Decks and porches we build and repair
We build new decks and repair or rebuild tired ones for homes across southern New Hampshire. We do the carpentry and run the job. If you want lighting or outlets on the deck, we coordinate a licensed electrician. We do not do electrical work ourselves.
The deck and porch work we list on our services page includes:
- New decks
- Deck rebuilds and repairs
- Wood or composite decking
- Railings and stairs
- Covered porches
- Board and framing replacement
If the rot is in trim, sills or the house itself, see rot repair.
Repair, resurface or rebuild?
A lot of decks can be saved. Some can't. It comes down to what is going on under the boards, so we look at the framing in person before we tell you which way to go.
| What we see | Replace boards | Replace boards and railings | Rebuild the framing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boards | A few soft or split boards | Many worn or split boards | Boards fine or not, framing is the issue |
| Railings | Solid | Loose or worn | Loose because posts are failing |
| Posts and ledger | Sound | Sound | Rot at posts or the ledger |
| Footings | Not moving | Not moving | Settled or heaving |
Warning signs a deck needs attention
You don't need to be a carpenter to spot most problems. Walk the deck and look for:
- Boards that feel soft or bounce underfoot
- Railings or stairs that wobble when you lean on them
- Rusted nails, screws or brackets
- A gap where the ledger board meets the house
- Posts sitting in standing water or soil
If a railing or stair feels loose, stay off it until someone checks it. That's the one we'd fix first.
Built for New Hampshire winters
Snow sits on decks for weeks here, and freeze-thaw cycles work on every joint. Footings need to sit below the frost line, and the ledger needs proper flashing where it meets the house so water doesn't get behind it. Your town's building office can tell you the local requirements.
Wood or composite
Both work on a New Hampshire deck. The choice comes down to upkeep, look and feel.
- Wood is the traditional choice. It needs regular cleaning and sealing or staining, and boards can be swapped one at a time.
- Composite needs less upkeep and doesn't need staining. It looks and feels different from wood, and some people prefer one over the other.
We'll talk through both at the estimate.
Covered porches and railings
We build and rebuild covered porches, and we replace railings and stairs on their own if the rest of the deck or porch is sound.
Older porches often carry old paint. On homes built before 1978 we test for lead first, and if it turns up we work with regulated contractors as needed.
Permits for decks in southern NH
Attached or raised decks usually need a building permit, and the rules are set town by town. Check with your town's building office or ask us. If your deck needs a permit, we or one of our subcontractors can pull it.
Getting an itemized deck quote
Send us what you can: a few photos, the rough size, which parts feel soft or loose, and what you'd like in the end. The consultation is free, and the quote is itemized and in writing.
Decks and porches by town
We build and repair decks in all the towns we serve, including:
See the full list on our service area page.
Frequently asked questions
Can my deck be repaired or does it need to be rebuilt?
It depends on the framing. If the posts, ledger and footings are sound, new boards or railings are often enough. Rot at the posts or ledger, or footings that have moved, usually means rebuilding the framing.
Do I need a permit for a deck in my town?
Attached or raised decks usually need one, and the rules are set town by town. Check your town's building office or ask us. If your deck needs a permit, we or one of our subcontractors can pull it.
Wood or composite for a New Hampshire deck?
Both work here. Wood needs regular sealing or staining and boards can be swapped one at a time. Composite needs less upkeep. We talk through both at the estimate.
Can you replace just the railings or stairs?
Yes. If the rest of the deck is sound, we can replace railings or stairs on their own.
Do you build covered porches?
Yes, covered porches are on our list.
Do you install deck lighting?
We don't do electrical work ourselves. We coordinate a licensed electrician for deck lighting and outlets.
Do you build decks in Hampstead and Auburn?
Yes. We work in Hampstead, Auburn and every other town on our service area page.
Get a free estimate
Call (603) 665-0447 or send the estimate form. The consultation is free, and the quote is itemized and in writing.