If you compare an apartment and a private house, then first of all the difference will be in the availability of a plot around the house, which you can use at your discretion. One of the most popular uses for a portion of this area is by building a deck. This is a very common extension to the house, so every homeowner wants to build one.

So how long does it take to build a deck? The answer will be from 3-5 days to a month of work, not including the time for obtaining permits. This time difference is due to the complexity of the task, the size of the deck, the number of employees, and many other details.

There are standard deck options that are easy and fairly quick to build, as well as multi-level decks with many additional elements. Because of this, there is a big difference in the time it takes to build the deck.

Standard Size Deck

A single-level deck with dimensions of 300 – 400 sq. Is considered a standard one. ft. They can be of different shapes, both rounded and rectangular. On average, the construction of such a deck takes 5 – 7 days.

Process	Needed Time
Removing the old deck	4 – 6 hours
Installation of supports	5 – 6 hours
Deck framing	1 -2 days
Vinyl installation	1 day
Railings	1 day

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Removing the Old Deck

In most cases, every house already has a deck, and when it comes to installation, it is the replacement of the deck that is meant. Therefore, to install a new deck, you first need to dismantle the old one.

The dismantling process usually takes about half a day, provided that it is carried out by 2-3 people. During this process, the old deck is completely removed and the area is cleared for the installation of new supports.

Installation of Supports

The next step is the installation of supports on which the new deck will be held. A hole 3 to 4 feet deep is dug under each support, the support is installed and concrete is poured over it. This stage of the work is physically difficult and it is better to perform it with at least two people. This process can also take about half a working day.

It should also be noted that before proceeding with the installation of the frame, it takes time for the concrete to dry. Therefore, professional decks installers finish the installation of the supports at the end of the working day, and the concrete hardens overnight.

Deck Frame Construction

Installing a new deck frame is one of the most time-consuming processes. Depending on the number of people performing the installation, the process usually takes 1 – 2 days. For example, if you want to install faster, then you can attract more workers and four of them can do this work in a day.

Vinyl Installation

This is followed by the installation of the deck. 1 day is safely allocated for this part of the work since it is also associated with physical activity and the need for accuracy. The choice of material does not greatly affect the installation speed. The difference can only be that if you did not order the material in advance, but it was not in stock. In this case, you will of course have to wait for the next delivery.

Pressure treated wood, cedar wood, or composite material are usually used as the deck cover. Each of these materials has its distinctive properties. However, when the question of how long does it take to build a deck becomes relevant, then it is worth choosing materials before starting construction.

Railings

When the deck is almost ready, all that remains is to install a railing for your safety. It also takes a full day to install the railing and prepare the deck for the final look. After this process, you will already be able to fully use the resulting extension. This completes the work of the builders, and you just have to equip the deck. The installation of the grill, furniture, and other elements is very individual and depends on how you planned everything.

How Long does it take to Build a Deck with Custom Size and Form?

While everything is very clear with the standard deck sizes and shape, with custom decks it is much more complicated. We cannot accurately describe how long each process will take due to their individuality.

Usually, when it comes to non-standard decks, not knowing the exact design, any builder will answer you – up to 3-4 weeks. This is the maximum time that can be spent on the construction of the most complex structures, with many levels and transitions. In addition, the deck can be very impressive in size and this is also worth considering.

However, if you want to have a rough idea of ​​how long does it take to build a deck in your home, you can use the numbers described for standard decks. How can this be done correctly?

Well, first of all, you need to know exactly the size and shape of your future deck. You also need to understand how many different transitions and levels there will be. After that, you just need to compare the dimensions of the standard deck with yours and calculate the time.

Let’s look at a simple example for a better understanding. In your design, a simple one-level deck came out, but of a large size, for example, 600 – 700 sq. ft. In this case, you should not worry that its installation will take as much as 3-4 weeks. Knowing that the same smaller deck takes 5-7 days, you can expect that the whole process will take no more than 10 days for you.

If you have a more complex project in your plans, then it is better to discuss it with those who will perform the installation. A company representative will calculate in detail all the necessary work and how long it will take to complete them.

What Can Increase the Installation Time?

1. Bad weather
2. Need for inspection
3. The uneven, rocky surface

Even with an accurate plan for the time required to install a new deck, additional difficulties can be encountered. Some of them can be prepared and avoided, but there are those that you cannot influence.

One of these uncontrolled processes is the weather. Since the deck is installed outdoors, it is done in good weather. If it rains heavily for several days, the work will have to be postponed.

The second factor that will affect how long does it take to build a deck can be the legislation in your city. Most cities in the USA require an inspection of the quality of concrete poured. And since inspectors have their schedule, waiting for it may take additional time.

The speed at which the deck is set can also be influenced by the landscape of your yard and the composition of the ground. For example, it is much easier to set up the deck on flat, soft ground than on a steep slope. In addition, the ground may be very rocky, and digging holes under the supports will be much more difficult, which will affect the time of work.

How to Speed up Deck Construction

1. Agree on design
2. Order materials
3. Hire professionals
4. More employees

If you want your deck to be completed as quickly as possible, then you need to think through everything in advance. First, you need to think about the design of your deck in advance. All the nuances must be agreed upon with the contractor so that they have a clear plan for the set work. Replacing the design during the construction process can significantly increase the time and cost required to complete the task at hand.

Secondly, it is much easier to do the job when all the necessary materials are present. Order everything in advance and you will not be faced with the fact that workers will need to wait for delivery. Lack of material is a very common delay during construction.

Undoubtedly, for the work to be done efficiently and quickly, it must be done by professionals. Deck installation workers can get the job done in half the time.

When choosing a company that will carry out construction, give preference to those who have many clients. When a contractor has many orders, it is in his best interest to get the job done as quickly as possible. Having signed a contract for a week, it is more profitable for him to complete the work in 4-5 days and switch to a new project, thereby earning more. In this case, you will get the same deck only much faster.

It should be understood that this work is associated with physical activity because the more people are involved in construction, the faster the process itself will be. If you are in a hurry, have four or more people build the deck. This number of workers will significantly speed up construction.

What Needs to be Done Before Starting Construction.

We examined in detail all aspects of the work that affect how long does it take to build a deck. However, it should be understood that planning for the construction of a deck begins much earlier. First, you need to think over the design. We can discuss this project with the architect so that he will provide you with ready-made drawings.

You will also most likely have to obtain a building permit. Depending on the city and state, this process can take different times. Therefore, Remodel on Point recommends that you think over the construction of the deck in advance, so that before the construction stage, you have all the blueprints and permits.