Martha Stewart's Guide to Hiring a Deck Builder

I’ve always been interested in restoration and renovation—I find such projects so fascinating and rewarding. Recently, I endeavored to add an outdoor deck onto The Maple House, one of three dwellings on my Bedford, New York, farm.

A lovely two-story, 1970s ranch-style home, The Maple House sits on the northernmost part of my 153 acres and has served, over the years, as both a guesthouse and the setting for my many magazine, book, and TV shoots. My renovations on this residence have included adding a stunning floor-to-ceiling cookbook library (in the dining room); updating the large kitchen (I painted the woodwork and cabinets black and walls white, and brought in my brilliant collection of copper); and revamping the surrounding landscape (which you can watch on Martha Gardens on Roku!).

With warmer weather approaching, I saw the potential to transform the outdoor terrace into a more expansive, welcoming deck, complete with a pergola to offer shade and a support for training my beautiful climbing vines. Of course, it was vital that this deck be a seamless extension of the house, to fit architecturally and aesthetically with my farm. And while I wanted a beautifully crafted deck, it also needed to be practical—well sized, properly lit, and durable yet low-maintenance. 

Though I’ve spearheaded many restoration and renovation projects through the years, this was not a basic DIY structure and required experienced, qualified professionals who aligned with my vision, aesthetic, budget, and timeline.

For this project, I was drawn to Trex and their team of TrexPro® Builders: Their attention to detail and design versatility made it easy to create an outdoor space that has the warmth of wood yet requires far less upkeep. I also really appreciated that they prioritize sustainability by using recycled and reclaimed materials. I’ve had an absolutely great experience collaborating with them—and they have a marvelous TrexPro Find a Builder Tool that helps you easily find a local contractor. 

Working with professionals can help you achieve better craftmanship, help you avoid costly mistakes, protecting your investment, and create peace of mind.

Their participation also goes far beyond building the deck: They get involved during the planning phase and stay involved through the final walkthrough, helping you with the design, layout, budgeting, and the details that make your deck unique. Hiring the right professionals, of course, is critical. Do your research and be sure to ask the right questions before choosing an experienced, qualified team.

When selecting a deck builder, follow my below guidelines:

How to Plan an Outdoor Deck

Start with a vision. Begin by defining the goals for your deck. Consider the size, how you plan to use it (Will it be mostly for family dinners, relaxing, gardening, or will you be entertaining large gatherings?), whether you need stairs or built-in seating or storage, and whether you are replacing an existing structure or building from scratch.

If features such as lighting, shade, dedicated space for a grill or planters interest you, identify them from the start. A clear project brief will make conversations with contractors far more productive.

My outdoor deck will replace a beautiful but aging terrace—likely original to the house—and it will be a lovely place to relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the farm. I collaborated with a wonderful team of TrexPro® Builders to choose Trex Transcend® Lineage® for the decking, lighting along the stairs, elegant railing, and a pergola ceiling—it’s all so thoughtfully designed.

How to Choose a Deck Builder

Create a shortlist of experienced pros. Start by reaching out to family, friends, neighbors, reliable sources or community groups you trust for referrals. Search online reviews, local business directories, professional networks, focusing on customer reviews, years in business, certifications, and photos of past projects.

Trex provides a directory that connects homeowners with vetted pros who are experts in designing and constructing with Trex products. You can search by your zip code and filter results based on project type.

And simply pay attention to your surroundings: When traveling or visiting friends, I often take note of architecture and craftmanship I admire. If a beautiful deck catches your eye, don’t hesitate to ask someone who built it. 

How to Verify a Deck Builder’s Credentials:

Experienced craftsmen understand zoning laws, building permits, and local codes, and their liability insurance covers you should accidents or property damage occur. Where applicable, ensure the contractor meets local licensing or registration requirements, carries general liability insurance, and provides workers’ compensation coverage.

Ask who will pull permits and arrange inspections; in most cases, that responsibility should rest with the contractor. For my Bedford deck, I wanted special features, including railings around the deck and lighting on the stairs, so it was important to work with someone also well versed in local code requirements for footings, rail height, and stairs.

The TrexPro Builders I worked with were very knowledgeable and credentialed, which gave me great confidence throughout the process. 

How to Compare Deck Builder Estimates Before Hiring

Aim to collect a few written estimates, with each detailed enough to show what is included—for instance, the scope of work, materials, demolition or disposal, permit fees, labor, site cleanup, and any optional features. Note that the lowest price is not always the wisest choice, as it may signal missing details, lower-grade materials, or unrealistic assumptions about permits and inspections.

Compare each bid carefully and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s also worth asking if the builder brings any unique expertise or advantages to the project. I found that TrexPro® Builders are very versed in their entire product line and can recommend options that suit both the aesthetics of your property and your budget.

How to Choose Decking Materials

Choosing the best decking material to match your personal style and budget is an important step in the deck-building process. An informed builder should be able to walk you through the advantages and tradeoffs of pressure-treated wood, cedar, redwood, composite, and PVC.

The right choice depends on your climate, budget, and tolerance for maintenance. Traditional wood often has a lower upfront cost and a naturally warm appearance, but it typically requires regular sealing or staining and may last about 10 to 15 years with proper care.Composite and PVC options tend to cost more initially, yet they offer easier maintenance and can last roughly 25 to 50 years, depending on the product and conditions.

While I’ve always loved the natural look of wood, I didn’t want the ongoing sanding, staining, sealing—and splintering—that can come with it. With Trex, I found I could get a warm, wood-inspired look with less day-to-day maintenance.

What to Ask About a Deck-Building Timeline Before Work Begins

Ask when the project can realistically begin, how long construction should take, and which factors could affect the schedule. Weather, inspections, and material lead times all have the potential to cause delays, so it is wise to discuss those possibilities from the start.

You should also be aware of who will be on your property each day, whether subcontractors will be involved, and who your primary point of contact will be. Reliable communication is every bit as important as skilled workmanship.

Questions to Ask a Deck Contractor and TrexPro® Builder:

• How many decks similar to mine have you built?
• Will you manage permits and inspections from start to finish? If not, who will?
• Are you licensed in the state?
• Can you provide proof of insurance as well as some local references?
• Who will supervise the work on a day-to-day basis?
• When would you be able to start? What is estimated completion date?
• Which materials do you recommend for my budget, climate, and maintenance preferences?
• What is included in this estimate, and what would be considered additional costs?
• How do you handle change orders or unforeseen site conditions?
• What warranties apply to both workmanship and materials?
• What payment schedule do you require, and how are milestones defined?
• What should I expect during the final walkthrough and project closeout?

An inviting outdoor deck can become one of the most enjoyable and hardworking spaces of a home, but its success depends on smart, thoughtful planning made long before construction begins. Define your goals, choose materials wisely, hire experienced professionals you can collaborate with, and communicate clearly from start to finish.

With that thoughtful groundwork in place, you’ll be rewarded with an outdoor living area you and your family and friends will enjoy for years to come. I know I will be enjoying my new deck!