What does a deck cost in Tampa?
It scales with square footage, height off the ground and material. Composite costs more up front and far less over ten years; pressure-treated is cheaper to build and needs sealing. We price both at the visit so you compare real numbers rather than a range off a website.
Composite or pressure-treated in this climate?
Composite for most people, because Florida sun and daily summer rain are hard on wood and annual sealing is a chore almost nobody keeps up. Pressure-treated still makes sense on a budget or where the deck is largely shaded.
Do I need a permit?
Usually, and we pull it. Height, attachment to the house and proximity to water all change what is required, and waterfront work can involve more than the city.
How long does it take?
Most residential decks are days rather than weeks once material is on site. The permit and the material lead time are usually longer than the build itself.
My deck is soft in places. Repair or replace?
It depends whether it is the surface or the frame. Soft boards over a sound frame is a resurface. Soft joists or rusted hardware is a rebuild, and we look underneath before quoting.
Can you build over an existing concrete patio?
Often, yes. It depends on drainage and the height you end up at relative to the door threshold, both of which we check at the visit.
What about hurricane season?
Attachment and anchoring are where that shows up - ledger connections, footings and how a pergola or cover is tied down. It affects the build detail rather than whether you can build.
Do you do docks?
Yes, including decking, railings and platforms. Waterfront permitting is its own process and we handle it as part of the job.
