All 50 states
Deck building by state
We connect homeowners with deck builders in listed ZIP codes across 11 states. For the other 39, each guide covers contractor licensing, the building code and the climate.
Deck rules in the United States are set locally. States decide whether contractors need a license or registration and which edition of the International Residential Code applies, while cities and counties issue the permits, set frost-depth footing rules and inspect the work. Climate changes the right material choice too: a deck in coastal humidity fails differently from one under high-altitude sun or heavy mountain snow.
Each state guide below answers three questions from official sources where we could verify them: how contractors are licensed and how to check a license, which building code applies to decks, and what the local climate does to wood and composite decking. Where a fact could not be confirmed, the guide says so and points you to the agency that can answer.
States marked in copper are where our free referral line connects homeowners with independent deck contractors in listed ZIP codes. In every other state the guide is for planning and hiring; we do not currently connect calls there.
Covered by our referral line · State guide
A
C
D
F
G
- Georgia(covered)
H
I
K
L
M
- Maine
- Maryland(covered)
- Massachusetts(covered)
- Michigan
- Minnesota(covered)
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
N
O
P
- Pennsylvania(covered)
R
S
T
U
V
W