost-effective than cedar over the deck's lifetime despite higher upfront costs.

Yes, we build decks year-round in Olympia with proper weather protection and scheduling flexibility. Winter deck building offers several advantages: faster scheduling (less competition for our time), potential cost savings, and completion before spring/summer outdoor season. We work around rain using temporary coverings for concrete curing and finish work. Concrete footings can be poured in winter—we use cold-weather concrete mixes and protect them during curing. Composite decking installs well in cold weather (it contracts, allowing proper spacing). We avoid installing wood decking in heavy rain but can complete framing work. Most winter projects experience minor weather delays but finish on schedule with proper planning.

Cedar decks in Olympia should be restained every 2-3 years to maintain protection and appearance. Our wet climate (50+ inches of annual rain) accelerates finish breakdown. Signs your deck needs restaining: water no longer beads on the surface, wood looks grayish or weathered, stain appears blotchy or worn in high-traffic areas. Professional staining produces superior results vs. DIY—we properly clean, sand, and apply stain in optimal weather conditions (dry days with moderate temperatures). High-quality penetrating stains (semi-transparent oil-based formulas) last longer than cheap big-box stains. Regular restaining prevents moisture penetration that leads to rot and extends your deck's lifespan by decades.

Yes, D's Custom Woodworks is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured contractor in Washington State. We maintain active registration with Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) as a general contractor specializing in deck construction and structural wood repair. Our insurance coverage includes general liability and workers' compensation, protecting you from any liability during construction. We comply with all City of Olympia and Thurston County building codes, pull required permits, and schedule inspections. Our licensing ensures we follow proper construction techniques: correct ledger board attachment methods, appropriate joist spacing, code-compliant railing heights, and proper footing depth for seismic safety. You can verify our licensing status through the L&I contractor lookup portal.