Frequently Asked Questions

The national cost guides we used do not break out a Colorado-only figure, so national data is the starting point. Angi (September 2026) lists $8,321 as the U.S. average, with a typical range of $4,339 to $12,653. Deeper frost footings, elevated walkout decks and composite boards push Aurora projects toward the higher end. Your written estimate sets the price.

Angi lists a 12x24 deck (288 square feet) at about $11,520 to $17,280 nationally. Pressure-treated wood lands near the low end and capped composite or PVC near the high end. Height matters too: a deck off a walkout basement needs taller posts, more bracing and longer stairs than one a step above the patio.

Most deck builders price a new deck by the job, not by the hour. Published hourly figures vary: Forbes Home cites $35 to $75 an hour for installers' labor, and Angi lists $50 to $100 an hour for repair work. We give a fixed written price for the scope you approve.

It depends on budget and how much upkeep you want. Capped composite holds its color better in strong sun and does not need staining, which suits Aurora's high UV. Pressure-treated pine and cedar cost less to build but need washing and restaining on a regular cycle. We show samples of each at the estimate.

Usually. The City of Aurora's homeowner handbook requires a permit and framing inspection whenever the deck surface is over 30 inches high, and lower decks need one if they attach to the house. A low, freestanding deck may not, but setbacks and easements still apply. Confirm with the Aurora Building Division; we handle the application when one is required.

The City of Aurora's engineering design criteria and homeowner handbook both list a 36-inch frost depth. Footings that stop above that line can be pushed up by freezing soil. Footing size also depends on the load each post carries and the soil, so we size them for each design.

Spring through fall is the usual building season, and getting on the calendar early helps if your HOA needs to review the plans. Footings can be poured in cold weather if the ground is not frozen and the concrete is protected, and composite can be installed in cool weather with proper gapping. Snow and frozen ground can push dates back in winter.

For many Aurora homeowners, yes. The build price is higher than treated lumber, but there is no sanding or restaining cycle under the Colorado sun. Owners planning a long stay often find the saved upkeep makes up the difference.

It can, especially darker colors on a deck with full afternoon sun. Pale boards and some overhead shade make a real difference. We can show you lighter samples and talk about orientation at the estimate.

Forbes Home's national range for a 400-square-foot composite deck is $10,000 to $18,000, averaging near $14,000. Elevated decks off walkout basements, extra stairs and premium railings push the total higher. We price your exact layout in writing.

Yes, with the right gapping. Composite shrinks in cold and grows in heat, so manufacturers publish spacing charts by installation temperature. We follow those charts and avoid installing on frozen or snow-covered framing.

Large hail can scuff or dent composite, though it does not crack and splinter the way weathered wood can. Composite is not hail-proof, and coverage questions go to your insurer.

It depends on the wood, the finish routine and how well the deck drains. Pressure-treated and cedar decks that are cleaned and restained regularly can serve for many years, while neglected decks in full sun crack and gray quickly. Framing that stays dry and well ventilated lasts longest.

Pressure-treated pine costs less and holds up well when kept finished. Cedar costs more, is lighter and more stable, and has a nicer natural color. A common compromise is a treated frame under a cedar surface.

Usually not right away, because treated lumber often arrives wet. A simple test is to sprinkle water on a board: beading means wait, while quick absorption means it is time. We will tell you when your deck is ready.

On build day, yes: Fixr's installed figures are $15 to $25 per square foot for treated pine against $28 to $40 for composite. Over time, the cost of restaining every few years narrows the gap.

Angi's August 2026 average for a deck repair is roughly $2,250, with board replacement at $500 to $4,000 and railing repairs at $500 to $4,000 or more. Structural work on footings or ledgers costs more. We price your repair after looking under the deck.

Small repairs almost always cost less. When the frame is rotted, the ledger is failing or footings are too shallow, replacement often costs less than fixing everything piece by piece. On borderline decks, we quote both paths.

Often. We inspect joists, beams, hangers and the ledger first, and we confirm joist spacing works for the new decking, since composite often needs tighter spacing than wood.

Common causes are a ledger that was nailed rather than bolted, rot behind an unflashed ledger, or footings that have heaved or settled. It is a safety issue, so stay off that section until it has been inspected.

Often, yes, especially for attached pergolas or covers with a solid roof. Requirements depend on size, height and attachment, so check with the Aurora Building Division. We prepare the drawings and submit them when a permit is required.

Most snow drops between the slats of an open pergola, yet the slats and beams still carry some load, and the city lists a 20 psf snow load for pergolas. A solid roof carries much more snow, so it needs heavier framing. We size each design for those numbers.

Fixr's installed range for a covered deck is $40 to $100 per square foot, and HomeAdvisor puts a deck roof at about $3,000 to $10,000. The range depends on size, roofing and how the structure attaches. We price your design in writing.

Usually. We check whether the deck framing and footings can carry the added load. If they cannot, we can add new posts and footings for the cover or reinforce the deck.

Per the American Wood Council's IRC-based guide, a guard is required once the deck surface is over 30 inches up. Even lower decks often get a railing for safety, especially with kids. Confirm details for your design with the Aurora Building Division.

Powder-coated aluminum and composite systems mostly just need hosing off now and then. Cable railing needs periodic tension checks, and glass needs cleaning. Wood needs regular finishing.

The American Wood Council guide sets the range at 34 to 38 inches, measured from the line of the nosings, for any stair with four risers or more, and the rail has to be one a hand can wrap around.

Usually. If the rim joist or blocking is weak, we shore it up before the new posts go on.

Angi's October 2026 range is $2 to $4 per square foot, with most jobs between $550 and $1,250. Stripping old finish, repairs and railings add to the cost. We give a written price after seeing the deck.

Every two to three years is a common guideline, and Angi estimates stain lasts two to five years. Sunny south- and west-facing decks may need it sooner. Use the water-bead test to check.

Under Aurora's sun, pigmented stain usually wins: the color particles shield the wood, while a clear coat keeps out water but lets graying continue.

Composite and PVC decks are generally not stained. They are cleaned following the manufacturer's care guide. We focus staining work on wood decks, railings and stairs.