Deck Building and Replacement in New Hampshire

What goes into an Atlas deck

• Frost footings, so the deck does not heave in winter
• Pressure-treated framing and decking
• A ledger board fastened and flashed at the house wall, or a freestanding deck where the wall cannot carry it
• A wood railing with balusters
• One short set of steps

Bigger stairs, built-in benches, lighting and composite or PVC decking can be added. Composite decks are priced after a site visit.

Where the deck meets the house

Many deck failures start at the ledger, the board that attaches the deck to the house. When it is fastened without flashing, water runs behind it and rots both the ledger and the rim of the house. The building code calls for flashing at the ledger, and we install it. If we are replacing an old deck we check the wall behind it before the new one goes on.

Structural design

Atlas is not a structural engineering firm. When a project needs an engineered design, a licensed structural engineer designs it and we build to that design. Most simple, low decks follow standard framing tables. Tall decks, long spans, roofs over decks and hot tubs usually need an engineered design, and we will tell you when yours does.

Permits

New Hampshire towns generally require a building permit for a new deck. We confirm what your town requires before work starts, and town permit fees are listed separately on the estimate. See your town on our service areas page for a link to its building department.

What a typical deck includes

Want example prices first? Read the deck building cost guide.

Common questions