Wood and Composite Decks in Leander. Leander Decks

Wood or Composite Boards

The boards are the part you see and walk on, so they drive most of the look and the upkeep.

Wood boards look warm and cost less up front. They need cleaning and a fresh coat of sealer from time to time to stay nice.
Composite boards are made from wood fiber and plastic. They need little more than a wash. Dark colors can get warm in full sun, so a lighter color or some shade helps.

The frame under composite boards is still wood in most decks. That is why the frame work matters so much either way.

Sizing a Deck for Your Yard

Start with what you want to do out there. A table for six, a grill, a couple of chairs in the shade, a path from the back door to the yard. Lay those out with some room to walk around each one. That gives you the real size, not a guess.

Then look at the yard itself. Where does the sun hit at 5 p.m.? Where does rain run after a storm? Is there an oak you want to keep? We cover all of that on the first visit.

What Goes Under the Boards

A deck is footings, posts, beams and joists, with boards on top. Leander's deck packet says plans must meet the 2021 IRC, so the frame is built and checked to that code.

Texas law also says to notify the one call center before digging 16 inches or deeper with powered equipment. The notice goes in no later than 48 hours ahead and no earlier than 14 days ahead, not counting weekends and holidays. We handle that before any post holes go in.

Ground Level, Raised or Stepped

Flat yards often suit a low deck that sits just off the ground. Sloped yards may need a raised deck on taller posts, or a deck that steps down in levels. If your lot falls away from the house, see our page on multi level decks.

Leander Permit Basics

Inside city limits, the city packet says a new wood deck needs a permit, and so does an addition to an existing one. Plans are uploaded through the city's Development Hub. Our permit guide walks through each step.

Questions We Hear

Is composite better than wood for a Leander deck?

Neither is better for every yard. Composite needs less upkeep. Wood costs less up front and feels cooler under bare feet. Many people pick based on how much care they want to give the deck each year.

Does a ground level deck need a permit in Leander?

The city packet says a new wood deck needs a permit. We have not seen a size cutoff in the packet, so plan on a permit inside city limits and confirm with the city.

How long does it take to build a deck?

It depends on the size, the slope and the permit. We give you a schedule with the written price, so you know the plan before work starts.

Wood and Composite Decks in Leander