Hours vary Portland (207) 544-3126
Woodhouse Builders LLC
Deck Construction Built for Maine Summers and Hard Winters

Portland Local

Deck Construction Built for Maine Summers and Hard Winters

Woodhouse Builders plans, frames, and finishes decks on time and within budget throughout Greater Cumberland County.

Call now(207) 544-3126
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What Makes a Deck Last in Maine

A deck in Maine is only useful about five months out of the year, which means every board, every fastener, and every post base has to survive seven months of freeze-thaw cycles before you get to enjoy it again. If the framing isn't right the first time, you'll know it by year three. Scotty Woodhouse handles deck installation from the permit application through final cleanup, and he builds to a standard that holds up through a Maine winter without you having to think about it. Call (207) 544-3126 to talk through your project.

Cost on a deck project depends on size, materials, height off the ground, and how much site prep the yard requires. A simple pressure-treated ground-level deck runs far less than a two-story composite deck with built-in stairs and a privacy screen. Composite decking like Trex costs more upfront than treated lumber but typically requires less maintenance over its life. Hardwoods like ipe or mahogany land somewhere between the two in terms of long-term performance, but they demand precise installation to avoid splitting. Every job is different, contact Woodhouse Builders LLC for an accurate estimate.

Why Deck Framing Either Holds or Fails

The boards on top get all the attention, but the frame underneath is what determines whether the structure is safe in year ten.

Most deck failures start at the ledger board or the post bases, not the decking surface. A ledger that isn't flashed correctly lets water migrate into the band joist of the house, and by the time you see rot on the outside you've often got a structural problem inside the wall. Post bases set directly in concrete without proper standoffs trap moisture and start to deteriorate faster than anything above grade. I won't cut corners on those details. Every ledger gets flashed and sealed, every post base gets set to code, and the joist spacing and beam sizing are calculated for the actual load, not just whatever passes inspection. If you're considering a full home remodeling project, adding or rebuilding a deck at the same time usually saves money on both jobs.
composite decking work, professional service in Portland, ME

Material Options

Pressure-Treated, Composite, or Hardwood

01

Pressure-Treated Lumber

The lowest upfront cost, widely available, and structurally sound when installed correctly. It needs to be sealed every two to three years and will silver-gray if left untreated. Good choice if you want a functional deck without a premium budget.

02

Composite Decking

Brands like Trex or TimberTech cost more upfront but don't require regular sealing and won't splinter. The surface stays cooler than some hardwoods in direct sun. Boards come in a range of colors and finishes. Solid option for low-maintenance builds.

03

Hardwood Decking

Ipe, mahogany, and similar species are dense, durable, and visually distinct. They hold up well in coastal climates. Pre-drilling every fastener hole is not optional with hardwoods. Skipping that step causes splitting, and splitting means replacing boards.

04

Hidden Fastener Systems

Available with most composite and hardwood products, hidden fasteners leave a clean surface with no exposed screw heads. They cost more in labor and materials but eliminate the rust staining you get with face-screw installations over time.

How It Works

From Permit to Final Board

Deck construction in Maine requires permits in most municipalities. We handle that process so you don't have to chase the building department yourself.

  1. 01

    Design and Permit

    We measure the site, confirm setbacks and load requirements, draw up the plan, and pull the permit. Most homeowners don't realize the inspection schedule starts before framing.

  2. 02

    Framing and Foundation

    Footings go below the frost line, which in Cumberland County means 48 inches minimum. Post bases, beams, joists, and the ledger connection all get set and inspected before any decking goes down.

  3. 03

    Decking, Stairs, and Trim

    Boards get laid with proper spacing for drainage, stairs get built to code rise-and-run, and any railing, fascia, or trim work gets finished before we consider the job done.

Deck Project Scope at a Glance

What Woodhouse Builders handles on a standard deck build.

  1. 01

    Permit application and inspection scheduling

  2. 02

    Footing excavation and concrete footings below frost line

  3. 03

    Pressure-treated framing, beams, and ledger installation with proper flashing

  4. 04

    Decking surface installation in your chosen material

  5. 05

    Stairs, railings, and code-compliant baluster spacing

  6. 06

    Site cleanup and final walkthrough with the homeowner

Serving Greater Cumberland County

Woodhouse Builders builds decks throughout the Greater Cumberland County area. If you're in any of the communities below, we can take your call today and schedule a site visit.

Get Your Deck Project Started

Maine's building season is short. The sooner the permit goes in, the sooner you're on the schedule.

Call now (207) 544-3126

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of a 20x20 deck in Maine?
A 20x20 deck is 400 square feet, and cost varies significantly based on height, materials, site conditions, and the complexity of the stairs and railing system. Pressure-treated builds run less than composite or hardwood installations. Elevated decks requiring longer posts and more substantial beam work cost more than ground-level structures. Every job is different, contact Woodhouse Builders LLC for an accurate estimate.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Maine?
In most Maine municipalities, yes. Decks attached to the house and decks over a certain height or square footage typically require a building permit and inspection. The threshold varies by town, but in Cumberland County most structural decks need a permit. We pull the permit as part of the project, schedule the required inspections, and make sure the build passes. Don't let a contractor skip this step.
How long does a pressure-treated deck last compared to composite?
A well-built pressure-treated deck maintained with regular sealing can last 15 to 25 years. Composite decking products like Trex or TimberTech typically carry 25-year manufacturer warranties on the boards themselves, though the underlying frame is still pressure-treated lumber. In Maine's coastal climate, moisture and salt air accelerate degradation on untreated or poorly maintained wood. The frame is what determines structural longevity, regardless of the surface material.
Can a deck be added to a house during a larger renovation?
Yes, and it often makes sense to coordinate it. If the house exterior is already open for a home renovation or a residential construction project, adding a deck during the same window avoids disrupting finished siding and flashing later. The ledger connection is cleaner when it goes in before the exterior is fully buttoned up. Talk through the scope with Scotty and we can figure out the right sequencing.
What causes deck boards to warp or cup after installation?
Warping and cupping on deck boards usually comes from two places: improper board spacing that prevents drainage and traps moisture, or boards that were installed wet and dried unevenly once exposed to sun. Pressure-treated lumber from the yard is often still saturated when it arrives. Boards need adequate spacing and should be installed bark-side up to manage the natural curve of the wood as it dries. Composite boards don't have this issue, which is part of why they're worth the extra cost for some homeowners.

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