Redwood deck costs can vary considerably depending on size, elevation, access, framing, railings, stairs, and site conditions. As a general guideline, a professionally built redwood deck in the East Bay can range from about $200–$400+ per square foot, with elevated, hillside, multi-level, or highly customized decks costing more. We provide a detailed estimate after reviewing the property and project scope.For your site, I like giving the per-square-foot range rather than saying decks “start at $50,000.” It gives people a useful benchmark while leaving plenty of room for the kinds of large, complicated decks you actually want.

A well-built redwood deck can provide decades of service when properly constructed and maintained. Its lifespan depends on the quality of the redwood, structural design, drainage and ventilation, exposure to weather, and ongoing maintenance. Regular cleaning and periodic sealing or staining can help protect the wood and extend the life of the deck.

Both materials have advantages, but redwood offers the natural look, feel, and character of real wood. Redwood generally feels more comfortable under bare feet on hot sunny days, doesn’t have the synthetic feel or occasional heat-related odor associated with some composite products, and can be sanded and refinished as it ages. It also avoids the static electricity that can occur with some synthetic decking. Because it is real wood, redwood does require periodic maintenance and can develop checking or splinters over time. For homeowners who appreciate the warmth and feel of natural wood, redwood remains an excellent, top choice.

We use quality redwood selected specifically for each project and budget. Redwood is available in several grades, ranging from premium clear heartwood with very few or no visible knots, to select heartwood with some natural character, to Construction Heart with more knots and variation. We generally prefer heartwood grades for decking, which provide the rich red color and natural character most people associate with a traditional redwood deck. We’ll review the available grades and pricing with you so you can choose the appearance and budget that works best for your project.

Redwood can be maintained as much or as little as you prefer. Many homeowners clean and reseal or stain their deck every one to two years to maintain its color and appearance, while others allow the wood to weather naturally to a soft gray and do very little beyond occasional cleaning. Sun exposure, weather, foot traffic, and the type of finish used all affect the maintenance schedule. The more you want your redwood to retain its original rich color, the more regularly it will need to be maintained.

In most cases, a new deck or a major structural deck rebuild will require a building permit. Simple replacement of existing deck boards may not require a permit when the structural framing, foundations, railings, or configuration aren't being altered. Requirements can also vary depending on the deck's size, height, location, and the city or county where the property is located. We review the project and applicable local requirements before construction begins.

Construction time depends on the size and complexity of the deck, site access, permitting, and weather. A straightforward redwood deck may take a few weeks to complete, while larger elevated, hillside, or multi-level decks can take considerably longer. Before construction begins, we’ll review the project and provide a realistic schedule based on the actual scope of work.

Yes. Many existing decks can be completely rebuilt or selectively repaired depending on the condition of the structure. We can replace deteriorated decking, framing, posts, beams, stairs, railings, and footings as needed. Before starting, we evaluate the existing structure to determine what can reasonably be reused and what should be replaced, then develop the scope of work accordingly.

Yes. We build everything from straightforward ground-level decks to large elevated, hillside, and multi-level redwood decks. More complex projects may require engineered foundations, structural framing, stairs, railings, and careful planning for difficult access or sloped sites. With decades of construction experience, we’re comfortable taking on challenging properties and developing a deck that works with the home, the site, and the way you want to use the space.