How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.</p><p>Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.</p></div>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Nevada City, CA

Q: How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>Building a deck isn't too hard if you&rsquo;re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don&rsquo;t have experience in those areas.</p><p>Note: You&rsquo;ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don&rsquo;t have an extra set of hands to help.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a deck and a porch?

• <div><p>While the terms deck and porch are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct structures. A porch is a covered structure, usually attached to the front of a home, that offers protection from the elements. In contrast, a deck is an open, uncovered platform, often attached to the back or side of a home. Because porches have a roof, they typically require less maintenance than decks, but both features need regular cleaning and repairs to stay in good condition.</p></div>

Q: What inspections are needed when building a deck?

• <div><p>Decks require several inspections during and after the building process, but the specifics vary depending on where you live. Most areas mandate that decks comply with local building codes and safety regulations for the foundation, framing, and structure. Some pros recommend a footing inspection, which verifies the depth, width, and location of the various footings to ensure they offer enough foundational support. </p></div>

Q: Can you build a deck and not attach it to the house?

• <div><p>Yes. Freestanding or floating decks are exactly what the name implies&mdash;structures with their own support beams. You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-a-deck.htm">build a deck yourself</a> and place it next to a house for the illusion of a connected deck without the hassle. Or you can construct it in a separate part of your yard for a dedicated outdoor entertainment space. For the purpose of removing a freestanding deck, the steps are the same as an attached deck, but you don&rsquo;t have to cut the deck away from the home. </p></div>

Q: What’s the average cost to replace a 20-by-20-foot deck?

• <div><p>Expect to spend around $10,000 to $11,000 to replace a 20-by-20-foot deck. Using high-end materials like composite or exotic hardwoods can drive up the cost, as can custom features and design elements. You can also expect to pay more than average if your deck replacement requires a site evaluation or if you need the work done during the busy season.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your deck maintenance project in Nevada City, CA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Nevada City, CA

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Nevada City, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Nevada City, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

Last update on June 22, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Plunkett Construction did a great job on our deck. He was able to solve several issues that arose during the work. He was an excellent communicator and very reliable. I recommend Plunkett Construction.
PLUNKETT CONSTRUCTION
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2026
Matthew and Green Bee designed and built our new deck. They did a beautiful job and I would highly recommended them for any construction project
Green Bee Construction Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2025
Meticulous job done. Very professional, courteous and took great care in making sure no damage occurred to chimney, roof or decking in near proximity. Also cleaned up nicely afterwards . Will definately rehire for future projects! Much Thanks to Kyle, Mel, Patrick and Wyatt👍👌
Tree Walker
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2025
Mike did an excellent job. On time in and out and even cleaned up pine needles that weren't from him and cleaned our deck and stairs
2 Bros And A Hose LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2024
Mark at On the line construction is detail orientated and came up with a cost effective solution to replace the deck on my new house. He was very meticulous on the details of the deck and finished in the time frame that he bid the job. He is also very knowledgeable answering all my knit picky...
On The Line Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2024
Contractor contacted me and scheduled work promptly. He did some work in addition to the deck repair. However, the additional work to resolve a leak associated with my rain gutter did not solve the problem.
Ingenuity Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2023
They arrived like the calvery, fixed the problem I called about - and fixed another problem a plumber from another company fixed/caused the day before. The next day they returned to make sure we didnâ t have any leaks then wrapped the copper pipes (which were beautiful by the way!) and prepared...
DKH Plumbing, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2023
Great crew. Very meticulous. They did a terrific job on my 30 year old redwood deck and stairs. Super clean-up. Very considerate crew. I would definitely hire them again.
Schaut Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2022
They built me an amazing deck top notch quality and great price.
Ironstone Custom Decks
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2022
1,000 sq ft deck , excellent workmanship, communication between us was the best. All workers highly skilled. My dream deck was realized, project went as planned at every stage. I Highly recommend BTS Builders
BTS Builders
Request a quote

Find Deck maintenance specialists in Nevada City

Mega Power Electric, Inc

5.0(

191

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Mega Power Electric is an excellent company to work with. Gary and his team are knowledgeable, honest, and will go out of their way to get the job done right. We installed panels and solar battery storage unit in our home and we're reaping the benefits of being clean and green."

+32

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Joshua is great! I purchased the toilets at Home Depot and arranged for Joshua to pick them up. Well HD Lancaster location only had two of the HE toilets that I wanted, so the 3rd toilet was picked up in the HD Palmdale store. Joshua did all this with pleasure. He was on time, work was completed superbly and cleanup was on point. I will always call on Joshua for my Handyman needs..."

Recommended by96%of homeowners

Request Quote

High Mountain Surface Restoration LLC

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The owner was very knowledgeable and explained every step and did fantastic work"

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Absolute Construction

4.2(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

"We had an arrangement with 'Absolute Construction' to do the work around his normal jobs. He was able to get the work done in the amount of time that we were satisfied with. We know that times and jobs are hard around here and we wanted him to handle jobs he had already lined up and when he got a break, he could work on our projects. The work done was professional and we were pleased. Thanks."

+11

Recommended by83%of homeowners

Request Quote

Big Time Movers

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

* 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ \n White glove Movers / transport /freight / junk removal *\nWe offer the best service ‼️\n⚫️Furniture \n⚫️ Packing\n⚫️Assemble\n⚫️ Car hauling\n⚫️Affordable prices\n⚫️Provide Packing\n⚫️Free Qoutes\n\nTreat each member as family?\n\nLocal & Long distance?\n\nNo Job to Big or Small ‼️\n\nCall Now ? 863-266-1850\n\n\nThe big time movers are here to make your moving experience peaceful in calm ? -Any assembly, dissassembly, all moving pads straps, dollys & travel time ALL INCLUDED IN PRICE\n-NO HIDDEN FEES\n-We offer "free haul away", we will take any unwanted furniture at NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU!!\n-We do both residential & commercial moves\n-Proffessional & Honest\n-Punctual & Reliable\n-We offer furniture protection (you only pay extra for supplies)\n-We move apartments, homes, offices, warehouses & even malls!\n-We offer junk removal services (enough to fill a pick-up truck, van, or box truck)\n-Long or short distance moves

Request Quote

DPL General Contractors, Inc

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

100 years of combined experiance with in our 3 partners

Request Quote

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.

Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.

While the terms deck and porch are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct structures. A porch is a covered structure, usually attached to the front of a home, that offers protection from the elements. In contrast, a deck is an open, uncovered platform, often attached to the back or side of a home. Because porches have a roof, they typically require less maintenance than decks, but both features need regular cleaning and repairs to stay in good condition.

Decks require several inspections during and after the building process, but the specifics vary depending on where you live. Most areas mandate that decks comply with local building codes and safety regulations for the foundation, framing, and structure. Some pros recommend a footing inspection, which verifies the depth, width, and location of the various footings to ensure they offer enough foundational support.

Yes. Freestanding or floating decks are exactly what the name implies—structures with their own support beams. You can build a deck yourself and place it next to a house for the illusion of a connected deck without the hassle. Or you can construct it in a separate part of your yard for a dedicated outdoor entertainment space. For the purpose of removing a freestanding deck, the steps are the same as an attached deck, but you don’t have to cut the deck away from the home.

Expect to spend around $10,000 to $11,000 to replace a 20-by-20-foot deck. Using high-end materials like composite or exotic hardwoods can drive up the cost, as can custom features and design elements. You can also expect to pay more than average if your deck replacement requires a site evaluation or if you need the work done during the busy season.

The Nevada City, CA homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Aug 31, 2026Aug 31, 2026
Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]
Sealing a deck is important for protecting it against the elements. Find out the cost to seal a deck, whether you DIY or hire a pro to do the job.
Mitchell Grant
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
Looking to update your yard with a new outdoor entertaining area? Learn how much a pressure-treated wood deck costs and how to estimate your total.
Angi
•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does Mahogany Decking Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover mahogany decking costs and learn about material, labor, and installation factors to budget your new deck project with confidence.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Top Deck Maintenance Tips for Every Decking Material
Deck maintenance is vital to protecting a wooden deck. Cleaning, staining and sealing a deck after pressure washing will add years to its lifespan. Protect a deck by following these deck maintenance tips for cedar and other types of wood materials.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Deck Maintenance Checklists for Every Season
Keep your decking looking new with this deck maintenance checklist.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 2026
7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking Materials
Finding maintenance-free decking that works for your home, budget, and lifestyle can be challenging. This guide lists the 7 best low-maintenance deck materials.