From Blueprints to Backyard Bliss: How Long Will Your New Deck Take?
Wondering how long it actually takes to go from dreaming about a new deck to stepping onto one with your morning coffee? Are you curious about what causes some deck builds to finish fast while others drag on for months?
In this post, you’ll get a full breakdown of the deck-building timeline—from the moment you start designing to the final nail in the last board.
By the end, you’ll know what to expect, what can cause delays, and more for your deck installation.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?
Building a deck takes 3 days to 2 weeks for construction alone. Including design, permits, and inspections, the total timeline ranges from 6 to 16 weeks. Factors like deck size, complexity, and local permit processing times influence the schedule.
The exact construction time can shift based on weather, contractor availability, and other key factors that affect every deck project.
Here’s a quick breakdown of that full deck-building timeline:
- Design and Planning: 1–8 weeks
- Permits and Site Prep: 1–4 weeks
- Construction: 3 days–2 weeks
Contact us today about your deck installation.
Factors That Influence Deck Construction Time
Deck Size
The larger and more complex the deck design, the more time it takes to complete.
A small deck that’s a simple rectangle might only need about a week to build, while a larger deck with multiple levels, curves, or custom shapes could take several weeks.
Deck type also fits into size, as multi-level decks take longer than a more simple style.
Design Complexity
Adding complex designs or features like curves, multiple levels, or integrated seating requires more materials and planning. It often adds days—or even weeks—to the deck-building timeline.
Adding unique features like built-in seating, stairs, or custom railings also extends the construction process. These extras require more framing, more cuts, and more hands-on time from your deck builder.
Design and Planning Phase
Before a single post is set, there are often a few weeks of planning involved.
A simple layout can be drafted in about a week, but a custom deck with lots of features may need multiple design revisions.
If you’re working with an architect or going through an HOA approval, that can add another additional week or two to the project timeline.
Permit Acquisition
Getting a building permit is part of nearly every deck-building project.
If your area allows fast-track approvals, you might get the green light in just a few days. However, more often, the process takes 1 to 4 weeks, especially if the local building codes require structural drawings or engineering reviews.
And if you’re in a neighborhood with an HOA, you’ll need their written approval before even applying for necessary permits. This can add more time.
Site Conditions and Preparation
Your outdoor space can either save time or slow the entire building process.
If the ground is level and easy to access, site preparation will go quickly. However, uneven, sloped, or unstable ground can require grading, extra post holes, or even drainage solutions.
Good site prep helps avoid problems later on—but it adds time upfront, depending on your yard’s condition.
Weather Delays
Mother Nature always gets a vote.
Rain, snow, or extreme heat can delay key steps like digging, pouring footings, or decking installation.
Most experienced deck contractors can try to plan around weather conditions. But even with buffers, a few storms can shift your construction timeline by a few days to a week.
Contractor Availability
Finding the right deck builder is just the start.
You also have to wait for their schedule to open up. During peak seasons, like spring and early summer, you might wait 2 to 10 weeks before construction begins.
The silver lining? A reputable contractor may take longer to start, but they’ll often finish your deck-building job more efficiently once they begin.
Specialty Features and Upgrades
Adding cool extras like privacy screens, planters, or a pergola?
Those deck features take time to design and build. Even a simple bench adds steps to the deck-building process.
Want lighting or electrical outlets? That usually involves another subcontractor and more coordination, which can tack on more time.
HOA or Architectural Review Delays
Some outdoor living spaces need HOA or neighborhood board approvals.
These aren’t the same as city permits and can slow things down before you even get to the construction process.
Depending on how often your HOA meets and how long they take to respond, this part can add 1 to 3 weeks to your timeline.
Material Lead Times and Delivery Issues
Certain decking materials can take 2 to 6 weeks to arrive.
Rarer and harder-to-access materials will take longer to find and get. Supply chain issues and local inventory shortages don’t help.
Inspections During the Build
Some areas require final inspections or checks during key stages of the deck-building process, like after framing or before railings go in.
Each inspection may take a few days to schedule, and you can’t move forward until they pass. It’s another very important thing that can affect your deck construction timeline.
Wood vs. Composite Decking
Choosing between pressure-treated lumber and a composite deck can impact your deck construction timeline.
Wood is often pre-cut and ready to install right away, making it a faster option.
Composite decking boards might have longer lead times, require special tools, and sometimes need matching trim or accessories that aren’t always in stock.
What Happens After the Deck is Built?
Just because the last board is down doesn’t mean your deck project is totally finished.
You may still need to walk the space with your deck builder and schedule any touch-ups. The contractor will need to take care of the final clean-up, too.
If you chose a pressure-treated wood deck, you’ll likely need to wait a few weeks before sealing or staining it, depending on the weather. Depending on how the yard was used during construction, you might need to fix up the surrounding outdoor space or add landscaping back in.
Plan Ahead to Stay on Schedule
The best way to keep your deck timeline on track is to start planning your deck early.
If you wait until the spring rush, your favorite deck builders may already be booked out for a few weeks.
Start the deck-building process in late winter or early spring to lock in your contractor and get ahead on design planning and necessary permits. A little careful planning upfront can cut your wait time and give you more options when it comes to your project start date.
Nail Down Your Timeline with Hard Decks
If you’re ready to start building, Hard Decks is here to bring your vision to life. We install decks in Illinois with precision, clear timelines, and expert craftsmanship.
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy outdoor retreat or a large custom deck, fill out our contact form today or give us a call. Let’s get your deck project on the calendar and turn your backyard into something extraordinary.