Decks

What Drives the Cost of a Custom Deck

Every deck we build is designed around your home, your yard and the way you like to spend time outside, so there isn’t one price that fits every project. Here’s what moves the number up or down, and it’s exactly what we walk through with you during the on-site visit:

• Size and shape. Square footage matters, and so do angles, curves, multiple levels and picture-frame borders, which add labor and material.
• Height and terrain. East Tennessee lots are rarely flat. Elevated and second-story decks need taller posts, bigger beams and deeper footings, and steep or hard-to-reach sites take more time to build safely.
• Decking material. Pressure-treated wood costs the least up front. Composite lines from Trex, TimberTech and Deckorators cost more but save years of upkeep.
• Railing style. Wood, composite, aluminum and cable railing each look different and come at different prices.
• Stairs, landings and access. More stairs, wider stairs and landings add up.
• Roofs, ceilings and screens. Adding a roof, a tongue-and-groove ceiling, an under-deck dry ceiling or a screen room turns a deck into a room, and that changes the scope.
• Lighting and electrical. LED deck lighting, outlets and ceiling fans are popular upgrades.
• Old deck removal and repairs. Replacing a deck means tearing out and hauling off the old one, and sometimes fixing framing that no longer meets code.

After the site visit, you get a detailed proposal with a 3D rendering, so you can see the design and the price side by side before you commit. Consultations and quotes are free, and financing options are available if you’d like to spread out the investment.

How Long a Deck Build Takes

Most outdoor projects take 3 to 8 weeks from the start of construction. Before that comes the planning: your phone consultation, the on-site visit, your proposal and 3D rendering, and permitting. Permit review time depends on the jurisdiction, and weather and material availability can shift a schedule, so we keep you updated along the way through JobTread, email or text. Here’s the path from first call to first cookout:

• Initial phone consultation
• On-site visit with our designer and estimator
• Detailed proposal and 3D rendering
• Permitting and planning, handled by us
• Construction, with regular updates
• Final walkthrough

Composite vs. Wood Decking

Composite: Trex, TimberTech and Deckorators

Composite decking is our most requested choice for good reason. It never needs sanding, staining or painting, it cleans with soap and water, and it resists fading, staining, scratching and mold. You can choose from wood-grain textures and colors that suit a mountain cabin, a modern build or a classic Knoxville home. Composite costs more up front, but because it skips the yearly staining and sealing that wood needs, many homeowners save $8,000 to $20,000 or more over the life of the deck.

Pressure-treated wood

Wood is still a smart pick when upfront budget matters most, and it can look beautiful for years with care. Just plan on regular cleaning, staining and sealing, which typically runs $300 to $800 a year. Composite decking is usually installed over a pressure-treated frame either way, so the choice mostly comes down to the surface you walk on and how much weekend upkeep you want.

Railings and finishing touches

Aluminum, composite and cable railings each give a different look. Cable keeps the view wide open, which is a favorite on lake lots and mountain views. Built-in LED lighting, post caps, fascia and picture-frame borders are the details that make a deck feel custom.

Want to compare options in person? Schedule a free consultation and we’ll bring samples.

Deck Permits in Knoxville and Knox County

Most new decks, and many deck replacements, need a building permit. Where you live determines who issues it:

• City of Knoxville: Plans Review and Inspections handles residential permits through its online plan review system, and inspections happen during construction. The City lists only small detached decks as exempt: 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to the house, and not serving a required exit door.
• Unincorporated Knox County: Knox County Codes Administration issues permits through the Knox Permit Portal. Its residential deck handout, based on the International Residential Code, covers details like ledger flashing, ledger bolting (never into brick), joist and beam sizing, post anchoring and footings.
• Other cities and counties: Farragut, Maryville, Loudon County and other towns we serve have their own offices and rules. Lakefront decks and docks can also need TVA, HOA or local agency approval.

You don’t have to sort any of this out yourself. Smoky Mountain Deck Builders handles the paperwork, pulls the permit with the right office, builds to code and schedules the inspections.

Keeping Your Deck Looking New

• Composite: Sweep off leaves and pine needles, rinse or wash with soap and water a couple of times a year, and keep gaps between boards clear so water drains. Follow the manufacturer’s care guide to keep your warranty in good standing.
• Wood: Clean every year and re-stain or seal on the schedule your stain calls for. Watch for raised nails, soft spots and splintering.
• Every deck: Check stairs, railings and the ledger connection to the house each spring. If something feels loose or looks rotted, reach out and we’ll take a look.

Deck Building FAQ

How long does it take to build a deck?

Most outdoor projects take 3 to 8 weeks from the start of construction. Design, 3D rendering and permitting happen before that, and the schedule depends on size, materials, weather and permit timing.

How much does a custom deck cost?

Cost depends on size, height, decking material, railing style, stairs, roof or ceiling add-ons, lighting and site conditions like slope and access. After an on-site visit we give you a detailed proposal and a 3D rendering so you can see the design and the price together.

Should I choose composite or wood decking?

Composite brands like Trex, TimberTech and Deckorators cost more up front but skip the yearly staining and sealing that wood needs, which typically runs $300 to $800 a year. Over the life of the deck, many homeowners save $8,000 to $20,000 or more with composite. Wood is a good fit when upfront budget matters most.

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

Most decks need a building permit. In the City of Knoxville, only small detached decks (200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not serving a required exit door) are exempt. Unincorporated Knox County permits go through Knox County Codes Administration. Smoky Mountain Deck Builders handles the permit and inspections for you.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Smoky Mountain Deck Builders offers financing options through Enhancify. According to Enhancify, checking your options does not require them to pull your credit, most lending partners use a soft inquiry to show offers, and you are not obligated to accept one. See our financing page for details.

Is Smoky Mountain Deck Builders licensed?

Yes. Smoky Mountain Deck Builders LLC holds Tennessee contractor license #78767 and is licensed and insured.

Ready to Start Your Deck?

Tell us what you’re dreaming about, whether it’s a composite deck for weekend cookouts, a covered deck for rainy evenings or a multi-level deck that makes the most of your view. Request your free consultation and we’ll take it from there. You can also browse the decks gallery, see our outdoor living services or explore boat docks.