Frequently Asked
Questions

ProDecks Delaware serves a 30-mile radius from New Castle, DE. This includes communities throughout Delaware (Wilmington, Newark, Bear, Middletown, Hockessin, and more), parts of Maryland (Elkton, North East, Perryville), southeastern Pennsylvania (Chester, Marcus Hook), and western New Jersey (Pennsville). Visit our Service Areas page for a complete list.

Getting a free estimate is easy! You can call us at (302) 358-8493, fill out our online contact form, or book a site visit directly through our website. We'll schedule a convenient time to visit your property, discuss your vision, take measurements, and provide a detailed written estimate — typically within 48 hours of the visit.

Yes, ProDecks Delaware is fully licensed and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. We're licensed to perform construction work in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. We're happy to provide proof of insurance and licensing upon request.

ProDecks Delaware has been serving the Tri-State area with quality deck, fence, and patio construction. Our team brings extensive experience in residential outdoor construction, and we've completed hundreds of projects across New Castle County and surrounding areas.

We understand that outdoor construction is a significant investment. While we don't currently offer in-house financing, we can recommend trusted third-party financing partners that many of our customers have used successfully. Contact us to discuss payment plans and options that work for your budget.

Deck costs in Delaware vary based on size, materials, and complexity. A basic 12x12 pressure-treated wood deck starts around $4,000-6,000 installed. A comparable composite deck (Trex or TimberTech) ranges from $8,000-15,000. Multi-level decks, covered structures, and premium features increase costs. Contact us for a free, detailed estimate specific to your project.

For Delaware's climate — with hot, humid summers and freezing winters — we recommend capped composite decking from brands like Trex Transcend or TimberTech. These materials resist moisture, won't crack from freeze-thaw cycles, and require virtually no maintenance. For budget-conscious homeowners, pressure-treated lumber is a solid choice with proper annual maintenance.

Most residential deck projects take 2-4 weeks from start to finish. A simple ground-level deck may take 1-2 weeks, while a complex multi-level deck with stairs, pergola, or built-in features can take 3-5 weeks. This timeline includes permit approval, which typically takes 2-4 weeks in New Castle County. Weather delays can extend the schedule.

In most cases, yes. New Castle County requires a building permit for decks that are attached to the house, more than 30 inches above grade, or exceed 200 square feet. The permit process includes plan review, approval, and inspections at key construction stages. ProDecks handles all permitting as part of our service — you don't need to worry about paperwork.

Wood decking (pressure-treated pine, cedar) costs less upfront but requires annual staining/sealing and has a 10-20 year lifespan. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) costs more initially but is virtually maintenance-free and lasts 25-50 years. Composite won't rot, splinter, or warp. Over a 20-year period, composite often costs less when you factor in maintenance savings.

For composite decks: sweep regularly, rinse with a hose monthly, and clean any mold spots with a deck cleaner. For wood decks: sweep weekly, power wash annually (low pressure), and apply stain/sealer every 1-2 years. Inspect all decks seasonally for loose boards, wobbly railings, and structural issues. See our complete Deck Maintenance Guide for detailed seasonal tips.

Absolutely! Uneven or sloped terrain is actually one of ProDecks' specialties. We design multi-level decks, elevated platforms, and stepped structures that work with your terrain rather than against it. Sloped yards in areas like Hockessin and Pike Creek often result in the most dramatic and beautiful deck designs, with built-in stairs and tiered entertaining spaces.

Fence costs vary by material and length. Average 2026 prices per linear foot installed: chain link ($15-25), wood privacy ($30-50), vinyl privacy ($35-65), aluminum ($30-55), composite ($45-75). A typical 200-foot residential fence costs $3,000-13,000 depending on material. Gates, terrain difficulty, and old fence removal affect the final price. Contact us for a free detailed estimate.

Privacy fences (wood or vinyl, 6 feet tall) add the most value to Delaware homes, typically recouping 50-70% of their cost at resale. Vinyl privacy fences are particularly valued by buyers because of their low maintenance. In upscale areas like Hockessin and Greenville, quality wood fences with clean lines are also highly valued. The key is choosing a style that complements your home and neighborhood.

New Castle County requires permits for most residential fences. Height restrictions typically limit backyard fences to 6 feet and front yard fences to 4 feet. Setback requirements vary by zoning district. If you live in a community with an HOA, you'll also need HOA approval. ProDecks handles all permit applications and HOA submissions as part of our installation service.

Most residential fence installations take 1-3 days once we begin work. A simple 100-foot fence can often be completed in a single day. Larger projects, complex terrain, or fences requiring concrete footings may take 2-5 days. The permit approval process (1-3 weeks) and material ordering (1-2 weeks) occur before installation begins.

For overall durability in Delaware's climate, vinyl and aluminum are the top performers. Vinyl resists moisture, rot, insects, and UV damage with a 25-30+ year lifespan and zero maintenance. Aluminum won't rust or rot and lasts 20-30 years. Composite fencing is also excellent but costs more. Wood is the least durable option unless meticulously maintained.

Yes! ProDecks offers fence repair services for all fence types. We can replace damaged boards or panels, re-set leaning posts, fix gates, and repair storm damage. In some cases, repairing is more cost-effective than replacing. We'll inspect your fence and give you an honest recommendation — we'll never push for a full replacement if a repair will do the job.

Patio costs in Delaware depend on material and size. Average 2026 prices per square foot installed: stamped concrete ($8-15), concrete pavers ($12-25), natural flagstone ($15-30), bluestone ($20-35), brick ($14-25). A typical 200 sq ft patio costs $1,600-7,000. Features like fire pits, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens add to the total. Contact us for a free estimate.

Concrete pavers are the best all-around choice for Delaware patios. They handle freeze-thaw cycles better than poured concrete (individual pavers flex without cracking), drain well, and come in hundreds of colors and patterns. For a premium look, bluestone and natural flagstone are excellent choices. Stamped concrete offers a budget-friendly alternative with good durability.

Most residential patio installations take 3-7 days. A simple 200 sq ft paver patio can be completed in 3-4 days. Larger patios, those requiring significant grading or drainage work, and projects with features like fire pits or seating walls take 5-10 days. Stamped concrete requires additional curing time (3-7 days before use).

Ground-level patios typically do not require a building permit in New Castle County. However, permits may be required if your patio includes retaining walls over 4 feet, electrical work (for lighting or outdoor kitchens), plumbing connections, or significant grading changes. ProDecks will advise you on permit requirements during the estimate process.

Absolutely! Fire pits and outdoor kitchens are among our most popular patio features. We build custom fire pits (gas or wood-burning), outdoor kitchen islands with built-in grills and countertops, seating walls, pizza ovens, and more. These features transform your patio into a true outdoor living space. Gas fire pits require a plumber for the gas line, which we coordinate.