Decks

Custom Deck Builders in Knoxville & East Tennessee

Turn Your Backyard Into a Built-to-Last Outdoor Living Space with Tennessee Licensed Contractor #78767

Since 2016, Smoky Mountain Deck Builders LLC has crafted custom decks, covered porches, and under-deck dry ceiling systems tailored to the steep hillsides, mountain views, and lakeside lots of East Tennessee. From composite builds with Trex®, TimberTech®, and Deckorators® to traditional pressure-treated lumber, our licensed and insured team manages your entire project, including 3D renderings, local building permits, and precision construction.

(865) 320-6990

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Why Choose Smoky Mountain Deck Builders?

As a trusted deck builder and general contractor serving Knoxville and the greater Smoky Mountain region, we know that a deck isn’t just a home addition; it’s where memories are made. That’s why we deliver:

  • Custom Deck Design: Tailored to your home, lifestyle, and landscape.
  • Premium Materials: Including top-rated Trex®, TimberTech®, and Deckorators® composite decking.
  • Superior Craftsmanship: Professional, dependable service from start to finish.
  • Full-Service Expertise: From design and permitting to installation and finishing touches.

Our commitment to quality, client satisfaction, and lasting value means you get a deck you’ll love, and enjoy, for years to come.

Our Deck Services

We specialize in complete deck solutions that transform your outdoor space with beauty, functionality, and long-lasting performance.

Custom Deck Construction

Multi-level decks, wrap-around porches, and ground-level platforms designed specifically for your home’s layout and lot topography. We handle site prep, deep footings for elevated builds, custom framing, picture-frame borders, and long-lasting installation. Our custom deck construction includes:

  • Detailed planning and permits
  • Site preparation and framing
  • Premium wood or composite materials
  • Finishing features like stairs, railings, and lighting

Composite Decking Options

Enjoy the beauty of wood grain without the weekend upkeep. Composite boards from Trex®, TimberTech®, and Deckorators® clean easily with soap and water, resist fading, scratching, and mold, and save homeowners $8,000 to $20,000+ in long-term maintenance costs over the life of the deck. Benefits of Composite Decking:

  • No sanding, staining, or painting, ever
  • Easy soap-and-water cleaning
  • Fade-, stain-, scratch-, and mold-resistant
  • Eco-friendly options made from recycled content
  • Stylish, durable, and backed by industry-leading warranties

Under-Deck Dry Ceiling Systems

Turn the unused space beneath your second-story deck into a dry, functional outdoor patio. Our waterproof dry ceiling systems channel rainwater away, creating a shaded retreat perfect for outdoor kitchens, patio furniture, or weather-protected storage. Under-deck ceiling features:

  • Waterproof protection
  • Attractive, finished appearance
  • Increases usable outdoor space
  • Seamless integration with new or existing decks

Covered Decks, Porches & Screen Rooms

Transform your open deck into an all-weather outdoor room. We frame open-gable roofs, install tongue-and-groove wooden ceilings, build screen enclosures, and integrate low-voltage LED lighting and ceiling fans so you can enjoy your view year-round. Features include:

  • Custom open-gable framing
  • Tongue-and-groove wooden ceilings
  • Screened enclosures and weather protection
  • Integrated LED lighting and ceiling fans

Our Deck Building Process

We make it simple and stress-free to design and build the perfect deck:

.01

Initial Phone Consultation

We discuss your ideas, lifestyle goals, and budget.

.02

On-Site Visit

Our designer inspects your terrain, measures your home’s ledger connection, and maps out your layout.

.03

Detailed Proposal & 3D Rendering

You review a 3D visualization of your deck alongside an itemized estimate.

.04

Permitting & Material Planning

We submit engineered drawings, pull permits with local building departments, and order materials.

.05

Precision Construction

Our crew builds your deck to exact code standards, providing updates through JobTread.

.06

Final Walkthrough & Quality Inspection

We review every detail with you to ensure complete satisfaction.

Understand What Drives the Price of a Custom Deck

Every lot in East Tennessee is unique, which means project costs vary based on design choices and site conditions. Here is what impacts your project budget:

Dimensions & Layout

Total square footage, multi-level designs, picture-frame borders, and custom angles or curves.

Terrain & Elevation

Steep, sloped, or hard-to-reach lots require taller posts, heavier beams, and deeper concrete footings to ensure structural safety

Decking & Railing Selection

Pressure-treated wood offers a lower upfront cost, while low-maintenance composite carries a higher initial investment but eliminates annual sealing. Railing styles range from low-maintenance aluminum and composite to view-optimizing stainless steel cable systems.

Structures & Upgrades

Roof additions, tongue-and-groove ceilings, under-deck dry ceilings, screen rooms, stair landings, and low-voltage LED lighting packages.

Tear-Out & Framing Upgrades

Safe removal and disposal of old decks, as well as structural repairs to ensure existing framing meets current building codes.

Transparent Pricing Promise: After our on-site consultation, you receive a line-item proposal alongside a detailed 3D rendering so you can see your exact layout, materials, and price before making any commitment. Flexible financing options are available through Enhancify with no impact on your credit score to check offers.

Knoxville & East Tennessee Deck Permitting Rules

Navigating local building codes can be overwhelming, but Smoky Mountain Deck Builders handles all plan submissions, permit applications, and inspections for you.

City of Knoxville

Permits go through the Plans Review and Inspections department. Only small detached decks (200 sq. ft. or less, under 30 inches above grade, and not serving an exit door) are exempt.

Unincorporated Knox County

Permits are issued via the Knox Permit Portal under the International Residential Code (IRC). Rules mandate ledger flashing, proper ledger bolting (never into brick veneer), joist/beam sizing, and verified post footings.

Surrounding Municipalities

Farragut, Maryville, Loudon County, and surrounding communities have unique zoning and building requirements. Lakefront decks or docks may also require TVA Section 26a approval, HOA clearance, or TRDA review.

Why Homeowners Trust Smoky Mountain Deck Builders

Locally Owned and Operated

Licensed General Contractor

Experienced Builder

Transparent Communication

Detailed Craftsmanship

What Our Clients Say

See how homeowners across East Tennessee enjoy life outside, thanks to Smoky Mountain Deck Builders.

How long does a deck build take?

Active construction typically takes 3 to 8 weeks depending on size, height, and complexity. Design, 3D renderings, material orders, and municipal permit processing happen before construction starts.

How much can I save with composite vs. wood decking?

While pressure-treated wood costs less upfront, it requires annual cleaning, staining, and sealing costing $300 to $800 each year. Over a 25-year lifespan, composite decking from Trex®, TimberTech®, or Deckorators® eliminates those recurring costs, saving homeowners $8,000 to $20,000+ over time.

Do I need a permit for a deck in Knoxville or Knox County?

Yes, most new decks and replacements require building permits. We handle all paperwork, submit plans, pull permits, and schedule required building inspections.

Which railing style is best for mountain or lake views?

Stainless steel cable railing is the top choice for properties near lakefronts or mountain vistas because its thin horizontal cables keep sightlines clear. Low-maintenance aluminum and composite railings are also popular choices.

How do I care for my new deck after it's built?

For composite decking, clear leaves periodically and wash with mild soap and water twice a year. For wood decks, plan on annual cleaning and re-staining every 2 to 3 years. We recommend inspecting stairs, railings, and house ledger connections every spring.

Do you offer financing?

Yes, we offer financing options through Enhancify. You can check rates without impacting your credit score via a soft credit check.

Is Smoky Mountain Deck Builders licensed and insured?

Yes, Smoky Mountain Deck Builders LLC is fully insured and holds active Tennessee Contractor License #78767.

See What We’ve Built

View past decks, docks, and outdoor living spaces across East Tennessee.