Licensed & Insured Deck Contractor
A new composite deck built to New Jersey's 2024 code and to the manufacturer's own joist, gapping and fastener spec — footings to a registered warranty.
House of Decks builds new composite decks across Bergen and Passaic County, footings to a registered manufacturer warranty. What makes this build different is that two systems govern it at once — the code New Jersey enforces and the spec the board maker requires — and they have to agree with each other, not compete: New Jersey's own deck section hands composite joist spacing straight to the manufacturer, so following the brand's spec is not optional trim, it's the inspection and the warranty both.
New Jersey switched code editions this year, and the numbers that changed are exactly the ones an inspector checks at final — footings, ledger, guards and stairs. The board maker's own instructions add a second set of numbers on top, covering joist spacing, gapping and fasteners, and getting either set wrong costs you the same thing: a failed inspection or a denied warranty claim. Which board and tier to buy is a separate decision — see Composite Decks for the full comparison.
No pressure and no deposit — just an hour, a tape measure, and a written number you can hold anyone else's quote against.
Prefer to talk it through first? Call (201) 321-2990.
Our proven process from first call to final walkthrough.
We measure the site, check where Low-E glass or full sun hits the deck, and walk you through board lines and tiers in your own light. You leave with a written scope.
Samples on your actual deck, with the product warranty and the fade-and-stain term written down side by side for two lines. See Composite Decks for the full comparison.
We prepare the sealed drawings New Jersey requires, file with your township, and confirm setbacks before material is ordered.
Frost-depth footings, a through-bolted and flashed ledger, and joists set to the spacing your chosen board requires — inspected before any concrete is covered.
Decking goes down with the hidden fastener system your brand specifies, gapped to the day's temperature, then walked with you before the final inspection and warranty registration.
Typically one to three weeks on site once permitted, footings to final board..
Footings to final board, one crew, built to the manufacturer's joist spacing and fastener spec from the first piece of lumber.
Multiple levels or a deck raised well above grade, with engineered posts, bracing and beams sized to the height, not just the footprint.
Stair and railing systems built to New Jersey's amended riser, tread and guard numbers, in a composite rail system matched to your boards.
Code
New Jersey switched code editions on August 17, 2026. These are the numbers that changed and the ones that didn't.
New Jersey adopted the IRC/2024 New Jersey edition on August 17, 2026, with the usual six-month grace period letting an application already filed be reviewed under the outgoing 2021 edition. The switch renumbers Chapter 3 — stairs move from R311 to R318, guards from R312 to R321 — while deck framing stays under R507 in both editions.
R507.3.3 requires an attached deck's footings to go below the frost line New Jersey sets for its zone. Bergen and Passaic County sit in the North Jersey zone, where the amendment sets that line at 36 inches. Footing width and thickness are sized separately, off the tributary area each one carries and the soil's bearing capacity.
R507.8 forbids a toenailed ledger outright — if a positive connection to the house can't be verified, the deck must be self-supporting instead. R507.9.1 sets a minimum 2x8 treated ledger, through-bolted or lag-screwed per Table R507.9.1.3 with staggered fasteners, flashed 2 inches up the wall and 4 inches out from the ledger face.
R507.9.2 ties the deck to the house against racking with hold-down tension devices: two rated to 1,500 pounds within 24 inches of each end, or four rated to 750 pounds. It's hardware most homeowners never see and every inspector checks.
Guards under R321.1 are required once the walking surface sits more than 30 inches above grade: 36 inches high, with a 4-inch sphere rule. Stairs under R318.7 carry New Jersey's amended figures — 8 1/4-inch maximum riser and 9-inch minimum tread, not the model code's 7 3/4 and 10.
The 4-inch sphere rule tightens to 4-3/8 inches at a stair guard, and handrails are required on at least one side of any flight with four or more risers — two more figures an inspector checks at final.
N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14 requires a permit for a new deck, and 5:23-2.15 requires at least two sets of drawings sealed by a registered architect or licensed engineer on every sheet. The one exception is a homeowner who drew their own plans for their own private residence, filed with a signed affidavit.
Manufacturer spec
The code defers composite joist spacing to the manufacturer's own instructions. These are the numbers we build to, brand by brand.
Composite boards are ASTM D7032-tested and labeled under R507.2.2, and the code defers their joist spacing to the manufacturer's own instructions. Trex, TimberTech and Fiberon each specify 16 inches on-center for boards run straight to the joists, tightened to 12 inches for a diagonal layout.
Trex sets a 3/16-inch minimum width-to-width gap and an end gap of 1/8 inch above 40°F, 3/16 below. TimberTech composite runs 1/8 to 3/16 inch side gaps with butt-joint gaps stepping from 1/32 inch above 75°F to 3/16 inch at 32°F and below. Fiberon sets a 3/16-inch side gap. We set gaps with a thermometer, not by eye.
Trex Hideaway, TimberTech CONCEALoc and TOPLoc, Fiberon Phantom — each brand's hidden-fastener system sets its own board gap and goes at every joist, not just where it's convenient. The board you choose decides the fastener; the fastener is not a place to improvise.
TimberTech's composite warranty names any fastener not supplied by the manufacturer as an exclusion, and its installation guide says an edge-driven fastener voids coverage outright. Its CONCEALoc chapter is narrower: an alternative fastener doesn't void the warranty by itself, but a decking failure it causes is denied. We install the fastener system the brand you chose specifies.
Every maker requires air movement underneath. Trex calls for general air circulation and a 1-1/2-inch sleeper minimum over concrete. Fiberon wants open airflow under half the deck's perimeter with 1-1/2 inches clear beneath the joists. TimberTech wants that same clearance wherever airflow is obstructed, plus a slope of 1/2 inch for every 8 feet away from the house.
Reflected sunlight off low-emissivity glass can char or bow Trex boards and can melt, sag or warp TimberTech's. TimberTech's PVC guide tightens joists to 6 to 8 inches on-center for six feet in front of any Low-E door or window within 30 inches of the deck surface.
The full comparison is on Composite Decks. This is what governs the build itself, brand by brand.
Honest limits
We install a lot of composite. These are the cases where we say so before you buy it.
Trex's own guide says the darker the colour, the hotter the deck will feel; TimberTech's says the same. SunComfortable colours cut heat build-up by up to 35°F against Trex's original boards, but Trex still notes they'll get hot in direct sun on a hot day.
A wall of low-emissivity glass facing the deck can concentrate reflected sunlight enough to char, discolour or bow the boards. We check your windows before we choose a colour or set final joist spacing near the glass.
The warranty tier you pick is also, roughly, the price tier, and on a big deck that gap moves in multiples, not percentages. We quote two lines side by side so you see the step before you commit.
Trex's warranty is voided the day paint, solvents or any coating goes on — the cap is the finish, permanently. If you want a surface you recolour over the years, that is Wood Deck Construction, not composite.
Composite stair stringers run closer than the deck field — 9 to 12 inches on Trex treads depending on line, 12 on Fiberon — so each step carries more frame and labour than the same run in wood.
Building the frame and the boards together here means spacing is never a question on a new install. It is the whole question on an existing deck, which is why that has its own page: Composite Deck Replacement.
Get a free, no-obligation in-home estimate. We'll walk your property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed quote, all at no cost.
Where We Serve
We provide composite deck installation services across these communities in New Jersey.
Real reviews from homeowners in your area.
“House of Decks LLC built our new porch, and I’d hire them again. During the work, the crew answered my questions and made a helpful adjustment when I pointed out something I wanted handled differently. They were respectful around the house and kept the area organized. The porch has a sturdy, finished look without feeling too elaborate. I’m very satisfied with how everything turned out.”
Gast 20
Composite Deck Installation
“They did a great job building our new fence and were a really good crew to work with”
Olivia
Composite Deck Installation
“House of Decks LLC replaced our old deck. I wanted a sturdy space that looked neat and would be comfortable to use. The finished deck is solid and clean, and the simple look works well behind the house. Once the crew was done, there was very little for us to tidy afterward. I’m really pleased with the result. This was a hardworking, dependable crew to have on the job”
Jeremy Lawrence
Composite Deck Installation
“The new elevated deck and stairs came out even better than I expected. Before work started, Stiljano clearly explained what they planned to do, and he answered my questions so I knew what was happening. The crew was respectful around the house and pleasant to have around while they worked. They worked carefully, and the finished gray decking with white railings looks sharp beside the brick house. The stairs feel solid, and the whole deck has a clean, finished look. I’d call Stiljano and the crew again when I have another project.”
Raquel
Composite Deck Installation
“I wanted a contractor who would listen to what we had in mind and make sensible suggestions for our raised deck installation. The team did that without turning the decision into a sales pitch. They explained the available choices in plain language, which made it easier for me to choose the right direction. I also liked that they paid attention to the details we cared about instead of treating the job like a routine order. The finished gray deck with white railing looks clean and suits our house well, but their attitude was what convinced me that choosing them was the right decision in the end.”
carol ford
Composite Deck Installation
“Found these guys online while looking for someone to build our raised deck. The first conversation went well, so we decided to go ahead with them. Their schedule worked with ours, and we didn’t have to be home for every visit, which helped a lot. The crew was polite and treated our home respectfully while they were here. We’re really happy with how the deck turned out. It looks good against the house without being overdone. From that first conversation through the installation, they were easy to deal with. Glad we found them, and a big thank you to the crew for the work they put in”
Besati Lionurs
Composite Deck Installation
“Very happy with the quality of work and punctuality. Stiljano was a pleasure to work with. Definitely recommend to anyone in need of a deck contractor”
Embro Dhuli
Composite Deck Installation
“Seeing the finished deck was a great feeling. House of Decks LLC built a raised deck with multiple levels, stairs and railings that give the side of our home a completely different look. The white posts and black balusters stand out against the brown decking. The space feels much more inviting now, and that’s what I’d tell anyone considering this kind of work”
Stacy Williams
Composite Deck Installation
“The work done by House of Decks LLC was super when it came to replacing our old deck. Stiljano and his team is a very professional person who communicates well and explains everything from the start. His crew worked fast and left the area clean after all the small details were taken care of.The work done looks wonderful, and the deck is really strong. It was fair price for what we got, and everything went according to our plans. I definitely recommend House of Decks LLC for a deck replacement”
Nicole Gomez
Composite Deck Installation
“House of Decks LLC performed a perfect installation of a new deck at our residence in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Both Stiljano and his crew were highly responsible and professional in their work. All aspects of their service were explained to us in detail, including the progress of the work and the cost of services, which was quite reasonable and without any surprises. The new deck made of composite material and white railings looks perfect, and everything seems sturdy and quality. Our backyard is transformed into a new space after that.”
Shelia Jones
Composite Deck Installation
“Working with Stiljano and his crew was an absolute pleasure. They removed our old wood deck and installed our new one. They did a masterful job with great attention to detail. It looks amazing! We highly recommend House of Decks.”
Teresa Grillo
Composite Deck Installation
“We had House of Decks LLC build our new deck in Fair Lawn and we’re really happy with how it turned out. The deck looks clean and solid, and the white railings with the black balusters came out really nice. The stairs and finishing details were done carefully, and everything feels sturdy. The crew did a great job from start to finish. Definitely recommend House of Decks LLC for anyone looking to build or replace a deck in the Fair Lawn area.”
Joshua Samford
Composite Deck Installation
“They replaced the floor and railing on my deck. Very professional and quality workmanship. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to update their deck”
Aurel Dhuli
Composite Deck Installation
“Our old outdoor space wasn’t working well for us, so we decided to have a composite deck built in Wayne. The finished deck gives us a much nicer place to spend time, and I’m very happy with how it turned out. The crew did a great job.”
Dana Golliday
Composite Deck Installation
“House of Decks LLC has done a wonderful job with our new deck installation. The team was relaxed, on time, and worked really well to leave little clean up at all. The end result is a sturdy and beautiful deck that I am truly happy with”
Orlando Valdez
Composite Deck Installation
“The job that was done by House of Decks LLC for our new deck was really good. They started by removing the old deck and then assisted us in choosing a layout and material options, explaining everything before beginning the process. Their workers arrived on schedule, were fast at working and kept our backyard clean. The end result is a very solid deck with straight boards and railings, which has greatly improved the backyard area. We are really pleased with their work and would recommend them for any deck installation. Thank you guys!”
Devonte King
Composite Deck Installation
“Great communication, fast install, and fair price. 10/10 overall great experience thank you guys”
Abbas Salem
Composite Deck Installation
“Did a great job from start to finish extremely professional and worth every dollar. The best craftsmanship and professionalism would highly recommend”
Noor Eljdid
Composite Deck Installation
“The absolute best decking company in the area hard workers and honest pricing. Agreed on a price and they went straight to work the crew was extremely pleasant and work oriented and the results were out of this world thank you guys”
Hunter The Game God
Composite Deck Installation
“House of Decks was friendly, efficient, extremely professional and had excellent craftsman. I was very pleased with their work and highly recommended them. They went above and beyond by helping move my mahogany wood nightstands when it was shipped my place. Thank for the help, 5 stars!”
Leo Acosta
Composite Deck Installation
“Contacted them via phone they were very communicative decides to go ahead and pull the trigger ! Bed decision of my life My new deck is absolutely amazing the craftsmanship is outstanding and the price was very fair ! Thank you guys for your hard work”
Ilias Elhaouss
Composite Deck Installation
“Choosing House of decks was the right decision !! Assessed the structural issues carefully and rebuilt my deck stronger and more attractive than before ! Couldn’t resist the affordable price and the attention to details ! Thank you guys”
Abraham Yassine
Composite Deck Installation
“It was an absolute pleasure to work with stiljano and his crew ! Contacted them about a deck demolition and to build me a new deck ! They were quick to reply and gave me a fair price that I couldn’t find anywhere ! I am so impressed w the results ! Thank you guys for your hard work”
Ke Xu
Composite Deck Installation
The questions homeowners ask us at almost every estimate.
Yes. N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14 requires a construction permit for building a deck, and 5:23-2.15 requires at least two sets of drawings sealed by a registered architect or licensed engineer on every sheet. The one exception is a homeowner who drew their own plans for their own private residence, filed with a signed affidavit. We prepare the drawings, and where the affidavit route doesn't apply, we bring in a sealed set — either way we file with your township ourselves.
New Jersey adopted the IRC/2024 New Jersey edition effective August 17, 2026. A complete application already in the pipeline can still be reviewed under the outgoing 2021 edition for six months past that date, under the standard grace-period rule. In practice this mostly matters for numbering — stairs moved from R311 to R318 and guards from R312 to R321 — because the deck-framing numbers under R507 and the amended stair and guard figures stayed the same across the switch.
Below the frost line New Jersey sets for your zone. Bergen and Passaic County sit in the state's North Jersey zone, where the code amendment sets the Table R301.2 frost line at 36 inches — deeper than the 30 inches South Jersey gets. Footing width and thickness are then sized separately, off the tributary area each footing carries and the soil's bearing capacity, per Table R507.3.1.
Tighter than wood. Composite boards are tested and labeled under ASTM D7032, and the code defers their joist spacing to the manufacturer's own instructions. Trex, TimberTech and Fiberon each specify 16 inches on-center for boards run straight to the joists and 12 inches for a diagonal layout — get it wrong and the board's own warranty is one of the things at risk, not just the deflection underfoot.
New Jersey amends the model code's stair figures: the maximum riser height is 8 1/4 inches, not the model code's 7 3/4, and the minimum tread depth is 9 inches, not 10. A competitor quoting the national numbers is quoting the wrong code for this state. We build every stair run to the New Jersey figures, which the local inspector checks at final.
No — check the brand's own paperwork first. TimberTech's composite warranty names any fastener not supplied by the manufacturer as an exclusion, and its installation guide states outright that an edge-driven fastener voids coverage. Its CONCEALoc chapter is narrower: using an alternative fastener doesn't void the warranty by itself, but a failure it causes is denied. We install with the fastener system the brand you chose specifies, at every joist.
Yes — every maker requires air movement underneath. Trex calls for general air circulation and a minimum 1-1/2 inch sleeper over concrete. Fiberon wants open airflow under half the deck's perimeter with 1-1/2 inches clear beneath the joists. TimberTech wants that same 1-1/2 inch clearance wherever airflow is obstructed, plus a slope of 1/2 inch for every 8 feet running away from the house.
Yes, and both major makers say so in their own literature: Trex states the darker the colour, the hotter the deck will feel, and TimberTech says the same. Trex's SunComfortable colours cut heat build-up by up to 35°F against its original boards, but Trex still notes they'll get hot in direct sun on a hot day. For a south-facing or poolside deck, we steer you to a lighter colour at the estimate.
Most projects touch more than one of these. We handle them with the same crew.
The buying guide for composite decking in Bergen and Passaic County: Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon and Deckorators lines by tier, the warranty term on each, the fine print that voids it, and the cases where composite is the wrong answer.
Learn moreDeck design for Bergen and Passaic County homes — the layout, level and footprint choices that decide the footings, the guard and stair requirements, and the permit drawings before any lumber is ordered.
Learn moreNew deck installation across Bergen and Passaic County, in wood or composite, built to New Jersey's 2024 code from footings to final railing, with the township permit filed by us.
Learn moreDeck remodeling in Bergen and Passaic County — the New Jersey rule that decides whether reshaping the deck you have is ordinary maintenance or new construction, and which applies to your job.
Learn moreDeck replacement in Bergen and Passaic County — re-decking a sound frame or a full rebuild, in wood or composite, and which New Jersey permit rule applies to each.
Learn morePatio decks in Bergen and Passaic County: pavers, natural stone, stamped concrete and low platform decks compared, the New Jersey permit rule most homeowners get wrong, and the base spec that keeps any of them flat for decades.
Learn moreFree in-home estimate. We measure, check your Low-E exposure, and quote board and fastener spec in writing.
