Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
4 best deck builders in Lake Charles, Louisiana
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 4 deck builders that operate within 50 miles of Lake Charles. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Investing in a deck can raise your property value and widen your living space to the outdoors, making it functional in all seasons. From summer barbecues to spring soirées and fall bird-watching sessions, a deck offers the perfect backdrop for any gathering. While winters can get chilly in Lake Charles, a deck provides the perfect spot to take advantage of warm day in the colder months. That being said, constructing a deck is a significant undertaking. For a safe and enjoyable outdoor living space, partner with one of the best deck builders in Lake Charles.
You can contruct a deck yourself, but hiring a professional has certain benefits. They can leverage their knowledge to build a safe and effective deck, guide you in selecting the correct materials and assist you in achieving the look you want.
When you choose professional deck constructors, you'll often receive a warranty that will provide long-term financial benefits and added assurance. While deck building is a significant investment, using a professional can prove more cost-effective if problems occur. Hiring affordable deck builders in Lake Charles means that these professionals can assist you in avoiding expensive mistakes and the necessity to redo your work.
Find the best deck builders for you in Lake Charles
Look for deck builders in Lake Charles 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.
Bee Fencing and Decks
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quote
Gulf Express Construction
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quote
- Prompt service delivery
- Informative resources
C&J Roofing and Home Improvement LLC.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
All Decked Out
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
How to choose the best deck builder in Lake Charles
When spending a good sum of money on your home, you want to be sure you choose the best deck builder for your needs. Think about these factors when vetting local deck-building companies.
Confirm that the company is licensed and insured
Be sure that any contractor you bring in to work on your home is licensed, bonded and insured. Licensing ensures that your contractors have the required abilities to to the job safely, and insurance and bonds the interests of all parties in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Not all contractors are required to hold a license under Louisiana 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
Read the reviews of a business on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB. If someone you know has a deck you love, ask for the contractor's name and contact information.
Consider the best time of year to schedule your deck build
Spring and summer weather make these seasons the preferred times for planning your deck construction. The drawback is that good contractors often have busy schedules during these times. Check your preferred contractor's availability and confirm it matches your desired timeline. Even in spring and summer, unfavorable conditions or delays can occur, so ensure your contract includes provisions, particularly if you're working with a narrow schedule.
Get a free estimate
Request free estimates from potential deck building companies to compare costs. Ensure the estimate parameters are as consistent as possible across companies. If the quotes include varying materials or dimensions, it will be hard to identify the most cost-effective option. The estimates should detail labor and material expenses, as well as an anticipated timeline.
Other services offered by deck builders
Deck builders usually provide services that go beyond laying down deck boards. They can help build your ideal outdoor living space by adding lighting, tailored railing and other features. Here are common decking services offered by deck builders:
- Staining: Staining means a protective layer is put on your existing wooden deck. Based on the stain you opt for, 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 can fix existing deck railings, damaged boards and stairs. These repairs can result in significant long-term savings and extend the life span of older decks. The duration of the repairs can vary from a single day to a full week, depending on the scope of the work and the size of your deck.
- Waterproofing: Waterproofing is a method in which a protective seal is applied to 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 set for use again.
- Lighting installation: With the addition of deck lights, your deck can be made into an inviting outdoor living area that you can use any time of day. Your contractor can offer experience-based guidance in selecting the ideal lights, and help guarantee proper installation. If you plan on using high-voltage equipment, seeking expert assistance is particularly important.
- Refinishing: Refinishing is a process that revitalizes your existing deck. Generally, deck builders will clean, sand and reseal the old wood, a task that can take from a few hours to a few days, based on the dimensions of your deck. By reusing your older decking, this method saves you both time and money.
What are the best decking materials?
You have a range of materials to choose from for decking. You can decide on a selection of wood decking boards or choose composite decking boards. Wood decks can be constructed using pressure-treated or untreated natural wood. Additionally, PVC, plastic and composite decking are potential options.
Wood decking is a sought-after option thanks to its organic look and the possibility of painting or staining it to suit individual tastes. Here are some of the most commonly chosen wood decking options:
- Cedar: Cedar decking is a soft and resilient wood that can withstand rot, water and insects. Because of its moisture-resistant properties, it isn't likely to warp or crack in low temperatures, but it can be susceptible to dents and scratches.
- Redwood: Redwood is a weather- and bug-resistant wood with a close grain and reddish hue. However, it can be a demanding choice for areas with a lot of moisture and may become discolored if left untreated. It can also be quite costly.
- Pressure-treated wood: Pressure-treated wood is a popular wood decking board. Its light color makes it easy to stain or paint, and the material is readily available throughout the country. However, it's not as resilient as other wood decking options.
Composite decking boards can resemble real wood, but they're a mix of plastic and wood fibers. While they might be more expensive than wood boards, they don't crack, split or fade. This decking material usually comes with a warranty, and never needs paint or stain, making it a low-maintenance option. Similarly, plastic and PVC decking don't fade or require paint or stain. However, both can have an artificial look.
Facts about Lake Charles
Average High in July
Average Low in July
Average Daily Sunlight
Best deck builders for you
Experts Ready to Help
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
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
We reviewed seven national lawn care service companies based on their services ranges, availability and costs. Read why TruGreen is our top full-service pick.
lawnMay 17
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarMay 16
We chose the best replacement windows by comparing each brand’s selections, warranties and more. Renewal by Andersen, Harvey and Champion are our top three.
windowsApr. 9
Transform your patchy lawn into a green oasis in nine simple steps. From investigating damage to strategic mowing, this guide has all the tips you need.
deckingApr. 26