A new deck is everything built from the ground up: site layout, permit, footings, posts, beams, joists, decking, railings, and any stairs or covered add-ons. We handle every step, including the Clark County or Portland permit and all inspections.
The typical LGC new deck is 300-700 square feet, attached or freestanding, 1-2 levels. Budgets run $22,000-$85,000 depending on size, material, and complexity. Larger luxury builds in Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, or Felida can run $100,000-$200,000+.
We build in five main materials. Each has a place — the right choice depends on budget, maintenance preference, and how the deck will be used.
Western Red Cedar — PNW classic. Natural rot resistance, warm color that silvers to patina over 3-5 years, ~$5-10/sqft material. Lifespan 20-25 years structural with proper flashing. Best for clients who like natural wood and don’t mind annual cleaning + re-stain every 3-4 years.
Trex Composite (Transcend, Select, Enhance) — capped polymer composite. 25-50 year warranty, ~$8-15/sqft material. Zero staining or sealing. Holds color for 10+ years. Runs hot in direct summer sun (pick lighter colors for south-facing decks). Best for low-maintenance homeowners.
TimberTech AZEK — premium capped PVC (fully synthetic, not composite). Runs ~20°F cooler than dark Trex. 30-50 year warranty. ~$10-18/sqft material. Best for south-facing premium projects.
Ipe Brazilian Hardwood — densest natural wood we work with. 40+ year lifespan with annual oiling (or silver patina). ~$15-25/sqft material. Needs stainless fasteners and pre-drilling. Best for clients who want heirloom-grade natural material.
Pressure-Treated Pine — cheapest option at ~$3-5/sqft material. 10-15 year structural life. Green tint when new, can be stained. Best for budget-conscious utility decks (e.g., rental property, temporary outdoor space).
Step 1: On-site estimate (free, 45-60 min). Larry or a crew lead walks your property, measures the area, checks soil conditions and drainage, and discusses material options. We ask about how you’ll use the deck (entertaining, daily coffee, hot tub base) because that changes the design.
Step 2: Design + written estimate (within 3-5 business days). You get a scaled drawing, material selection sheet, pricing breakdown (itemized: permit, materials, labor, contingency), and a proposed build timeline.
Step 3: Contract + deposit (typically 30%). Deposit covers permit application and material ordering. Lumber and composite often need 2-4 weeks lead time, especially for specific colors or boards.
Step 4: Permit submission. We handle the whole thing — drawings, calcs, fees, engineer review if required (common for multi-level). Clark County typically 2-4 weeks; Portland PP&D 3-6 weeks.
Step 5: Site prep + footings. Mark utility lines (811 one-call), dig footings to 36″ minimum below grade, pour concrete. Inspector signs off on footings before framing.
Step 6: Framing. Ledger attached to house with proper Z-flashing and Vycor membrane. Beams, joists, blocking per engineered spec. Hurricane ties where required. Another inspection point.
Step 7: Decking + railings. Hidden fasteners for composite (Trex Hideaway, Cortex for PVC). Stainless exposed fasteners for cedar/ipe. Railings installed per code (36″ residential minimum).
Step 8: Stairs + finish work. Cut and install stairs, build in benches, lighting rough-in if specified.
Step 9: Final inspection + walkthrough. County inspector signs off. Larry walks the deck with you, reviews maintenance expectations, hands over any warranty documents.
Typical timeline: 2-4 weeks from permit-in-hand to completion for a standard 400-500 sqft build. Multi-level or covered structures: 4-6 weeks.
All-in pricing (design + permit + material + labor + finish work):
| Deck size | Material | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|
| 300 sqft | Pressure-treated pine | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| 400 sqft | Cedar | $22,000 – $32,000 |
| 500 sqft | Trex composite | $38,000 – $55,000 |
| 600 sqft | TimberTech AZEK | $52,000 – $75,000 |
| 800 sqft | Multi-level cedar + composite | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| 1,200+ sqft | Ipe luxury with custom railings | $130,000 – $250,000+ |
Factors that move the quote: slope/grading work, post footing depth (clay soils go 48″ deep), tree root navigation, railing type (cable/glass add $30-75/linear ft), stairs ($1,500-3,000/run), pergola tie-in, integrated lighting, outdoor kitchen or hot tub support framing.
Clark County (Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Amboy):
Portland PP&D (all Portland + Gresham):
City-specific (Beaverton, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley): separate municipal building departments — typically faster than PP&D.
County-specific (Clackamas, Washington, Multnomah for rural): each has its own office.
We pull the permit end-to-end — you don’t call the city.
LGC Remodeling is led by Larry Zagoriy, owner and lead contractor. Larry has been building decks, patios, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces across Clark County and the Portland metro for over 15 years, with 100+ completed outdoor living projects.
CSLB License #1106627 — Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Verify license at California State Licensing Board.
Call Larry directly at (360) 356-6008 or email info@lgcremodeling.com for a free on-site estimate. LGC Remodeling, 1616 NW 13th Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604.
Planning a new deck? Helpful reading from our blog: how to attach a roof over a deck — PNW guide, cedar vs composite decking for Portland Metro, multi-level deck zoning — dining, lounge & grill.