If you are planning a new deck, one of the first questions you will ask is how long the project will take. The honest answer is that it depends on several factors, but most residential decks are completed within one to three weeks once the permit is in hand. Here is a breakdown of what the timeline looks like.
The Permit Phase
Before any building can start, the permit needs to be approved. In Hillsborough County and Pasco County, this typically takes one to two weeks. During this time your contractor will submit the plans and fee to the county. The county reviews the application and issues the permit once it is approved. Some counties offer expedited review for an additional fee if you need things to move faster.
Site Preparation
Once the permit is in hand, the crew will come out to prepare the site. This includes marking post locations, digging footings, and setting the foundation for the deck. For a standard ground-level or low-rise deck, this usually takes one to two days. For a larger or more complex deck with multiple levels, this phase takes a bit longer.
Framing and Decking
After the footings are set and inspected, the framing goes up. This is the structural frame of the deck built from joists and beams. Once framing is done, the decking boards are laid. For a simple single-level deck, framing and decking can be done in two to four days. Larger decks take longer, especially when composite materials are involved since the installation process is more precise.
Railings, Stairs, and Finishing
After the deck surface is down, the crew installs railings and stairs if the design includes them. This typically adds one to two days. Final cleanup and a walkthrough with the homeowner come after. Once the work is done, the county inspector comes out for a final inspection to close the permit.
Total Timeline: What to Expect
From the day you sign a contract to the day the final inspection is passed, most deck projects in the Tampa area take three to five weeks total. The permit phase takes up most of that time. The actual construction of a standard deck is usually done in under two weeks.
We build decks in Riverview, Brandon, Spring Hill, Apollo Beach, Wesley Chapel, and Dade City. We give you a realistic timeline estimate before work begins so there are no surprises.
