Custom Deck Builder in Vancouver WA & Portland OR

Custom deck design and construction by a licensed general contractor serving both sides of the Columbia River. IVY Contracting builds cedar, pressure-treated, composite, and hardwood decks across Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Portland, Gresham, and throughout the Clark County and Portland Metro area. From ground-level patios to multi-level elevated decks with pergolas and outdoor living spaces, Tim personally oversees every deck project — including the structural framing and moisture management details that determine whether your deck lasts 10 years or 30.

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What a Custom Deck Build Includes

Design consultation — we discuss size, layout, materials, and how you'll actually use the space
3D visual rendering — see your finished deck before we break ground (included on all major deck projects)
Permit application — pulled through the appropriate jurisdiction (Clark County, Vancouver, Portland BDS, etc.)
Utility locates and site prep
Proper footings — sized and dug to code for our soil and frost depth
Structural framing — pressure-treated joists and beams, joist hangers, hurricane ties where required
Ledger board attachment — properly flashed against the house (the #1 cause of deck failure is bad ledger flashing)
Your choice of decking material — cedar, pressure-treated, Trex, TimberTech AZEK, or hardwood
Railing system — wood, cable, glass panel, or aluminum
Stairs, skirting, lighting integration as needed
Final inspection coordination

Why Deck Construction Details Matter More in the Pacific Northwest

Our climate is brutal on decks. Wet-dry cycles, moss growth on shaded surfaces, and ground-contact rot risk all shorten deck lifespans if the build isn't done right.

Three details separate a 10-year deck from a 30-year deck:

Ledger flashing — where the deck attaches to the house. Bad flashing here causes hidden water damage to your home's rim joist and sheathing. It's invisible until the damage is severe.
Joist protection — joist tape (like Grace Vycor or Trex Protect) on top of every joist prevents standing water at fastener penetrations. Standard on our composite deck builds, optional but recommended on wood.
Post-to-ground details — posts should never sit in standing water. Proper concrete pours, drainage, and elevated post bases matter more here than anywhere else in the country.

We build every deck with these details in mind — not because they're required by code (they often aren't), but because they're what makes your deck last.

Deck Materials We Build With

Pressure-treated pine — Budget-friendly, structurally sound. Best for utility decks, painted decks, and covered decks. Requires ongoing stain/seal maintenance.
Cedar decking — Beautiful, Pacific Northwest-native, natural rot resistance. Requires regular staining or oiling to maintain color. Weathers gracefully to gray if left untreated.
Trex composite — Industry leader in composite decking. Low maintenance, 25-year warranty, wide color and grain options. Excellent for shaded, damp Portland and Vancouver conditions.
TimberTech AZEK PVC — Premium capped PVC decking. Zero rot potential, best-in-class stain and fade resistance, 50-year warranty available. Higher upfront cost, best long-term value.
Ipe and hardwoods — High-end tropical hardwoods for premium builds. Exceptional durability. Requires periodic oiling to maintain color.

We also build covered decks and outdoor living rooms — patio covers, pergolas, and full three-season outdoor rooms with weather protection.

Types of Decks We Build

Ground-level decks — patio-style, low-profile, no railing required (under 30" from grade)
Elevated single-level decks — the standard raised deck, with railing and stairs
Multi-level decks — split-level designs, ideal for sloped Portland West Hills or Camas hillside lots
Wraparound decks — extending along multiple sides of the home
Rooftop decks — flat-roof deck installations (common in modern Portland infill)
Covered decks and outdoor rooms — with rooflines, pergolas, or full three-season enclosures
Deck + hot tub installations — reinforced framing to support hot tub weight
ADU deck integration — decks connecting main home to detached ADUs

Our Deck Construction Process

Free on-site consultation — We walk the site, discuss layout options, and note grade changes, sun exposure, and existing structures.
3D design and renderings — For major deck projects, we produce 3D visual renderings so you see the finished deck before we start.
Written proposal — Material, layout, timeline, firm pricing.
Permit application — Pulled through the appropriate jurisdiction. Timeline varies (Portland BDS is slower than Clark County — plan accordingly).
Footings and framing — Concrete footings, structural framing, ledger board with proper flashing.
Decking, railing, and finish work — Boards laid, railings installed, stairs built, lighting integrated.
Final inspection and walkthrough — Municipal inspection scheduled, then a walkthrough with you.

What Does a Custom Deck Cost in Vancouver WA & Portland OR?

Deck costs are typically quoted per square foot. Typical installed ranges:

Pressure-treated deck: $30 – $45 per sq ft
Cedar deck: $40 – $60 per sq ft
Trex composite deck: $55 – $80 per sq ft
TimberTech AZEK PVC deck: $65 – $90 per sq ft
Ipe / tropical hardwood deck: $85 – $130 per sq ft

Elevated decks with stairs, complex framing, or hot tub support run 20-40% higher than ground-level decks of the same material. Portland projects typically run 8-15% higher than Clark County due to labor and permit costs. Pergolas, covered roofs, and outdoor kitchens quoted separately. Firm written proposals after on-site consultation.

Areas We Serve for Fence Installation

Washington: Vancouver • Hazel Dell • Salmon Creek • Brush Prairie • Battle Ground • Hockinson • Ridgefield • La Center • Camas • Washougal • Woodland

Oregon: Portland • Gresham

Deck Builder FAQ

Do I need a permit for a deck in Clark County or Vancouver?
Yes, for most decks. Decks attached to the house or over 30 inches above grade require permits in both Clark County and Vancouver. Ground-level detached patios under 30 inches typically don't. We check and pull permits for you.

Do I need a permit for a deck in Portland?
Portland BDS requires permits for most deck construction — attached decks, elevated decks, and decks over 30 inches. Portland's permit process is more rigorous than Clark County's, but we know how to navigate it and factor timing into project schedules.

How long does it take to build a deck?
Simple ground-level decks: 1-2 weeks. Standard elevated single-level decks: 2-3 weeks. Multi-level, covered, or complex decks: 3-6+ weeks. Timelines depend on weather, permit approval, and material lead times (composite decking can have 3-4 week lead times in peak season).

Composite vs cedar — which is better in the Pacific Northwest?
Both are excellent choices with different tradeoffs. Cedar is beautiful, naturally rot-resistant, and lower cost — but requires staining every 2-4 years and eventually weathers. Composite (Trex, TimberTech) costs more upfront but requires almost no maintenance, doesn't fade or splinter, and comes with 25-50 year warranties. For shaded, damp Portland and Vancouver conditions where moss loves to grow, composite is often the smarter long-term choice.

Can you build a covered deck or outdoor living room?
Yes — this is one of our most-requested project types. Covered decks and outdoor rooms extend your usable outdoor season significantly in our rainy climate. We handle everything from simple patio covers to full three-season rooms with roofing, insulation, and integrated lighting.

Do you build decks that support hot tubs?
Yes. Hot tubs weigh 3,000-6,000 pounds when filled — standard deck framing won't support them safely. We engineer and build reinforced framing (typically doubled joists, additional beams, and additional footings) sized for your specific hot tub. Always tell your deck builder about hot tub plans before construction starts.

Do you offer 3D renderings for deck projects?
Yes. Major deck projects — covered decks, multi-level, outdoor rooms, or premium installations — include 3D visual renderings so you can see finish materials, railing styles, lighting, and layout before we start construction.

Can you replace my existing deck?
Yes. We handle full deck teardowns, structural inspection of anything we're keeping (often the ledger board needs replacement even if the framing is sound), and full new construction. Sometimes it makes sense to reuse existing footings if properly placed — we'll inspect and advise honestly.

Do you build decks on sloped or hillside lots?
Yes — common throughout Portland's West Hills, Camas hillsides, Washougal riverfront, and parts of Felida. Multi-level and cantilevered decks work well on grade challenges, and we handle the additional structural engineering they require.

Do you build decks with modern railings — cable rail, glass, or horizontal aluminum?
Yes. Modern railing systems (stainless cable, glass panel, horizontal aluminum) are increasingly popular in Portland modern homes and premium Vancouver builds. They preserve views and match contemporary architecture. We install all major systems.

Do you integrate deck lighting and outdoor kitchens?
Yes. Integrated LED step lights, post cap lights, and under-rail lighting are standard options. We also build outdoor kitchen zones on decks — grill areas, counter space, and structural framing to support built-in appliances.

Are you licensed in both Washington and Oregon?
Yes. IVY Contracting is a fully licensed and insured general contractor in both states. License numbers and insurance certificates available on request.