Licensed & Insured Deck Contractor
New decks built to code and to the lot — footings, framing, boards and railings, with the permit handled for you.
House of Decks builds new decks across Bergen and Passaic County in wood, composite or PVC — footings to final railing, permit filed by us. A deck is a structure first: the footings, framing, ledger connection and guard system decide whether it lasts for decades or starts moving within a few winters, and that structural layer is largely the same conversation no matter which boards go on top.
New Jersey recently moved to a new code edition, and the numbers an inspector checks at final — footings, ledger, guards, stairs — are exactly the ones that changed. The board you pick then adds its own layer of requirements on top of that same frame. We walk you through both before a single footing is dug, and point you to the material-specific details once you know which board you want.
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 space, look at grade, drainage and how a truck would reach the yard, and talk through how you will use the deck. You leave with dimensions, materials and a timeline in writing.
We size the deck to the house and the lot, then walk through board options for your sun exposure and budget. Railing gets decided here too — it drives both the look and the inspection.
We prepare the drawings and file with your township, and confirm setback requirements before material is ordered. A variance is the one thing that can add weeks, so we find out early.
Footings below the frost line, posts, beams and joists to span, and a ledger that is bolted and flashed properly where the deck meets the house. Footings are inspected before any concrete is covered.
Decking goes down with the fastener system the manufacturer's warranty requires, railings are set to code height, and we walk the finished deck with you before the final inspection.
Typically 1–3 weeks on site, once permitted.
A deck where there wasn't one — full structure from footings up, sized to the lot and the house.
Separate levels for cooking, dining and lounging, plus the stair runs that connect them to the yard.
Trex, TimberTech and AZEK installed to the manufacturer's spacing and fastener spec so the board warranty holds.
Code
New Jersey switched code editions on August 17, 2026. These are the numbers that changed and the ones that carry over to every deck, wood or composite.
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, wood or composite.
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.
Posts are sized by Table R507.4, beams by Table R507.5 with two rows of nails through each ply and set bearing lengths, and joists by Table R507.6 — every one needs lateral restraint at its bearing points so nothing can rotate loose under load. This is the frame under any deck, whatever the boards on top turn out to be.
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 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, on a wood-framed deck exactly as much as a composite one.
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 tightening to 4-3/8 inches at a stair guard. Stairs under R318.7 carry New Jersey's amended figures — 8 1/4-inch maximum riser, 9-inch minimum tread, not the model code's 7 3/4 and 10 — with a handrail on any flight of four or more risers.
Frame
The frame under the boards follows the same code no matter what material goes on top, plus a second layer of rules that depends on which one you pick.
R304.1 requires any wood structural member exposed to weather without roof or eave protection to be naturally durable or pressure-treated to AWPA U1, and R304.1.2 requires wood in contact with the ground under an occupied structure to be pressure-treated for ground-contact use. That rule applies to a deck's frame regardless of what decking goes on top of it.
AWPA's own use-category system is the plain-English version of that rule: deck boards and railings are rated UC3B, above-ground exterior use, while sawn deck posts, ledgers and joists critical to the structure's safety are rated UC4A, ground-contact use — the tag on a piece of treated lumber tells you which job it's rated for.
R507.2.3 sends every metal fastener and connector on a deck to Table R507.2.3: hot-dipped galvanized at minimum, stainless steel required within 300 feet of a salt-water shoreline, and through-bolt holes drilled 1/32 to 1/16 inch oversize. The corrosion rules are the same whether the fastener is holding down a wood board or a composite one.
Wood decking is attached with not less than two 8d deformed-shank nails or two No. 8 screws per support, and its own joist spacing is set by Table R507.7. Species, grading and finish choices for a wood build have their own page — see Wood Deck Construction for that depth.
Plastic composite decking is a different code path: R507.2.2 requires it to meet ASTM D7032 and carry a label stating its allowable load and span, and R507.2.2.5 requires installing it to the manufacturer's own instructions — meaning joist spacing, gapping and fastener choice all follow the brand you pick. See Composite Decks for that comparison, brand by brand.
R507.6 sets maximum wood joist spans by species, size and span in its own table, separate from Table R507.7's cap on how far apart those joists can sit under the decking material. One table governs what the frame can structurally carry; the other governs what the surface on top requires of it.
Every new deck in New Jersey needs a permit. This is what the application actually requires before material gets ordered.
Honest limits
This page is the front door for a new build. These are the more specific pages it should send you to.
Composite Decks compares warranty tiers, fade math and exactly what voids each one, board by board. Wood Deck Construction covers species, grading and the finish choices that come with building in wood. The frame under either one is largely the same code — the board decision changes what layers on top of it.
This page is for a deck where there isn't one yet. If you already have a structure that's rotting at the ledger, heaving at the posts, or otherwise failing, that's Deck Replacement — the frame test and the permit question there are different from a clean new build.
A deck that's mostly sound but needs cosmetic work, a repair, or a partial upgrade is Deck Remodeling, not a new build. We'll tell you honestly which category your project actually falls into at the estimate, before you commit to either scope.
If the levels, stairs and material questions aren't settled yet and you want them worked through on paper before committing to a build date, that planning stage is its own service — Deck Design — handled separately from the build itself so decisions aren't made mid-framing.
Not every backyard needs a raised structure. If the yard is level enough that a surface built at grade does the job just as well, that's Patio Decks — a different build, on a different foundation, with its own code path entirely rather than a scaled-down version of this one.
Height above grade moves the framing cost before the board line ever gets chosen — a deck ten feet up needs engineered posts, deeper footings and more bracing than a grade-level platform of the same footprint. We quote after seeing the site, not off a square-footage guess.
Portfolio
See examples of our deck installation work across New Jersey.
Deck installation in Totowa, NJ by House of Decks LLC. Custom wood and composite deck construction with clean railings and stairs.
Deck installation in Paramus, NJ by House of Decks LLC. A full-width raised deck in gray capped composite with a black aluminum rail, tied in with the home's trim.
Deck installation in Wayne, NJ by House of Decks LLC. A new raised deck off the rear slider in gray capped composite with white railings, set for a sloping yard.
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 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
Deck Installation
“They did a great job building our new fence and were a really good crew to work with”
Olivia
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Deck Installation
“Great communication, fast install, and fair price. 10/10 overall great experience thank you guys”
Abbas Salem
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
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
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
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
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
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
Deck Installation
The questions homeowners ask us at almost every estimate.
Yes, always. N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14 requires a construction 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. 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 changes numbering — stairs moved from R311 to R318 and guards from R312 to R321 — because the deck-framing rules under R507 and the amended stair and guard figures carried over 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 that frost-line depth 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, whether the deck above it ends up in wood or composite.
It depends on budget, sun exposure and how much maintenance you want to do. The frame underneath is governed by the same code either way; what changes is the decking layer on top — its joist spacing, its fastener system and its warranty terms. We walk you through both at the estimate rather than steering you to one. See Composite Decks for warranty and tier comparisons, or Wood Deck Construction for species and grading.
It depends on the decking material, which is exactly why the material decision comes early. Wood decking is nailed or screwed per Table R507.7's spacing rule. Composite decking is tested and labeled under ASTM D7032, and the code defers its joist spacing to the manufacturer's own installation instructions instead — often tighter than the wood rule. See Composite Decks for the manufacturer-by-manufacturer numbers.
Guards are required once a walking surface sits more than 30 inches above grade, at 36 inches high with a 4-inch sphere rule that tightens to 4-3/8 inches at a stair guard. Stairs carry New Jersey's amended figures: an 8 1/4-inch maximum riser and a 9-inch minimum tread, not the model code's 7 3/4 and 10 — plus a handrail on any flight of four or more risers. We build every run to these numbers, which the inspector checks at final.
Often yes, but it depends on the slab and the height you want. Sometimes the existing concrete is sound enough to build posts from; sometimes new footings have to go through it regardless of what's already there. We check the slab at the estimate rather than assuming either answer.
Bergen and Passaic County — 25 towns, all within about half an hour of our yard in Hawthorne. We keep the radius tight so we can get to a site visit quickly, file the permit with your specific township, and come back fast if something needs attention after the crew leaves.
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 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 morePatio enclosures in Bergen and Passaic County — screened rooms and three-season rooms built under New Jersey's own patio-cover code, not a room addition.
Learn moreFree in-home estimate. We measure, check access and grade, and leave you with materials, dimensions and a timeline in writing.
