Harbor Deck & Fence your local deck company with more than 15 years of experience provides new deck construction, deck replacement, resurfacing, repairs, stairs, railings, and custom deck upgrades for homeowners throughout Tacoma and nearby communities.
Our deck services include:
New Cedar, PVC and Composite deck construction
Complete deck replacement
Deck resurfacing when the framing can be reused
Framing, beam, joist and ledger repairs ,Custom stairs and landings , Cedar, composite, cable, metal and glass railings, Picture-frame borders and breaker boards, Fascia, skirting and finished trim, Pergolas, covers and special-load reinforcement when appropriate, Demolition, haul-away and project cleanup
Before recommending a repair or replacement, we inspect the visible structure and explain what appears reusable, what needs attention, and which options make the most sense for the property.
We want homeowners to understand what is being built, what is included, and what to expect before the project starts.
Harbor Deck & Fence brings more than 15 years of hands-on construction experience to deck projects in Tacoma and Western Washington. Our entire team specializeds in building custom cedar and composite decks for homeowners in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, University Place, Lakewood, and nearby communities. We handle new deck construction, complete replacements, stairs, railings, and carefully planned upgrades for older decks.
Experience Really Matters! That is because a deck is more than the boards you see on top. A deck can look attractive when it is first completed, but small mistakes underneath poor flashing, trapped moisture, weak connections, incorrect spacing or insufficient blocking can create problems later.
After 15 years in the trade, we know where older decks commonly fail and which details deserve extra attention. We understand how cedar behaves as it weathers, how composite products need to be supported and fastened, and how Western Washington rain affects framing, stairs, ledgers and exposed hardware.
That knowledge helps us identify potential issues before they become expensive surprises.
Every project starts with a practical conversation about your space, material preferences, budget, and the condition of any existing framing. Our goal is to give you clear options and a written estimate not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Licensed, bonded and insured · WA License # HARBODF751NF
The quality of a deck often comes down to details that are easy to overlook. These are some of the areas we consider during planning and construction:
Water Management
Flashing, drainage, board spacing and ventilation help prevent water from remaining trapped against the house or inside the framing. This is especially important in the rainy Pacific Northwest.
Framing and Support
Posts, beams, joists and blocking must work together as a complete structure. We pay attention to joist spacing, stair support, beam placement, hardware connections and areas where additional blocking may be needed.
Material-Specific Installation
Cedar and composite decking are not installed exactly the same way. Each material has its own requirements for board spacing, fasteners, support and movement. Composite products are installed according to the applicable manufacturer’s specifications.
Straight Lines and Clean Layouts
Careful measurements help keep deck boards, borders, stairs, railing posts and fascia aligned. Picture-frame borders and breaker boards are planned before decking begins so the finished layout looks intentional.
Secure Stairs and Railings
Stairs and railings are important safety components, not decorative additions. Consistent stair layout, secure railing-post attachment and appropriate blocking can make a noticeable difference in how solid the finished deck feels.
Ventilation and Access
Skirting and fascia should look finished without unnecessarily trapping moisture around the framing. We consider ventilation, drainage and future access when planning these details.
The right deck material depends on the appearance you want, your maintenance preferences, the project budget, and the condition of any existing structure. Harbor Deck & Fence works with cedar, composite decking, pressure-treated framing, and several railing and finish options.We explain the practical differences so you can choose materials that make sense for your home.
Cedar Decking and Other Hardwoods Such as IPE / Redwood
Cedar is a traditional Pacific Northwest decking material with a warm, natural appearance. It is generally more affordable upfront than composite and works well for homeowners who prefer real wood.
Cedar can be stained to preserve its color or allowed to weather naturally. Because it is wood, it requires periodic maintenance and may eventually develop checking, splitting, discoloration, or rot especially where moisture becomes trapped.
We also work and specialize in IPE Decks which is a premium hardwood and highly sought after.
Composite Decking and PVC Decking
Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners who want less routine maintenance and a more consistent finish. It is available in different colors, textures, board profiles, and price levels.
Composite boards resist rot and moisture better than wood decking, but they still need proper framing support, board spacing, ventilation, and manufacturer-approved fasteners. Composite is low maintenance, not maintenance-free.
We can also add:
Picture-frame borders
Breaker boards for larger layouts
Color-matched or contrasting fascia
Hidden fasteners where compatible
Coordinated composite stairs and trim
Matching composite railing systems
Pressure-Treated Deck Framing
The framing is the part of the deck that supports everything above it. Depending on the project, pressure-treated lumber may be used for posts, beams, joists, blocking, stair stringers and other structural components.
Before resurfacing an older deck, we inspect the visible framing to determine whether it appears reusable or whether damaged components need repair or replacement. New deck boards should not be installed over framing that is visibly failing, badly rotted or improperly supported.
Railings
Railing affects safety, visibility, maintenance and the overall appearance of the deck. Available options may include:
Cedar or wood railing
Composite railing
Composite railing with metal balusters
Cable or wire railing
Aluminum or metal railing
Glass railing
Cable and glass railing can help preserve an open view. Composite and metal systems generally require less maintenance than wood. Cedar railing provides a traditional appearance and can coordinate with a cedar deck.
Fascia, Skirting and Trim
Fascia covers exposed deck framing and gives the perimeter a cleaner finished appearance. Skirting can partially or completely enclose the area below the deck.
Options may include cedar boards, composite fascia, matching trim, contrasting colors, horizontal skirting and other property-specific designs. Ventilation, drainage and future access should still be considered when enclosing the underside of a deck.
Fasteners, Flashing and Hardware
Small materials have a major effect on how a deck performs. Depending on the project, we may use exterior-rated screws, hidden fastening systems, structural connectors, post bases, joist hangers, flashing and other corrosion-resistant hardware.
Fifteen years of hands-on experience has taught us that details such as proper flashing, board spacing, ventilation, blocking and compatible fasteners matter just as much as the visible decking.
We help homeowners compare the complete material package not only the color of the deck boards before the project begins. We can show you practical options and help you compare colors, finishes, railing choices and long-term upkeep. You can also review our deck materials guide and composite deck options.
From the ground up, we build decks around how the space will actually be used. Depending on the project, the scope may include:
Before recommending a repair or rebuild, we inspect the visible condition of the posts, beams, joists, ledger, stairs and railings. That gives homeowners a clearer picture of what can be saved and what needs to be replaced.
Not every aging deck needs to be replaced, but the structure has to be evaluated before making that call. If the posts, beams, joists and ledger remain sound, a project may only need new deck boards, railings, stairs or hardware. If there is widespread rot, movement, poor connections or failing structural components, a larger repair or rebuild may be the safer and more practical option.
Common warning signs include:
Learn more about our Tacoma deck repair services.
We want homeowners to understand what is being built, what is included, and what to expect before the project starts.
Harbor Deck & Fence builds and replaces decks in Tacoma, University Place, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Puyallup and nearby Pierce County communities. We also serve select projects in Kitsap County, including Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale and Poulsbo.
Not sure whether your property is in our current service area? Call us with the project address and we can confirm.
Planning a new deck, replacing an older one, or trying to decide whether the framing can be reused? Tell us what you have in mind and, if possible, send a few photos and rough measurements.
Schedule a Deck EstimateCall (253) 303-6828
You can also review our deck design ideas and railing options before the appointment.
A deck builder in Tacoma like Harbor Deck & Fence offers design, custom deck construction, material selection, installation, repairs, and maintenance for residential and commercial decks.
Choosing a custom deck builder in Tacoma ensures your outdoor space is tailored to your property, lifestyle, and budget — with expert craftsmanship and local code compliance.
Deck costs vary by size, materials, and design complexity, but most Tacoma WA deck builds range from $X – $Y per square foot. Contact Harbor Deck & Fence for a free estimate.
Tacoma deck builders often recommend pressure-treated wood, cedar, composite decking, and PVC based on durability, maintenance, and budget.
Most custom deck projects in Tacoma take 1–3 weeks from planning to completion, depending on weather, permits, and design.
Yes, most decks require a building permit in Tacoma. A professional deck builder in Tacoma can handle permitting for you.
Ask about experience, warranty, timeline, materials, cost breakdown, and whether they handle permits — Harbor Deck & Fence answers all these.
Yes! Harbor Deck & Fence offers free estimates to help you plan your dream deck in Tacoma, WA.
Standard builders use pre-designed plans, while custom deck builders in Tacoma design unique outdoor spaces tailored to your needs.
Tacoma deck builders choose weather-resistant materials and construction techniques suited for the Pacific Northwest climate.
Composite, cedar, and Doug fir wood are popular in Tacoma due to moisture resistance and lifespan.
Clear debris, mark utilities, and ensure easy access — Harbor Deck & Fence will guide you through prep steps.
With quality materials and proper maintenance, a Tacoma deck can last 20+ years, especially when built by professionals.
Reputable custom deck builders in Tacoma are fully insured, licensed, and bonded for your protection.
Yes! Many Tacoma contractors like Harbor Deck & Fence specialize in fences, pergolas, and other outdoor structures.
Adding a professionally built deck can significantly increase home value and curb appeal in the Tacoma housing market.
They follow building codes, use quality fasteners, proper framing techniques, and weather-resistant materials.
Absolutely! Custom deck builders in Tacoma can integrate lighting, built-in seating, stairs, and railings.
Most Tacoma deck builders schedule projects within 2–6 weeks, depending on workload and season.
Harbor Deck & Fence combines local expertise, quality materials, custom design, reliable scheduling, and 5-star service for every Tacoma deck project.
