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10 best deck builders in Berkeley, New Jersey
Megan SwinneyHome improvement writer
Megan Swinney is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. Drawing from her experiences gr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
We've ranked the top 10 deck builders that operate within 50 miles of Berkeley. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
A deck can revitalize your outdoor space and enhance your home's worth. This versatile addition allows you to take advantage of your yard all year long, whether you're hosting a summer cookout, enjoying a spring gathering or taking advantage of fall weather. While winters can get chilly in Berkeley, a deck provides the perfect spot to take advantage of warm day in the colder months. However, building a deck is not a simple task. To install a secure and functional outdoor space, use one of the best deck builders in Berkeley.
You can build a deck yourself, but there are benefits to working with an experienced deck builder. Their expertise allows them to finish the job safely and efficiently, help you in selecting the appropriate materials and bring your preferred design to life.
Additionally, professional deck work tends to come with a warranty, which can save your money in the long run and provide assurance. Building a deck is costly, but hiring a professional can make it more cost-effective if something goes wrong. Not only are there affordable deck builders in Berkeley, but these professionals can help you avoid expensive mistakes and the pain of needing to redo your work.
Find the best deck builders for you in Berkeley
Look for deck builders in Berkeley 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.
All County Exteriors
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
J.A.Y. Construction LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Father and Son Building and Remodeling
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
DEX Staining & Powerwashing
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Universal Fiberglass and Contracting LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quote
- Accessible customer support team
Sweeney Home Solutions - Remodeling
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Big Dog Construction
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Ace Home Improvements
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quote
- Informative resources
Bartlett & Sons Remodeling LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Heritage Builders
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional deck building companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
MAK Construction Corporation
Deck Guardian
Deck Restoration Plus / DRP Enterprises
Deck Restore
How to choose the best deck builder in Berkeley
Building a deck is a big investment. To choose the most suitable deck builder for the job, consider these factors.
Confirm that the company is licensed and insured
Any contractor working on your home should be licensed, bonded and insured. The licensing process verifies your contractors know what they're doing, while insurance and bonds safeguard your and the contractor's interests in case something goes wrong. Each state has different requirements for decking contractors. In New Jersey, contractors must register through the Division of Consumer Affairs.
Read reviews from other homeowners
Evaluate a company's reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews. If a friend has a deck you particularly like, 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 warm weather. The downside is that most good contractors will be in high demand during those seasons. Find out when your preferred contractor is available and ensure it fits your timeline. Even in dry seasons, unexpected weather or 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 prospective deck builders for quotes so you can compare costs. Verify your estimate parameters are as similar as possible. You won't be able to determine which company offers the best value if they quote different materials or sizes. The estimates should specify the costs of labor and materials and an estimated timeline.
Other services offered by deck builders
Deck builders often perform services beyond just constructing your deck. They can help you create a backyard oasis by adding lighting, custom railing and additional features. Below are common decking services that builders offer:
- Waterproofing: Waterproofing involves applying a protective seal to wooden decks periodically to enhance their life spans. The contractor will clean off your deck's furniture and any debris before sanding the wood and applying the seal. Your deck will be available for use within a couple of days.
- Staining: Staining involves applying a protective coat to your existing wooden deck. Based on the stain you select, your deck can appear brand new within a few hours of the service being done. However, it may take up to 12 hours to set.
- Deck repairs: Deck builders can repair damaged boards, existing deck railings and stairs. Repairs can save you a lot of money in the long run and give the older decks a longer life span. Depending on the extent of the repairs and the size of your deck, they may take anywhere from a single day to a full week.
- Lighting installation: With the addition of deck lights, your deck can be transformed into an inviting outdoor living area that you can use day or night. Your contractor can offer expert advice in selecting the perfect lights, and help guarantee proper installation. If you plan on using high-voltage equipment, seeking expert assistance is particularly important.
- Refinishing: Refinishing takes an existing deck and gives it new life. Typically, deck builders will clean, sand and reseal the existing wood, which takes anywhere from a few hours to several days, based on your deck's size. This method reuses your older decking, saving you both time and money.
What are the best decking materials?
You have a range of materials to choose from for decking. You can go with a selection of wood decking boards or pick composite decking boards. Wood decks can be built using pressure-treated or untreated natural wood. Additionally, PVC, plastic and composite decking are options.
Wood decking is a popular option thanks to its natural look and the possibility of painting or staining it to suit personal preferences. Here are some of the most commonly selected wood decking options:
- Cedar: Cedar decking is a soft and resilient wood that resists water, rot and insects. Because of its moisture resistance, it's less likely to warp or crack in low temperatures, but it can be susceptible to dents and scratches.
- Redwood: A weather- and bug-resistant wood is Redwood, known for its close grain and red hue. That being said, it can be a challenging wood for areas prone to excessive moisture, and if left alone for too long, it may adopt a black color. It's also important to know that redwood can be quite expensive.
- Pressure-treated wood: Pressure-treated wood is a widely used choice for wood decking material. This wood's light hue allows for easy application of stain or paint, and it is readily accessible across the country. However, pressure-treated wood might not be as long-lasting as other wood decking alternatives.
Composite decking boards look comparable to real wood, but in reality are a combination of plastic and wood fibers. While they may have a higher cost in contrast to wood boards, they are not prone to fading, cracking or splitting. This decking material comes with a warranty and doesn'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 seem artificial.
Facts about Berkeley
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Best deck builders for you
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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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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