Digging a post hole through basalt rock up near Continental Country Club takes a lot of effort. Building a deck in Flagstaff is not like doing it down in the Valley. The mountain weather, volcanic soil, and heavy winter snowpacks mean homeowners have to plan things out just right. Flagstaff Deck & Porch sees homeowners jump into composite decking projects every spring without realizing what the process actually entails. Planning a Trex deck project from start to finish helps avoid any nasty surprises during construction.
The Realistic Timeline: From Permit to First Sunset
Homeowners often ask how fast a deck can be built. Realistically, a multi-week process takes place even before the first board gets cut. The timeline shakes out through several distinct phases:
- Design and material selection: 1 to 2 weeks. Picking out colors and railing styles takes time.
- Permitting and engineering review: 3 to 6 weeks, depending on how busy the Coconino County or City of Flagstaff building departments are.
- Actual construction: Typically 1 to 3 weeks on site, depending on the size and complexity of a multi-level layout.
Homeowners who want to grill on a new composite deck by July need to contact contractors in January or February. Waiting until May places the project at the back of the line.
What to Expect While We Are Building
Construction is messy. When our crew shows up, a good bit of noise, some heavy machinery tearing up the grass near your back door, and stacks of materials taking up your driveway are to be expected. Trex composite boards are heavy and come on large pallets. Flagstaff Deck & Porch will need a staging area close to the work zone. The old deck will come down fast, usually on day one, and then the heavy lifting of setting posts below the frost line begins. Mountain codes require those footings to go deep—usually around 36 inches or more depending on your specific elevation and soil composition—so deep holes will appear in your yard.
How to Prep Your Property
Homeowners can save themselves headaches by doing a bit of prep work before the crew arrives. Patio furniture, potted plants, and any gas grills should be moved well out of the construction zone. If you have pets, keep in mind that gates will be open and the back of your house will be an active construction site for a couple of weeks. Neighbors should also be notified of what is coming, especially if we need to squeeze a skid steer down a narrow side yard or block a shared driveway for material drops. Clearing a path from your driveway to the backyard makes our lives easier and keeps your project moving along without unnecessary delays.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign That Contract
A construction contract should never be signed until you have asked the contractor a few important questions. Here are four questions every homeowner should ask:
- Are you a certified Trex Pro installer, and does that affect my manufacturer warranty?
- How do you handle footing inspections with the local building official?
- What happens if you hit boulders or bedrock while digging post holes?
- Can I see photos of actual decks you have built right here in the local snow zone?
Getting straight answers to these questions keeps everyone on the same page. For homes and businesses in Flagstaff, Flagstaff Deck & Porch provides Deck Construction services.