The Ranking
Our top 5 deck builders in Dallas
Dallas decks fail for different reasons than decks up north. Frost barely matters here, since the frost line is only about 6 inches, but the Blackland Prairie clay under much of the city swells when it is wet and shrinks during long dry spells. That movement can lift or drop deck piers and pull a ledger away from the house, so a careful builder sets piers on undisturbed soil and keeps water away from them. City of Dallas rules call for footings at least 12 inches below undisturbed ground, and some structures need footings designed and sealed by a Texas registered engineer.
Heat is the other test. Summer sun bakes south and west facing decks, so pressure treated pine checks and cups unless it is sealed often, and cedar needs regular stain. Composite and PVC boards hold up better to the sun, but dark colors get very hot underfoot in July and August, which is one reason many Dallas homeowners put a pergola or a solid patio cover over the deck. Subterranean termites are common in North Texas, so ask about treated framing and ground clearance.
Most decks in Dallas need a building permit. The city exempts a deck only if it is no more than 30 inches above grade at every point, is not over a basement or story below, and is not part of an accessible route. Everything else goes through a residential addition or alteration permit filed on the city's DallasNow portal, and properties in historic, conservation or planned development districts can face extra review even when the deck itself is exempt.
The structural basics come from the International Residential Code as adopted by the city. A deck attached to the house needs a ledger fastened with bolts or structural screws and flashed so water cannot get behind it, never nails alone. A walking surface more than 30 inches above grade needs a guard at least 36 inches high with openings small enough that a 4 inch sphere cannot pass through, and stairs need a graspable handrail and even risers. If the deck sits next to a pool, the fence and gates around the pool also have to meet pool barrier rules, which is why several companies on this list sell fences and gates as well.
Before anyone digs, call Texas 811 at least two business days ahead, not counting weekends and holidays, so buried gas, electric and fiber lines are marked. Many Dallas neighborhoods have homeowners associations or deed restrictions that control deck height, materials, stain color and patio cover rooflines, so get written approval before you sign a contract.
Texas has no state licence for deck builders, remodelers or general contractors. The City of Dallas does require contractors who pull building permits to register with the city and keep an established place of business. Ask every builder for that registration, a certificate of liability insurance and the name the permit will be filed under, and check Dallas permit records for past jobs. Electrical work for deck lighting or fans needs a licensed electrician through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Put the decking brand, railing system, pier depth and warranty terms in the written contract.
