8 Must-Ask Questions Before You Hire a Deck Contractor

What Are the Most Important Questions to Ask a Deck Contractor Before You Hire One?

So you’re thinking about building a deck. Maybe you’re picturing morning coffee outside, summer BBQs with friends, or just a spot to kick back and chill after a long day.

No matter the reason, building a deck is a big deal—and hiring the right contractor? Yeah, that part really matters.

Whether you’re planning to hire it all out or just want a little professional help to keep your DIY dream from turning into a nightmare, here are 8 super important questions to ask before you let anyone near your backyard with a power tool.

1. What’s Your Deck-Building Process Like?

Let’s be honest—no one likes surprises during a big project like this. (Unless it’s someone showing up with snacks. That’s fine.)

Any contractor worth hiring should be able to walk you through their whole process—from the first chat to the final cleanup.

Here’s how a good process usually goes:

First, you talk. They listen to what you want, what you don’t want, and everything in between.

Then, they come see your space. They’ll take measurements, get a feel for the layout, and maybe show you some ideas from past projects to get the wheels turning.

After that comes the design. They take your wish list, plug it into some fancy software, and show you a few different options. You pick what you love, they give you a clear quote—no hidden fees, no weird fine print.

Once that’s set, they build. They’ll handle permits, keep you in the loop during the whole build, and make sure things stay on schedule (barring any weather drama, of course).

Then… you enjoy it. Final walkthrough, quick fixes if needed, and boom—your backyard is officially upgraded.

2. How will you help me design my deck?

Even if you’ve got a Pinterest board full of ideas, a good contractor will help you pull it all together and make sure it actually works for your space.

They’ll take your ideas, your measurements, and maybe even that sketch you made on a napkin—and turn it into real design options using 3D software. You’ll get to see a few layouts and pick what fits your vibe (and your budget).

You don’t need to be a designer. They’ve got you.

3. How long have you been doing this?

You want someone who’s been around the block a few times. Not some random person with a pickup truck and a toolbelt they bought yesterday.

The more experience they have, the more likely they are to catch problems before they happen—and build something that actually lasts.

Bonus points if they can show you photos of past projects or reviews from happy clients. That’s always a good sign.

4. What kind of decking should I use?

This one depends on where you live and how much maintenance you’re cool with.

If you’re in a place that sees all four seasons (including “surprise snowstorm in April”), composite decking is probably your best bet. It costs more upfront, but it lasts way longer and doesn’t need constant sanding and sealing like wood does.

Brands like Trex and Deckorators are solid choices, and there are options for pretty much every budget. It’s kind of like paying more for a good pair of shoes—you’ll be glad you did.

5. How long will it take to build my deck?

Decks don’t build themselves overnight, but the timeline depends on a few things: how big it is, how complex the design is, and, of course, the weather.

A basic deck might take a week. A more custom setup could be a few weeks. Either way, your contractor should give you a realistic timeline upfront—and stick to it as best they can.

And if there are delays? They should let you know what’s going on, not just vanish like a magician.

6. How many workers will there be building my deck?

This might seem like a weird thing to ask, but it helps to know what to expect. Is it a small crew? A big team? Will someone be there every day, or is it more like, “We’ll pop in when we can”?

The more you know about who’s showing up—and when—the easier it’ll be to plan your life around the project.

Plus, it’s your home. You’ve got a right to know who’s gonna be in your yard for a couple of weeks.

7. How much will it cost to build my deck?

Ah, the million-dollar question (hopefully not literally).

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s what usually affects the price:

• Size and shape of the deck
• What kind of materials you’re using
• Whether it’s low to the ground or raised up
• What time of year you’re building (yep, spring and summer can be more expensive)

What you don’t want is someone who gives you a vague estimate and then hits you with a bunch of surprise costs later. A good contractor will give you a detailed quote and stick to it—no weird fees, no last-minute add-ons.

8. What if I don’t like my deck?

Let’s be real—this is your space. You should love it.

That’s why a final walk-through is so important. You get to check everything out, ask questions, and point out anything that feels off. And if something’s not quite right? A good contractor will fix it. No drama.

They want you to be happy—because happy customers = more referrals. Win-win.

You’re not just building a deck—you’re creating a space where life truly unfolds. It’s where your dog will stretch out in the afternoon sun, where you’ll celebrate birthdays, toast to anniversaries, or just unwind with a glass of something cold after a long day. It’s where weekend mornings start with coffee and end with a good book, and where late nights are spent under the stars with friends and laughter. So, when it comes to choosing the person who’ll bring this vision to life, don’t rush it. Ask the right questions. Pay attention to how they listen, how they communicate, and whether they care as much about your dream deck as you do. This isn’t just a build—it’s an extension of your home, your lifestyle, your memories-in-the-making. So go ahead, find that contractor who gets it, who treats your project like it’s their own. Your future deck is calling—and it’s already got s’mores, string lights, and great moments waiting for you.

Ready to make that dream deck happen? Reach out to Lexington Gutters & Exterior—we’d love to hear your ideas and help you build a space you’ll never want to leave.