Over-slab platforms
Level decking over existing concrete, no demolition required.
- Slab assessment
- Sleeper levelling system
- Vented edge detail
Licensed & Insured Deck Contractor
Patio Decks in Bergen & Passaic County
Low platform decks over lawns and old slabs — patio ground with deck comfort, built to survive life an inch off the soil.
500+
Projects completed
11+
Years building decks
5-Year
Workmanship warranty
Free
In-home estimates
How We Approach Patio Decks
We build patio decks across Bergen and Passaic County, NJ — low, ground-hugging platforms that do a patio's job with a deck's comfort. Where a raised deck solves a walk-out door, a patio deck solves flat yards and tired concrete: level wood or composite underfoot, right at grade.
Low builds have their own physics. With little air underneath, drainage and airflow decide how long the frame lasts, so ground preparation, moisture barriers and ventilation gaps matter more, not less, at this height. A platform an inch off wet soil built casually is compost in a decade; built properly it is the easiest deck there is to live with.
The favourite trick in this category is going over an existing slab: a cracked, sunken patio disappears under a level platform without demolition. And because patio decks so often anchor a larger yard plan, they pair naturally with Patio Enclosure Construction when the goal is a room, or a Pergola Construction canopy when the goal is shade.
11+Years Experience
500+Projects Completed
How It Works
Our proven process from first call to final walkthrough.
1
1
Free estimate and grade check
We measure, check where water goes when it rains, and look at any slab we would be building over.
2
2
Drainage and base plan
Grading, gravel and barrier decisions come first — trapped water under a low deck is the whole failure story.
3
3
Frame low, frame right
Ground-contact lumber, sleepers or joists to suit the height, and ventilation gaps the frame breathes through.
4
4
Boards and edges
Wood or composite decking down, with edge and skirting details that keep critters out without sealing airflow off.
5
5
Steps, borders and walkthrough
A step to the lawn, border trim, and the walkthrough — including where the water now goes.
What Patio Decks Covers
Typically 3 days to 2 weeks by footprint.
Ground-level platforms
Freestanding or attached low decks over prepared grade.
- Drainage and gravel base
- Moisture barrier
- Ground-contact framing
Island and fire-pit decks
Freestanding platforms placed anywhere the yard wants a room.
- Placement planning
- Optional fire-pit pad
- Step and border detail
What we build
What a Patio Deck Does Well
The low platform is the most flexible surface in the yard when it is built for its height.
Covers a failed slab
A cracked, settled patio vanishes under a level platform — no demolition, no disposal, instant flatness.
Levels an uneven yard
A platform makes flat where grading cannot, and does it without retaining walls.
Barefoot-friendly ground
Wood and composite hold less heat than pavers and carry no slab's damp chill in spring and fall.
Defines an outdoor room
A platform draws the line between lounge and lawn better than furniture on grass ever does.
Islands away from the house
Freestanding platforms put a seating area or fire-pit zone anywhere in the yard — no ledger, often no permit.
Steps that flow
One broad step to the lawn reads as landscape, not construction — patio decks join the yard instead of rising above it.
Low and lasting
Building an Inch Off the Ground, Properly
Low is the hardest height to build well. This is what doing it well involves.
Water leaves first
Grade and gravel move rainwater out from under the frame. Standing water under a low deck is the countdown clock.
A barrier under everything
Ground moisture and weeds are stopped below the frame, not fought above it.
Ground-contact class lumber
Framing this close to soil requires the higher treatment class. Standard lumber down low is a ten-year mistake.
Air must move
Ventilation gaps at the skirting keep the underside drying between rains. A sealed low deck rots from its own humidity.
Slab checks before overlay
Building over concrete needs the slab assessed: sound and sloped, sleepers go down; heaving badly, it comes up first.
Composite earns it here
Near-soil humidity is hard on wood boards. This is the height where Composite Decks pay off fastest.
What Drives the Cost of a Patio Deck
Lower is often cheaper than raised — but not for the reasons people expect.
- Ground preparation
- Grading, gravel and barriers are the hidden half of a low build. Skipping them is how cheap patio decks get rebuilt.
- Over slab or over soil
- A sound slab saves ground work; a heaved one adds demolition. The site visit settles which yours is.
- Footprint
- Area drives boards and framing as ever — but with no height, no stairs and no guards, the per-foot rate stays friendly.
- Board choice
- Wood versus composite matters more at this humid height — the premium buys the most longevity exactly here.
- Edges and skirting
- The border detail — flush trim, step edge, vented skirt — is finish carpentry and prices like it.
- Extras on the platform
- Fire-pit pads, bench framing and planter boxes are furniture-grade additions, quoted as such.
Before you build
Questions for a Grade-Level Build
Low decks ask different questions than raised ones. These are the ones that matter.
Where does rain go now?
Watch the yard in a storm before covering it. The platform must not become a dam — or a pond lid.
Slab: keep or kill?
Sound concrete is a free foundation. Heaving concrete under a new deck just relocates the problem upward.
How low can it go?
Door thresholds, frame depth and slope set the real height. Sometimes 'flush with the lawn' is honestly 'four inches above it'.
Will it stay an island?
If paths, pergolas or an enclosure might follow, position the platform for the plan, not just for today.
Critters or airflow?
Open edges breathe but invite tenants; sealed skirts do the reverse. Vented skirting is the answer — decide the look early.
Wood look or wood work?
At this humidity, wood boards mean a finish schedule. Composite means none. Choose the maintenance, not just the colour.
Portfolio
Recent Patio Decks Projects
See examples of our patio decks work across New Jersey.
Patio Decks
Paterson Patio Deck Build with Low-Maintenance Finish
Patio deck installation in Paterson, NJ by House of Decks LLC. TimberTech decking, black railings, and a custom backyard layout.
Paterson, NJ
Patio Decks
Saddle River Patio Deck Installation with Composite Finish
Patio deck installation in Saddle River, NJ by House of Decks LLC. Composite decking, white railings, and custom steps for backyard living.
Saddle River, NJ
Patio Decks
Patio Deck Build for Paterson Home
Patio deck installation in Paterson, NJ by House of Decks LLC with composite decking, railings, and custom outdoor design.
Paterson, NJ
Where We Serve
Patio Decks Near You
We provide patio decks services across these communities in New Jersey.
Paramus, NJHawthorne, NJWayne, NJFair Lawn, NJRidgewood, NJFranklin Lakes, NJGlen Rock, NJHackensack, NJWyckoff, NJMahwah, NJElmwood Park, NJGarfield, NJHo-Ho-Kus, NJMidland Park, NJOakland, NJPark Ridge, NJRochelle Park, NJSaddle River, NJTownship of Washington, NJWoodcliff Lake, NJHaledon, NJNorth Haledon, NJPaterson, NJTotowa, NJWoodland Park, NJ
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from homeowners in your area.
Aug 2026
“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
Patio Decks
Aug 2026
“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
Patio Decks
Mar 2026
“Great communication, fast install, and fair price. 10/10 overall great experience thank you guys”
Abbas Salem
Patio Decks
Mar 2026
“Did a great job from start to finish extremely professional and worth every dollar. The best craftsmanship and professionalism would highly recommend”
Noor Eljdid
Patio Decks
Mar 2026
“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
Patio Decks
Mar 2026
“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
Patio Decks
Feb 2026
“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
Patio Decks
Feb 2026
“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
Patio Decks
Feb 2026
“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
Patio Decks
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions homeowners ask us at almost every estimate.
What is a patio deck exactly?
A low platform deck at or near ground level — deck construction doing a patio's job. It levels ground, covers old concrete and gives you wood or composite underfoot without stairs or railings.
Can you build a deck over my old concrete patio?
Very often, yes — a sound slab becomes a free foundation with sleepers levelling out its slope. A badly heaved slab is the exception, and the site visit tells us which yours is.
Do low decks need permits?
Generally decks under 30 inches without railings sit outside structural permit rules, but townships differ and attachments change the answer. We confirm with your town before building.
Will a deck that low just rot?
Not if it is built for the height: drainage first, ground-contact lumber, moisture barrier below and ventilation through the skirting. Low decks fail when they are built like raised decks, closer to the ground.
Wood or composite for a patio deck?
This is the height where composite earns its premium fastest — near-soil humidity is hard on wood finishes. Wood remains fine when the budget leads, with a finish schedule to match; see Composite Decks for the comparison.
Do I need railings on a patio deck?
Below 30 inches, code does not require guards — which is much of the charm. A broad step or two down to the lawn keeps the whole thing reading as landscape.
Can a patio deck support a hot tub or fire pit?
With planning, yes — a hot tub needs the frame designed for its filled weight, and fire features want the right pad and clearances. Say so at the estimate and it is framed in from the start.
Can it connect to a bigger project later?
Yes — platforms extend well, and they often become the floor of something more. If a roofed room is the long game, look at Patio Enclosure Construction; if it is shade, Pergola Construction posts can be planned for now.
Other Work We Do
Most projects touch more than one of these. We handle them with the same crew.
Composite Decks
Composite deck installation across Bergen and Passaic County — Trex, TimberTech and AZEK put down to the spec that keeps their warranties alive.
Learn moreDeck Design
Deck design for Bergen and Passaic County homes — layout, levels, materials and code, drawn before anything is built.
Learn moreDeck Installation
New deck installation across Bergen and Passaic County, from footings to final railing, with the township permit filed by us.
Learn moreDeck Painting
Deck painting across Bergen and Passaic County — full prep, the right primer for the substrate, and a finish applied in the weather window it needs.
Learn moreDeck Railing Repair
Deck railing repair in Bergen and Passaic County — loose posts, wobbly sections and code fixes, done before someone leans on the problem.
Learn moreDeck Refinishing
Deck refinishing in Bergen and Passaic County — sanding, brightening and a new finish that resets a grey deck without replacing a board.
Learn more
What Happens at the Free Estimate
No pressure and no deposit — just an hour, a tape measure, and a written number you can hold anyone else's quote against.
- We measure and look underneath
- Grade, drainage, access for a truck, and how the existing structure was built. That is what makes a number real rather than a guess over the phone.
- You get it in writing
- Materials, dimensions and a timeline on paper, so you can compare our quote against anyone else's on the same terms.
- About an hour, at your convenience
- Evenings and Saturdays included. We work two counties, so we are rarely more than half an hour away.
- No obligation, no deposit to quote
- The estimate is free and yours to keep. Nothing is owed if you decide not to build, or decide to build later.
Prefer to talk it through first? Call (201) 321-2990.
Free Estimate
Price a Patio Deck
We check the grade, the slab and the drainage, then quote the platform in writing.
- No obligation, completely free
- We come to you for an in-home consultation
- Get your estimate within 24 hours