Decks, Patios & Porches · Pittsburgh & Western PA
Custom Decks, Patios & Porches in Pittsburgh
We design and build custom decks, covered patios and screened porches that fit your home, your yard and the way you like to spend time outside. Every project is framed and finished by our own carpenters, with more than 20 years of experience behind the work.
Built to Last
A deck builder in Pittsburgh who handles every board, beam and footing
A good deck starts below the surface. Footings, beams, joists and the connection to your house decide whether a deck stays solid and level for decades, which is why we treat custom deck construction as real structural carpentry, not a weekend add-on.
As a design-build contractor, we plan the layout, draw the permit set and build the deck with our own crew. Whether you want a simple ground-level platform, a multi-level deck off a walkout basement or a covered space with lighting, you work with one team from the first sketch to the final railing.
- ✓ Deck building from footings to railings
- ✓ Composite and pressure-treated wood decks
- ✓ Covered patios and screened porches
- ✓ Permit drawings handled for you
The Process
How your new deck or porch comes together
Most decks take a few weeks of construction once permits are approved and materials are on site, and we set your schedule with your estimate.
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1
Site Visit & Design
We measure the house and yard, talk through how you want to use the space and sketch the layout, levels and stairs.
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2
Materials & Permits
You choose decking, railings and lighting, and we prepare the drawings your township needs for the building permit.
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3
Footings & Framing
Footings go in below the frost line, then posts, beams, joists and a properly flashed ledger board at the house.
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4
Decking & Finishes
Boards, railings, stairs, lighting and any roof or screens are installed, then we walk the finished deck with you.
Composite vs. Wood
Composite or pressure-treated wood decking?
It is the first decision most homeowners make. Composite decking installation suits people who want low upkeep for the long haul, while pressure-treated wood keeps the upfront investment lower. Here is how they compare.
| Composite Decking | Pressure-Treated Wood | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront investment | Higher material cost | Lower material cost |
| Maintenance | Occasional soap and water cleaning | Regular washing, staining and sealing |
| Lifespan | Long service life with basic care | Long life if it is sealed on schedule |
| Splinters & warping | Resists rot, cracking and splinters | Can check, warp or splinter without upkeep |
| Heat in direct sun | Darker colors can get hot underfoot | Stays cooler to bare feet |
| Look & color | Pre-finished colors that cannot be painted | Real wood grain you can stain or paint |
Planning Your Deck
What goes into a safe, solid deck
Most Pittsburgh-area townships require a building permit for an attached or raised deck, and inspectors look closely at the parts you never see once the boards are down. We design those details first, then build the deck you actually picture.
Western Pennsylvania yards are rarely flat. A sloped lot often calls for taller posts, a second level or a longer run of stairs, and it can also give you the best view on the property when it is planned well.
Permits & drawings
Plans that show size, height, framing and footings for township review.
Footings & ledger
Footings below the frost line and a flashed ledger bolted to the house.
Railings & stairs
Guards, handrails and stair layouts that meet code and feel solid.
Lighting
Step lights, post caps and railing lights for safe evenings outside.
Covered Patios & Screened Porches
Add shade, shelter and fewer bugs
A covered patio sits at ground level on concrete, stone or pavers, and works best where the back door is close to grade. A deck is the better fit for sloped yards and second-story doors. Either one can carry a roof, so you can sit outside through rain and harsh sun.
For a roof you can open and close, we install StruXure louvered roofs as a factory-authorized dealer. To turn a covered deck into a screened porch, we add framed screen walls or retractable Fenetex screens that roll down when the bugs come out.
- ✓ Covered patios on concrete, stone or pavers
- ✓ Roofed decks tied into your home
- ✓ Screened porches with framed or retractable screens
- ✓ Timber-frame porches with custom carpentry
Our Work
Decks and porches we have built
Related Services
Take your outdoor space further
Outdoor Living & Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens, pavilions and fireplaces built to match.
Learn more →
Questions
Deck, patio & porch FAQs
What is the downside of composite decking?
Composite costs more up front than pressure-treated wood, and darker colors can get hot underfoot in direct sun. It cannot be sanded, stained or painted, so a deeply scratched board usually has to be replaced. In shady, damp spots it can also grow mildew if leaves and dirt are left to sit on it.
What ruins composite decking?
Harsh chemicals like bleach, solvents and paint thinners can damage the protective outer layer. A high-pressure washer, abrasive brushes, metal snow shovels and dragged furniture can leave permanent scratches. Wet leaves packed into the gaps between boards can also cause lasting stains, so a regular sweep and a gentle wash go a long way.
Is it better to have a covered deck or not?
A covered deck lets you sit outside through rain and strong sun, and it protects your furniture and the deck boards. An open deck feels airier, gives you a clear view of the sky and is simpler to build. Many homeowners choose a partly covered deck, or a louvered roof that opens and closes, to get both.
Should I build a deck or a patio?
A patio sits on the ground and works best on a flat yard where the back door is close to grade. A deck is built on footings and framing, so it handles sloped yards, walkout basements and second-story doors much better. A patio is usually the simpler project, while a deck takes more structural work and carpentry.
Is it better to have a screened porch or a sunroom?
A sunroom is a fully enclosed, insulated room you can use year-round, but it is a much bigger project with heating and cooling to consider. A screened porch keeps bugs out while letting fresh air through, and it is simpler to build. If you mostly want to enjoy mild weather without mosquitoes, a screened porch is usually the better fit.
What are the downsides of having a screened porch?
A screened porch has no insulation, so it is less comfortable on very hot or very cold days. Dust, pollen and wind-driven rain can get through the mesh, which means outdoor-rated furniture and occasional cleaning. Retractable screens help by letting you roll the screens up when you want an open view.
How do I choose a deck builder in Pittsburgh?
Confirm the contractor is registered with the Pennsylvania Attorney General as a Home Improvement Contractor (Premier Custom Builders is PA HIC #028559) and carries liability insurance. Ask how they handle permits, footings below the frost line and the ledger connection to your house. Get a written contract with a clear scope, and look at decks they have actually built.
How much does a new deck cost?
Every deck, patio and porch project is quoted after we visit the site and review the scope with you. Contact us to schedule a consultation and we’ll give you a written estimate.
Where We Build
Decks, patios and porches across Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania
Based in New Castle, we build decks, covered patios and screened porches anywhere within about 90 minutes of our shop, covering the entire Pittsburgh area and the communities around it.
Premier Custom Builders
4471A Mitchell Road, New Castle, PA 16105
724-944-0920 · By appointment
PA HIC #028559