Decks built for mountain conditions
A deck in the Vail Valley has a harder life than one in Denver. Design snow loads are higher, freeze-thaw cycles work fasteners loose, and UV at 7,000+ feet fades and checks wood quickly. Many mountain jurisdictions also have wildfire-related requirements for decks and the materials under and around them.
We size joists, beams and footings for your jurisdiction’s snow load, use corrosion-resistant hardware rated for treated lumber, and install proper flashing where the deck meets the house. That ledger connection is the single most common source of rot and water damage we see on older decks.
Composite or wood?
| Decking | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Composite / PVC | Low maintenance, no staining, resists splintering | Higher upfront cost; can get hot in direct sun |
| Cedar or redwood | Natural look, lighter weight | Needs regular sealing at altitude; fades fast |
| Pressure-treated | Lowest material cost | Checks and warps without maintenance |
| Hardwood (e.g., ipe) | Very dense and durable | Expensive and hard to work |
Deck repair and rebuilds
Not every tired deck needs to be torn out. If the framing and footings are sound, we can replace boards, railings and stairs. If joists are soft, the ledger is rotted, or footings have heaved, a rebuild is usually the safer and better-value option. We show you what we find and give you both options when both are reasonable.
Signs it’s time for deck building & repair
- Soft, spongy or cracked deck boards
- Rot or rust where the deck meets the house
- Wobbly railings or stairs
- Footings that have heaved or settled
- Constant sanding and staining just to keep it looking decent
If any of these sound familiar, request a free estimate or call (970) 471-6627.
How our deck building & repair process works
Site visit
We walk the space with you, take measurements and photos, and ask what you want the finished project to do for you.
Written estimate
You get a line-item estimate with what is included, what is not, and the decisions still open. We aim to turn it around fast.
Permits and materials
We submit permits and order decking and railing so materials are on site when the ground is ready.
Build and updates
Our crew and trade partners do the work in the right order. You get an update every working day, and written change orders before anything extra happens.
Walkthrough and sign-off
Final inspection, a walkthrough with you, and every punch-list item finished. The job is done when you say it is done.
What’s included
- Inspection of existing framing, ledger and footings
- Design and written estimate
- Permits and inspections
- Footings and framing sized for local snow loads
- Ledger flashing and waterproofing
- Composite, PVC or wood decking
- Railings, stairs and gates
- Under-deck debris removal and cleanup
Who it’s for
- Homeowners replacing an aging or unsafe deck
- Owners adding outdoor living space
- HOAs and property managers with multi-unit deck repairs
What affects the price
Every estimate is written and itemized. These are the factors that move the number most. For contract types and how to compare bids, see how remodel pricing works.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size and height | Taller decks need bigger posts, bracing and more labor. |
| Decking material | Composite and PVC cost more upfront but less to maintain. |
| Railings | Wood, metal, cable and glass rail systems vary widely. |
| Stairs and landings | Each run adds framing and railing. |
| Footings and access | Rocky soil and steep lots slow excavation. |
Decks for Vail Valley homes
Decks are one of our most requested projects across Eagle County. We build in Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle, Gypsum and across Summit County, and take deck projects in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Aspen and Steamboat Springs, where snow loads and wildfire requirements vary by jurisdiction.
- Deck Building & Repair in Vail
- Deck Building & Repair in Avon
- Deck Building & Repair in Edwards
- Deck Building & Repair in Eagle
- Deck Building & Repair in Gypsum
- Deck Building & Repair in Glenwood Springs
- Deck Building & Repair in Carbondale
- Deck Building & Repair in Aspen
- Deck Building & Repair in Steamboat Springs
- Deck Building & Repair in Breckenridge
- Deck Building & Repair in Frisco
- Deck Building & Repair in Silverthorne
- Deck Building & Repair in Dillon
- Deck Building & Repair in Keystone
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new deck cost in the Vail Valley?
Size, height off the ground, decking material, railing style, stairs and access for equipment all drive cost. Composite costs more upfront than wood but saves on maintenance. We give a written estimate with material options side by side.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
In most mountain jurisdictions, yes, especially for decks attached to the house or more than about 30 inches above grade. We pull the permits and handle the application and inspections.
When is the best time to build a deck in the mountains?
Late spring through fall, once the ground thaws. Good contractors book up early, so the best time to plan and price a deck is winter or early spring.
Should I repair or replace my old deck?
If the framing, ledger and footings are sound, repairing boards and railings is usually enough. Rot at the ledger, soft joists or moving footings point to a rebuild. We inspect and explain what we find.
Who builds decks in Eagle County?
Reed Home Solutions builds and repairs decks throughout Eagle County, including Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle and Gypsum, plus Summit County, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Aspen and Steamboat Springs.