Prices are estimates. How we get them
Local pros build custom decks throughout Ames and Story County, including Gilbert, Nevada, and Huxley.
Call Get a free quote ShopAmes sits in the heart of Story County where summers get warm and humid and winters bring freezing temperatures and around 30 inches of snow each year. Your deck needs to handle those swings, plus spring rains that average over 4 inches in May and June. Local pros build decks that stand up to the clay-heavy soil and weather patterns that make this area what it is.
Most homes in the older neighborhoods like South Campus Area and Historic Old Town date back to the 1940s and 1950s, while newer areas like Northridge Heights and Bloomington Heights have seen growth since the 1990s. Whether you're updating an older ranch-style home or adding outdoor space to a newer build, local pros work with what you have and design a deck that fits your lot and your budget.
From Somerset Village to College Creek, local pros know the local permit process through the City of Ames and can help you figure out what's required for your project. A well-built deck adds real value to your property and gives you a place to spend time outside during those comfortable months from late spring through early fall.
Local pros build pressure-treated and cedar decks sized for your yard and how you plan to use the space. Wood decks give you options for staining and sealing to match your home.
Composite materials hold up well in Iowa weather without the annual maintenance wood requires. Local pros install Trex, TimberTech, and other composite brands that resist moisture and temperature changes.
If your deck has loose boards, rotted framing, or wobbly railings, a local pro can assess the damage and replace what needs fixing. Sometimes a repair job makes more sense than starting over.
When the framing is compromised or the whole structure is past its useful life, a local pro will tear out the old deck and build you a new one on solid footings. Local pros handle removal and disposal of all old materials.
Railings need to meet code and be sturdy enough for daily use. Local pros build wood, composite, and metal railings along with stairs that are safe and built to last.
A pergola gives you some relief from the July sun without closing off your deck completely. A local pro can add shade structures that work with your existing deck or incorporate them into a new build.
The clay-heavy soil around Ames shifts with freeze-thaw cycles, and the water table rises in spring near the Skunk River. Local pros set footings deep enough to stay stable and build decks that handle the humidity and temperature swings here.
Deck projects in Ames typically require a building permit, and local pros make sure the work meets local code requirements. Local pros know what the city inspectors look for and build it right the first time.
A local pro will explain the difference between pressure-treated lumber and composite materials, what works best for your situation, and what it will cost. No pressure, just clear information so you can decide what makes sense.
Local pros have built decks throughout Ames, from North Ames near the North Grand Mall down to the neighborhoods around Iowa State. A local pro can point you to recent projects so you can see the quality of our work.
Ames gets around 36 inches of rain per year and 30 inches of snow, with the wettest months in May and June when local pros often see over 4 inches of precipitation. The soil here is mostly silt loam with 24 to 40 percent clay content depending on which soil series you're in, and that clay holds moisture and shifts when it freezes. Local pros dig footings below the frost line and use concrete piers to keep your deck stable through the freeze-thaw cycles. The Skunk River runs through the area and the water table in low-lying spots near North Ames and Somerset can rise to within a few feet of the surface in spring, so proper drainage around the deck is important.
Most homes in the established neighborhoods were built between the 1940s and 1960s, while the newer subdivisions like Northridge Heights and Bloomington Heights have gone up since the 1990s. The City of Ames requires building permits for most deck projects, and inspections typically cover the footings, framing, and railings to make sure everything meets code. Local pros handle that process as part of the job so you don't have to deal with it yourself.
A typical pressure-treated wood deck in Ames runs between $35 and $50 per square foot installed, so a 12x16 foot deck would cost roughly $6,700 to $9,600. Composite decking costs more, usually $50 to $75 per square foot, putting that same size deck at $9,600 to $14,400. The price depends on the size, height above ground, how much railing and stairs you need, and what materials you choose. Multi-level decks, custom railings, and built-in features like benches or planters add to the cost. They will give you an exact price based on your specific project after the pro sees the site.
Based around Ames, Iowa, local pros also take jobs in these nearby towns. Put your town on the form and they will tell you right away if the pro can help.
Most deck projects in Ames require a building permit from the city. The permit covers footings, framing, and railings to make sure the deck meets code. Local pros handle the permit application and schedule inspections as part of our service.
Footings need to go below the frost line, which is typically 42 inches deep in this area. The clay soil here expands and contracts with freeze-thaw cycles, so proper footing depth keeps your deck from shifting or heaving over time.
Pressure-treated wood costs less upfront but needs regular staining or sealing to protect it from moisture and sun. Composite decking costs more initially but requires almost no maintenance and holds up better in our humid summers and wet springs. A local pro can show you samples and explain the long-term cost difference.
A typical deck takes one to two weeks from start to finish, depending on size and complexity. That includes time for the permit review, which usually takes a few days. Weather can delay things if the pro gets heavy rain during the project.
A well-built deck adds usable outdoor living space and typically returns 60 to 80 percent of the cost when you sell. In neighborhoods like Northridge Heights and Somerset Village where outdoor space is valued, a good deck can make your home more competitive on the market.
Pressure-treated decks should be cleaned and resealed every two to three years to protect against moisture and UV damage. Check for loose boards or popped nails each spring, and make sure water drains away from the deck properly to prevent rot in the framing.
Tell us what you need and where. We usually reply within one business day. A photo helps a local pro give you a faster, more accurate quote.
No obligation and no pressure.
Ames Deck Pros is an independent referral service that connects you with local deck builders.
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