The best Dallas deck builders combine craftsmanship, experience and honest business ethics. Learn who to choose, and what deck is right for each scenario
Blue Fox offers outdoor living solutions from decks and patios to landscaping services. We like their ability to provide quality deck design as part of an all-around backyard experience.
JPL Construction offers quality work and materials at an accessible price point. It’s a great company for homeowners who want budget-friendly services from a skilled contractor.
Consumer Reports states that faulty deck construction causes over 700 injuries a year. With nearly 400 Dallas deck builders competing for your business, you can’t just look at the range of materials they offer.
To create this guide, we researched 380 deck contractors in the Dallas area. We also reviewed the most commonly asked deck questions among HOMR members.
We think that Blue Fox Outdoor Living is the best all-around deck building and outdoor space contractor for most DFW homeowners. They provide the traits and experience we look for in trustworthy service providers. We selected JPL Construction as the best deck builder for homeowners on a tighter budget.
By the end of this article, you’ll know the 3 things you need to make an informed Dallas deck purchasing decision:
The 2 best Dallas deck companies (and free price quotes from both!);
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The Data & Research: Why You Should Trust Us
We spent 30 hours doing research on materials, reviewing providers, checking references and requesting deck project quotes for this article. We combined our research with service data from Dallas deck installation and repair projects HOMR managed over the last 12 months.
HOMR members provided significant feedback on their overall satisfaction with these projects, and the skill level of their deck contractors. We cross-referenced their comments with consumer reviews logged with Google and the Better Business Bureau.
We also relied on the expertise of several outdoor living contractors who specialize in deck, patio and porch construction. They provided insight into top quality materials, construction planning and strategy, and overall owner experience.
Most of HOMR’s staff members are Dallas homeowners, so the search for quality area service providers is personal to us. We identified 3 key issues of importance to Dallas residents in our research.
3 key Dallas decking issues:
Licensed and certified installation. We strongly prefer certified deck installers, and do not recommend unlicensed builders.
Selection of deck materials. Should you opt for composite, hardwood, or pressurized decking? (More on this later.)
Extra outdoor structure amenities. Dallas homeowners place value in special outdoor space features — outdoor kitchens, deck and patio covers, etc.
Our data and research provided a clear indication of the best Dallas deck builders for new deck construction and existing deck repair.
How We Selected the Top Dallas Deck Companies
HOMR made its determinations on several key criteria.
Your outdoor space is a living area for your household. Homeowners must be confident in the skill and safety precautions of their deck builders. We only considered licensed, bonded and insured service providers.
We looked for service providers with extensive work experience and online review history. We eliminated decking companies who missed appointment windows, had multiple poor reviews, or didn't provide clear pricing.
We compared the price ranges and appointment history of Dallas area deck builders. We paired this data with customer feedback from HOMR's member base. Companies who priced themselves well above market value were eliminated from consideration.
The factors below should be considered green and red flags for any homeowner hiring a Dallas-Fort Worth deck builder.
Green Flags
✅ Longtime (or lifelong) Texans — understanding of area trends, needs and materials
✅ Detailed knowledge of your preferred decking material
✅ Transparent pricing and job scheduling
✅ Fully licensed, insured and bonded
✅ Positive public history of customer reviews
✅ Upfront, clear contract terms and schedule of work
Red Flags
🚫 No general liability policy or insurance, lack of a surety bond
🚫 Pricing models higher or lower than current market standards
🚫 Demands for full upfront payment, or no contract provided
🚫 Companies that demand cash-only payment
🚫 A lack of online reviews, or minimal reviews that all seem “too positive”
🚫 Unfamiliarity with your desired deck material
Did You Know: HOMR almost got scammed by a decking contractor. Read our top 7 red flags to avoid in deck and patio projects, and learn how to avoid them.
Our Picks for Dallas Deck Builders
Our selection process led us to two Dallas area deck companies we're proud to call HOMR featured partners. Here's more information about Blue Fox Outdoor Living and JPL Construction.
For All-Around Deck & Landscape: Blue Fox Outdoor Living
Why We Like Them: We value Blue Fox’s ability to provide all-around outdoor living services. They use quality products and incorporate your new deck construction into a full landscape design.
We value Blue Fox’s versatility when it comes to deck projects. They are adept with various deck materials, including hardwood, pavers and cement.
Non-negotiables: Blue Fox offers transparent, detailed information to its customers. Their eye for design makes them a highly sought-after, well-reviewed Dallas service provider.
A great budget option: JPL Construction
Why We Like Them: We like JPL’s commitment to solid work at a great price point. They serve homeowners on a strict budget who don’t want to sacrifice quality.
We also appreciate JPL’s consistent social media updates with recent work photos. Their owner, Jose Perez, is readily available to speak to homeowners about project details.
Non-negotiables: Jose Perez’s company is fully licensed and incorporated. Their focus is on affordable contracting services for the Dallas Fort Worth area.
Blue Fox offers outdoor living solutions from decks and patios to landscaping services. We like their ability to provide quality deck design as part of an all-around backyard experience.
JPL Construction offers quality work and materials at an accessible price point. It’s a great company for homeowners who want budget-friendly services from a skilled contractor.
10 Questions to Answer Before Hiring a Deck Builder
There are 10 questions you should ask yourself before you hire a deck builder. The answers will help you have a smarter, more engaged conversation about your project.
1. Do I need a building permit?
The answer to this question depends on your local building department.
According to Dallas City Hall, you do not need a permit if your deck is not more than 30 inches above grade, and not over a basement or story of your house.
If you aren't sure, ask your deck contractor or call City Hall. Always err on the side of caution — being caught without a necessary permit is a huge headache. On that note…
2. How will this deck affect my overall outdoor space?
Think about "how much yard you're losing” by gaining a deck. It's easy to picture a massive dream deck, but is it worth ¾ of your backyard vanishing?
Work with your deck contractor on deck design — especially in a smaller yard where every square foot matters.
3. What will I use the deck for?
Are you about to engage in some serious outdoor living, or is the deck a “once in awhile” space? Think about how often you'll use the space — and for what purposes.
Will your deck serve as your second home on the weekend? Will you cook and eat on the deck in the summertime? Is it a party space?
If you want to create a true outdoor living space, you may opt for a higher budget.
4. Will my deck double as an outdoor kitchen?
If you plan to create an outdoor kitchen deck, be sure to account for electrical and/or plumbing in your deck design.
Not every deck builder is equipped to tackle this type of job. Be sure to find a contractor with specific experience in deck building with kitchen space in mind.
5. Do I need (or want) specific railings?
Consider who's going to use your deck space when choosing railings. For example, you may want reinforced rails for extra support.
This tip also applies to aesthetic choices. You might love railings with glass panel inserts — but not if you have kids running around.
6. Is this a pool deck?
An outdoor deck that's adjacent to your pool needs to be waterproof and slip-resistant. Consider a composite deck material (more on this in a bit).
7. How much should I budget for this project?
The answers to questions 1-7 will inform your budget. Establish the size, usage and surroundings of your new deck project — a price point should begin to emerge.
A major factor in the cost of building a deck is your choice of materials. But which one is right for your home?
Let's take a quick look at the major types of deck material and their individual pros and cons.
How to Choose the Right Deck Material
Most homeowners choose from 3 types of deck material — composite, traditional wood, or pressurized wood. Each has specific pros and cons to consider as you make a selection.
Pros: If you don't care about a “fully natural look”, composite deck materials are far more durable than wood. They also require a great deal less maintenance. If you want a distinct color for your deck, composite offers a wide variety of shades. It's a far less irritating option than repainting your deck every year or two. You can also opt for recycled materials.
Cons: Composite materials are usually more expensive than wood options. The trade-off to less long-term maintenance is a higher upfront cost. There are also varying degrees of durability between different composite options, so you need to do some homework. If you want a fully natural look in your outdoor space, you may not like composite options.
Material #2: Traditional Wood Deck (Hardwood and Softwood)
Pros: On average, wood deck jobs require less material than composite decking. Wood is also the least expensive of the 3 options listed here — store-bought pine can be up to $20 cheaper than composite per square foot. You'll experience a lovely natural look, especially with the right stain.
Cons: Of the 3 options, traditional wood is the cheapest — at least upfront. You'll pay more in the long haul for consistent maintenance, re-staining and cleaning. Traditional wood also provides little to no defense against rot, insect or mold damage. Wood deck boards are also prone to splinter and crack.
Material #3: Pressure-Treated Wood Deck
Pros: Homeowners who want a natural look with added protection against wear love pressure-treated lumber. It's injected with preservatives and pressurized to prevent mold and rot. Insects have a harder time infesting pressure-treated wood. It's slightly more expensive than traditional wood, but still cheaper than composite.
Cons: Pressure-treated lumber can still splinter and crack like traditional wood. Owners must apply an annual sealer to pressurized lumber to prevent these issues. It's important to note that these materials are treated with chemicals — do not trim or cut them in unventilated areas. Pressure-treated lumber should not come into contact with your plants or garden.
Conclusion
Your outdoor living area is as vital to your home as your indoor space. Dallas homeowners must demand the same skill, reliability and expertise from their deck builders as any other home contractor.
From composite decks to exotic woods, HOMR members rely on our experience and extensive research to provide the best service providers for every deck and patio job.
HOMR is a comprehensive 24/7 home maintenance concierge service. HOMR sources, schedules, and manages your home maintenance projects for you with one text or call. Get started with HOMR to manage all your home maintenance and construction projects with total peace of mind.
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