Building a deck in Central Iowa takes place over three stages: project scoping and design, pre-construction planning and scheduling, and construction. Each stage has its own factors that affect timing, and reasons range from how quickly decisions get made to crew availability and project complexity. Weather plays a role, but it's rarely the biggest factor until you're in the construction phase.
As experienced Des Moines deck builders serving Central Iowa since 1998, we hear one question all the time. And that is: "How long will it take to build a deck?" The answer, as you might expect, depends on a lot of different factors, many of which might surprise you.
Below, we break down what goes into each of these stages so you can get a feel for what to expect.
Stage One: Project Scoping and Design
The deck building process starts long before breaking ground or ordering materials. Every project starts with consultation, site assessment, and the development of a design based on your budget and your vision.
The first big consideration is overall demand for new projects.On our side, we know that incoming project requests will follow a predictable pattern. Peak demand builds in late winter and runs through spring. It will usually taper off a bit in the summer, then pick back up again in the fall when temperatures begin to cool down. Then it slows through the winter holidays.
Another big part of overall project timeline is the project’s complexity. A straightforward deck design comes together faster than a multi-level structure with integrated features. The more elements involved, the more time we spend making sure everything works together.
Also important is how involved homeowners are in the process. Some homeowners are ready to make decisions quickly. Whereas, others may need more time to consider options, gather input from family members, or coordinate time in their busy schedules to meet.
The good news here is that weather rarely affects this phase. We can handle consultations, design work, and most site assessments regardless of the conditions outside.
Stage Two: Pre-Construction Planning and Scheduling
Once your project design is finalized, a number of things need to happen before construction begins. That includes the completion of structural drawings, permitting, HOA approvals, material orders, and crew scheduling.
Structural drawings and permits can typically be completed within 2 – 3 weeks after contract signing. When luck is on our side, this can sometimes go faster, but ultimately depends on local requirements.
Most materials can be acquired within a couple of weeks once approvals are in place. If you happen to be building an especially unique project or utilizing custom or special-order materials, though, it may require additional lead time to produce or acquire those.
It’s with scheduling that timing becomes a bit more variable. Des Moines deck companies typically build a higher volume of projects through spring and summer, staying steady into early fall, then tapering through winter.
In many situations, we can typically start construction within 4 to 8 weeks of signing a contract. But high-demand periods extend that window, and winter and particularly heavy rain can also be an exception. In terms of weather delays, the biggest culprit is often extreme winter weather or an unusually wet stretch in any season.
Stage Three: Actual Construction
Once crews arrive, the build itself depends primarily on two factors: complexity and weather.
Simple, small deck projects may only take a week or two to complete after breaking ground. Whereas, more complex builds can take longer since they may have larger footprints, multiple levels, and or custom features.
Weather matters most at this stage. Summer thunderstorms rarely cause major delays. Extreme cold, snow, or ice, on the other hand, can halt progress entirely. And again, heavy rains can’t be ruled out for causing delays regardless of the season.
What About Additional Features?
Everything above assumes a standalone deck build. If your project includes a roof structure, porch, pergola, outdoor kitchen, or integrated lighting, we will plan for additional time for project completion.
Every project is different, which is why we always like to make sure our timelines come with proper context. But no matter how big or small your project, we can tell you this for certain: the best thing you can do is start the conversation early, especially if you have a specific season or event in mind. The sooner we begin the scoping and design process, the more flexibility we have with scheduling.
Ready to Start Planning with Des Moines Deck Builders Near You?
Curious to see what’s possible? Check out ourdeck gallery to see how these timelines translate into finished projects. You can also download ourcomplimentary design guide for more planning details.
When you're ready to talk specifics, we'd be happy to meet for a no-obligation design consultation. Call Harold Cross and his team at (515) 203-8734, orcontact us online.
