Custom Deck Builder in Central PA
UDA Services is a deck builder in Central PA that designs and builds custom decks for homes. We build composite, pressure-treated wood and PVC decks, from ground-level decks to second-story decks. Most of our decks sit on footings set 36 inches deep in the ground.
This two-level composite deck with cable railing looks over a backyard pool.
PA Home Improvement Contractor registration PA144609Fully insuredWorkmanship covered for one yearServing Central Pennsylvania since 2018
What Does a Deck Builder in Central PA Build?
A deck builder designs and builds a raised outdoor floor attached to or near a home. The work covers the footings, the frame, the decking, the railings and the stairs. UDA Services builds new decks, replaces worn decks and adds stairs, railings and shade to decks. Our decks range from low decks a step off the patio to second-story decks off an upper door. A deck is one of the projects we build, beside porches, patios, garages and additions. Decks are one part of what a design-build general contractor in Central PA builds for a home.
Which Kinds of Decks Does UDA Services Build?
A deck is named by its height, its material or the space it serves. We build six kinds of deck, each with its own page below.
Composite deck installation. Composite decks use boards made of wood fiber and plastic that never need staining.
Raised and second-story decks. Raised decks sit a full story up, with posts, beams and a stair down to the yard.
Pool deck builder. Pool decks wrap an above-ground or in-ground pool with a level walking surface.
Floating decks. Floating decks sit low on the ground, apart from the house, on blocks, pads or short posts.
Deck railings and stairs. Deck railings and stairs come in wood, composite, metal or cable styles.
Pergola on a deck. A pergola on a deck adds shade with open beams over the seating area.
Which Decking Materials Does UDA Services Install?
UDA Services installs composite, PVC and pressure-treated wood decking. Decking is the top layer of boards you walk on, laid over a wood frame. Each of the three materials has its own strength.
- Composite decking needs only washing, with no sanding or staining.
- PVC decking is made all of plastic, with no wood fiber.
- Pressure-treated wood costs less up front than composite or PVC.
We stain wood decks when the homeowner wants a color. We install Trex and TimberTech decking. Hidden fasteners are standard on our composite decks, so no screw heads show on the surface. Our side-by-side page on composite vs wood decking compares cost, upkeep and lifespan.
How Does UDA Services Build a Deck?
Deck construction runs from the plan to the footings, the frame and the finished boards. We build each deck in six steps, from the site visit to the cleanup. The six steps are listed below in order.
- Meet us at a free site visit to measure the yard and the door height.
- Approve the deck plan, which we draw in-house for your yard.
- Leave the permit and any HOA approval to us.
- Set the footings: precast concrete or composite pads, 36 inches in the ground.
- Frame the deck, then lay the boards and fasten them.
- Add the railings and stairs, clean the site and haul away any old deck.
Larger decks get poured concrete footings, and some decks sit on helical piles. Before the site visit, browse our deck plans and design ideas for shapes and sizes.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?
A typical UDA Services deck takes one to two weeks to build. Build time counts the days our crew works on site, from the footings to the last railing. The plan, the permit and the materials come before the first day on site. A smaller deck can finish in days. One reviewer wrote that "the team had our new deck done in two days." Larger, raised or multi-level decks take longer, and every time runs from the start of work to the finished deck.
What Sets the Price of a New Deck?
The price of a deck is set by its size, its height and the decking you choose. UDA Services gives each homeowner a free written estimate after the site visit. Five factors move that price.
- The size of the deck in square feet sets the amount of framing and decking.
- The height off the ground matters, since raised decks need taller posts and more bracing.
- The decking material, composite, PVC or wood, changes the board cost.
- The railing style and the number of stairs add to the build.
- The footings depend on what the soil and the deck call for.
Typical ranges by size and material are on our page about deck installation cost in Central PA.
Can UDA Services Replace an Old Deck?
Yes, UDA Services can tear out a worn deck and build a new one in its place. Deck replacement means a new frame and new boards, not only new surface boards. Removing and hauling away the old deck is part of the job. A replacement can change the size, the height or the material of the deck. Decks whose frame is still sound can be repaired or resurfaced instead. Our page on deck repair and replacement explains how we decide which one a deck needs.
Where Does UDA Services Build Decks?
UDA Services builds decks on site at homes across Central PA. Most of our work is in Harrisburg and the towns around it. Our decks and other projects stand in towns on both sides of the river and north to the Upper Dauphin area. Near Harrisburg, those towns are Harrisburg, Hummelstown, Hershey, Palmyra, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Enola, Carlisle and Boiling Springs. Upriver toward the office, they are Halifax, Millersburg, Elizabethville, Lykens and Williamstown. Farther from Lykens, we take on larger deck projects. Homeowners in the city can see our deck builder in Harrisburg page for local projects.
Which Deck Builder Should You Hire in Central PA?
You should hire a deck builder who is registered, insured and clear about how long the workmanship is covered. UDA Services holds PA Home Improvement Contractor registration PA144609 and is fully insured. Four reasons back that choice.
- We have completed about 310 projects since 2018.
- Our workmanship is covered for one year.
- Four in-house crews build our decks, with team leads who frame and build decks.
- Customers rate UDA Services 4.9 out of 5 from 43 Google reviews.
We recently had a new deck constructed by UDA Services. From start to finish it was a streamline, wonderful experience. Jake had helpful tips for choosing materials. They quickly set a date to do the project and the team had our new deck done in two days. They were professional and focused getting the deck built and cleaned up the area. Love our new deck. Highly recommend UDA Services.
We recently needed two small decks for my mom's new home. UDA Services did a great job! They were timely, efficient, friendly and helpful. My mother is very happy with her new decks. We would definitely work with UDA Services again for any projects. Highly recommend Jake and his team.
Working with UDA was a pleasure from the start. Phenomenal communication throughout the entire process. They are very clean on the work site and you can tell they truly care about their craftsmanship. Each crew member that was on site was super professional and polite. Jake delivered on everything that was proposed during the design of deck and retaining wall. I cannot wait to complete future projects with this same company. 10/10 would highly recommend.
Highest quality craftsmanship - Our relationship with UDA started with the purchase of a large shed. They handled the full project including the custom build, 6' of fill, rock leveling, delivery, and landing. The shed arrived on time, at the quoted price, and they used a remote controlled tugger for the installation in a very tight spot, perfectly located. The shed build is of the finest quality, a beautiful addition to our property, value added. I liked the color of the stain so much, I asked if they could stain my cedar sided house to match it, our next UDA job. UDA stained our house and it is spectacular. They properly scraped and prepped the entire 2-1/2 story house by hand using attention to detail and precise replacement techniques to the existing siding where needed. This house has never looked so good. Because of their service, craftsmanship, and prompt service on those 2 projects, I asked UDA if they could replace our decks. As with the other 2 projects, they got right on it and scheduled the work. The fully consulted me at every step of the process choosing the design and materials, no over salesmanship, just honest suggestions and help with accomplishing the mission. The deck installation went perfectly with the same quality of workmanship and materials, timeliness, and budget adherence I've come to know with UDA. It's obvious we are totally satisfied the UDA's quality, attention to detail, level of skill, prompt service, courtesy, there's just too much good to say to cover the experience adequately. If you need quality work done with professionalism, courtesy, and craftsmanship that surpasses other service providers, UDA is it, they get it done...
What Else Do Homeowners Ask About Decks?
Homeowners also ask about patios, cleaning, porches, permits and winter work. Short answers follow, each with a page where one covers it.
Is a Deck or a Patio Better for Your Yard?
A deck is better for a sloped yard or a high back door, and a patio for flat ground. A deck is a raised wood or composite floor, while a patio sits on the ground. Our deck vs patio guide compares the cost and the value each one adds.
How Do You Keep a Composite Deck Clean?
Cleaning a composite deck means washing off dirt, pollen and leaves before they stain. Warm soapy water and a soft brush handle most of that cleaning. Follow the care guide from the maker of your boards, since each brand publishes its own. Step-by-step tips are on our page on how to clean composite decking.
Does UDA Services Build Covered and Screened Porches?
Yes, UDA Services builds covered porches and screened porches, often on top of a deck. A screened porch on a deck keeps out insects and adds a roof. See our screened-in porch builder page for porch styles.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?
Yes, unless the deck is uncovered and its floor sits no more than 30 inches above grade, under 34 Pa. Code 403.62. A building permit is the township approval that some decks need before work starts. Whether your deck needs one depends on your township and the deck. UDA Services applies for the permit when one is required, as part of the job.
Can a Deck Be Built in the Winter?
Yes, a deck can be built in winter, and our crews build decks through the winter months. Booking a deck in winter puts it ahead of the spring rush.
- PA Home Improvement Contractor registration PA144609
- Fully insured
- Workmanship covered for one year
- Serving Central Pennsylvania since 2018