10 Best Deck Building Companies in Topeka, KS - USA Today (2024)

Building a deck is a great way to boost your home's value and craft a multi-use outdoor space. Decks provide the perfect backdrop for summer cookouts, spring gatherings with friends and family and autumn afternoons spent bird-watching. While winters can get chilly in Topeka, a deck provides the perfect spot to take advantage of warm day in the colder months. While a deck offers numerous benefits, the building process is complex. To ensure your outdoor space is sturdy and practical, work with one of the best deck builders in Topeka.

While you might be an amateur builder, there are advantages to hiring a seasoned deck builder. Their experience enables them to build your deck, provide guidance on selecting the right materials and create the desired aesthetic for your outdoor space.

Professional deck construction teams often give you a warranty, which can offer long-term savings and peace of mind in case something goes wrong with your deck. Although building a deck is expensive, working with a professional can be more economical if issues arise. Topeka has affordable deck builders who are not only budget-friendly but also help prevent costly mistakes and the need to redo your work.

Find the best deck builders for you in Topeka

Look for deck builders in Topeka with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How to choose the best deck builder in Topeka

To ensure your home improvement budget is well-spent, choose a deck builder that suits your requirements. Consider the following when looking into local deck-building businesses.

Confirm that the company is licensed and insured

Any contractor working on your home must be licensed, bonded and insured. The licensing process verifies your contractors know what they're doing, while insurance and bonds protect your and the contractor's interests in case anything goes awry. Not all contractors are required to hold a license under Kansas state law. However, many cities require decking contractors to have a special license or certificate. Check your local laws to ensure the team you hired is following municipal guidelines.

Read reviews from other homeowners

Evaluate a company's reviews on BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp. If a friend has a deck you admire, ask them which contractor they used.

Consider the best time of year to schedule your deck build

Spring and summer are typically the best times to schedule your deck-building project because of the favorable weather. The downside is that most good contractors will be booked out during those seasons. Find out when your preferred contractor is available and ensure it works with your timeline. Even in dry seasons, unfavorable weather or unforeseen delays can happen, so make sure you have a secondary plan outlined in your contract, especially if you have a tight timeline.

Get a free estimate

Ask your potential deck builders for quotes so you can compare rates. Verify your estimate parameters are as consistent as possible. You won't be able to determine which company offers the better offer if they quote different materials or sizes. The estimates should outline the costs of labor and materials and an estimated timeline.

Other services offered by deck builders

Deck builders usually have services that go beyond laying down deck boards. They can help create your ideal outdoor living space by adding lighting, tailored railing and other features. Below are a few common decking services done by deck builders:

• Lighting installation: Deck lights have the power to turn your deck into a functional outdoor space, making it usable both day and night. Your deck builder can assist you select the ideal lights and take care of the installation process. Seeking professional help is especially important when working with high-voltage materials.
• Waterproofing: Waterproofing is a method in which a protective seal is put on wooden decks every few years to ensure their preservation and extend their longevity. The contractor will first clear away any furniture and debris from your deck, then proceed to sand the wood and apply the seal. After a couple of days, your deck will be ready to use again.
• Refinishing: Refinishing is a process that rejuvenates your existing deck. Generally, deck builders will clean, sand and reseal the current wood, a job that can take anywhere from several hours to a couple of days, based on the dimensions of your deck. By reusing your original decking, this approach helps save time and money.
• Staining: Staining means a protective layer is added to your existing wooden deck. Based on the stain you select, your deck can look brand new just a few hours after the service is done. Bear in mind that it may take up to 12 hours to fully dry.
• Deck repairs: Deck builders are skilled in repairing damaged boards, stairs and existing deck railings. Investing in repairs means you can save a considerable amount of money in the long run and increase the longevity of an older deck. The time required for these repairs can vary from one day to a full week, based on the extent of the damage and the dimensions of your deck.

What are the best decking materials?

Decking materials are available in many forms. You can choose from a variety of wood decking boards, or you can opt for composite decking boards. Wood decks can be built from pressure-treated or untreated natural wood. There's also PVC, plastic and composite decking.

Wood decking is a popular option thanks to its natural look and the ability to paint or stain it to suit a specific aesthetic. Below are some of the most commonly chosen wood decking options:

• Cedar: Cedar decking is known for being a soft and resilient wood that can resist water, rot and insects. Its moisture resistance reduces its vulnerability to warping or cracking when exposed to low temperatures, but it's more vulnerable to dents and scratches.
• Redwood: Redwood is a weather- and bug-resistant wood with a close grain and red color. However, it can be a challenging option for areas with a lot of moisture and may become discolored if left untreated. It can also be quite costly.
• Pressure-treated wood: Another prevalent option for wood decking material is pressure-treated wood. Thanks to its light color, this material is simple to stain or paint, and it is easily accessible in all parts of the country. Nevertheless, pressure-treated wood doesn't have the longevity of some other wood decking options.

Composite decking boards look comparable to real wood, but are actually a combination of plastic and wood fibers. While they may have a higher cost in contrast to wood boards, they are not prone to cracking, fading or splitting. This decking material usually has a warranty and won't need paint or stain, making it easier to sustain long-term. Plastic and PVC decking also don't fade or require paint or stain, but they can sometimes look fake.

Our methodology for selecting deck builders

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.