Deck Builders in Seattle, WA
New decks, deck replacements, and refinishing for Seattle homes, plus paver patios, built by a licensed local team that handles the Seattle permit.
- Seattle deck permits handled
- Composite, cedar, and wood
- One-year workmanship warranty
- Rated 4.9 on Google
Reviewed by Matan Four, Owner · Updated November 2026
Who builds decks in Seattle, WA?
Dawn Construction builds and repairs decks and paver patios in Seattle from our offices in Renton and Mukilteo. We are a licensed Washington contractor (WA Lic. #DAWNCCW747K2). We handle the Seattle permit when your deck needs one and back every project with a one-year workmanship warranty.
- Company
- Dawn Construction WA LLC
- Offices
- Renton and Mukilteo
- Phone
- (206) 672-1711
- License
- WA Lic. #DAWNCCW747K2
- Decking
- Composite, cedar, pressure-treated
- Patios
- Concrete and pavers
- Warranty
- One-year workmanship warranty
- Estimates
- Free, in your home
What deck services do we offer in Seattle?
| Service | What it covers | Seattle permit usually needed? |
|---|---|---|
| New raised deck | Footings, frame, decking, railings, and stairs | Yes, when the deck is more than 18 inches above the ground |
| Low platform deck | A deck 18 inches or lower | No, unless it’s a roof deck or in a critical area |
| Deck replacement | Old deck removed; new frame and decking built | Usually yes for raised decks |
| Deck refinishing | Cleaning, small repairs, sanding, and new stain | No |
| Roof deck | A deck on a roof | Always; usually an addition or alteration permit |
| Paver and concrete patios | Ground-level patios and walkways, alone or with a deck | Usually no building permit |
Do you need a permit to build a deck in Seattle?
Yes, if the deck is more than 18 inches above the ground, is a roof deck, or sits in an environmentally critical area. That is 12 inches lower than Renton and most Washington cities. Most Seattle decks need only a subject-to-field-inspection (STFI) permit.
| Deck | Likely permit |
|---|---|
| Platform 18 inches or lower, not in a critical area | No permit |
| Typical backyard deck, 18 inches to 8 feet high | Subject-to-field-inspection permit |
| Deck over 8 feet high or with long beams | Addition or alteration permit |
| Roof deck | Addition or alteration permit |
| Deck in or near a critical area | Site visit first; SDCI decides the permit type |
The full guide: deck permits in Seattle. Seattle requires guardrails when a deck is more than 30 inches above the ground.
Where can a deck go on a Seattle lot?
Once a deck is more than 18 inches above the ground, Seattle’s zoning code controls where it can sit. Decks more than 36 inches high also count toward lot coverage.
| Zone | Front | Sides | Rear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood residential (NR1, NR2, NR3) | 20 feet | 5 feet | 25 feet, or the rear 20% of lot depth if less |
| Residential small lot (RSL) | 10 feet | 5 feet | 10 feet; may reach the lot line along an alley |
Which decking holds up best in Seattle’s rain?
| Decking | Upkeep | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Capped composite | Cleaning only | The least work over the years |
| Cedar | A fresh finish every few years | A natural wood look |
| Pressure-treated wood | Regular cleaning and sealing | The lowest cost up front |
More detail: composite vs cedar vs pressure-treated decking and refinish or replace your deck.
Paver patios in Seattle
A paver patio adds ground-level space for dining, a fire pit, or a hot tub, and pairs well with a deck off the house. Pavers flex with the ground instead of cracking, and a low spot can be lifted and reset. Near the house, the code requires the ground to slope away at least 2%, about 1/4 inch per foot.
A ground-level patio usually doesn’t need a building permit in Seattle, but the city’s rainwater rules apply once a project adds or replaces more than 750 sq ft of hard surface, and permeable pavers still count. See our paver patio services, the paver patio guide, and the paver walkway guide.
How does a Dawn Construction deck project work?
- Free in-home estimateWe measure the yard, check the height, slope, and setbacks, and send a written quote.
- Design and materialsYou choose the size, decking, railings, and stairs.
- Seattle permitWe prepare and submit the permit when your deck needs one.
- Footings and framingBuilt and inspected where Seattle requires it.
- Decking, railings, and stairsInstalled to code, with drainage gaps for our rain.
- Final inspection and walkthroughWe review every detail with you and explain how to care for your deck.
What affects the cost of a deck in Seattle?
Every deck is priced individually. You get a written quote after a free in-home estimate, and financing is available.
| Price factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Size and shape | More square feet and corners mean more material and labor |
| Height and slope | Raised decks need taller posts, bigger footings, railings, and stairs |
| Decking material | Composite costs more up front than wood but needs less upkeep |
| Railings and stairs | Style, material, and the number of stairs |
| Old deck removal | Demolition and repairs to the house connection |
A recent Dawn Construction deck in Seattle
What our deck and patio customers say
We absolutely love our new deck replacement with Dawn Construction WA was fantastic from beginning to end. Jake was professional, responsive, and made sure we were happy with every step of the process. The finished deck looks fantastic and feels very well built.
Great team that delivered high-quality work efficiently. They completed the project quickly without sacrificing quality. I've worked with many contractors, and this team stood out for their speed, communication.
I had a very good experience with Dawn Construction. We agreed on a price to demolish my old patio and to construct a new one. They came by every day to check on the progress and to see if I had any questions. My patio was finished in a very timely manner and it turned out beautiful!
Decks in Seattle: frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Seattle?
Yes, if the deck is more than 18 inches above the ground, is a roof deck, or sits in an environmentally critical area. That is stricter than Renton and most Washington cities, which use 30 inches. Most Seattle decks need only a subject-to-field-inspection permit.
What is a subject-to-field-inspection permit?
It is the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections’ simpler construction permit for small projects, with inspections done in the field. Most backyard decks between 18 inches and 8 feet high need this type.
How close to my property line can I build a deck in Seattle?
In neighborhood residential zones, a deck over 18 inches high must stay 20 feet from the front, 5 feet from the sides, and 25 feet from the rear property line, or the rear 20% of lot depth if that is less.
Does a deck count toward lot coverage in Seattle?
Only if it is more than 36 inches above the ground. A deck at 36 inches or lower avoids the lot coverage count.
What is the best decking for Seattle’s rain?
Capped composite needs the least upkeep, only cleaning. Cedar gives a natural wood look but needs a fresh finish every few years. Pressure-treated wood costs least up front but needs regular cleaning and sealing.
Do you build paver patios in Seattle too?
Yes. We build concrete and paver patios and walkways in Seattle, on their own or together with a new deck. A ground-level patio usually doesn’t need a building permit, but Seattle’s rainwater rules apply once a project adds or replaces more than 750 sq ft of hard surface.
How much does a new deck cost in Seattle?
It depends on the size, height, decking material, railings, and stairs. You get a written quote after a free in-home estimate, and financing is available.
Nearby cities we build decks in
Besides Seattle, we build decks and patios in Shoreline, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Kirkland, Renton, and Mukilteo. See all deck building services and our full service area.
Sources
- Seattle SDCI, Decks
- SDCI Tip 312, Decks, Fences, and Arbors for Single-Family Homes
- Seattle SDCI, Stormwater Code
Ready to build your Seattle deck?
Get a free in-home estimate and a written quote. Prefer to talk? Call us, Sunday–Friday, 8am–10pm.
Talk to our team(206) 672-1711Sunday–Friday, 8am–10pm