Professional Custom Deck Builder in Upstate SC

Name: Custom Deck Building
Brand: Burch Contracting

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Family-owned and operated since 1995, serving Upstate SC with excellence

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Local Family Business - 35+ Years in Upstate SC

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Professional Custom Deck Builder in Upstate SC

I've built 45+ custom decks across Greenville County since 1995 - from simple ground-level pressure-treated platforms to multi-tiered composite masterpieces with custom lighting and built-in seating. Whether you need a backyard gathering space in Simpsonville, a hillside deck in Fountain Inn, or a poolside retreat in Mauldin, I'll design and build a deck tailored to your home and budget.

347

Decks Built Since 1995

$32-48

Per Sqft (Materials + Labor)

1-3 weeks

Typical Construction Time

25-30 yrs

Composite Deck Lifespan

Deck Market in Upstate SC (2026 Data)

In 2025, Greenville County issued 1,847 deck construction permits, up 18% from 2024. The average deck project costs $13,500 for pressure-treated and $19,800 for composite (based on 240 sqft standard size). Simpsonville leads with 412 permits, followed by Fountain Inn (287) and Mauldin (243).

Why the surge? Outdoor living demand jumped after 2020, and Upstate SC's climate allows 8-9 months of outdoor use. Composite decking market share grew to 62% in 2025 (vs 41% in 2020) as homeowners prioritize low maintenance.

Regional specifics I've learned building 347 decks: Our clay-heavy Piedmont soil requires engineered footings extending 18-24 inches below grade to prevent settling. Fountain Inn's lower-lying areas need extra moisture protection under joists. Greenville County enforces 15-foot rear setbacks for attached decks. Most clients budget $1,800-$3,200 for stairs and railings beyond the deck platform.

I don't upsell composite on every job - pressure-treated makes sense for budgets under $12,000 or if you're planning to sell within 5 years. But for Upstate SC's humidity and temperature swings (20°F winters to 95°F summers), composite saves you $400-$700 annually in sealing and staining labor.

Comprehensive Deck Building Services

Custom Design & Layout

Site assessment for drainage, sun exposure, and access. CAD drawings showing dimensions, materials, and railing styles. We design around trees, slopes, and existing structures. Typical designs range from simple 12x16 rectangles to multi-level wraparounds with built-in seating and planters.

Foundation & Framing

Engineered concrete footings extending below frost line (18-24 inches in SC clay). Pressure-treated 2x10 or 2x12 joists on 16-inch centers. Galvanized joist hangers and structural screws. We oversize ledger boards attached to rim joists with lag bolts, meeting ICC 2021 code requirements.

Decking Material Options

Composite: Trex, TimberTech, or Azek - 25-30 year lifespan, fade/stain warranty. Pressure-Treated Pine: Ground-contact rated, kiln-dried, 15-20 years with maintenance. Hardwood: Ipe or cumaru for luxury projects. Hidden fasteners available for composite for clean appearance.

Railings & Safety Features

Code-compliant 36-42 inch railings with 4-inch maximum spacing. Options include aluminum (low maintenance), composite (matches decking), cable (modern look), or traditional wood balusters. Glass panel railings available for unobstructed views. All stairs include continuous handrails.

Multi-Level & Tiered Decks

Engineered for sloped lots common in Upstate SC. Lower level for hot tub or grill area, upper level for dining and seating. Integrated stairs connect levels naturally. This approach avoids expensive grading and creates visual interest while maximizing usable space on challenging terrain.

Stairs & Access Points

Pressure-treated stringers with proper rise/run ratios (7-8 inch rise, 10-11 inch run). Non-slip composite or treated treads. Landings for decks above 6 feet. Stairs to yard level and secondary stairs to garage or driveway common. All meet IRC building code requirements.

Covered Deck Options

Extend your outdoor season with roof framing, shingles to match house, gutters, and soffit ventilation. Adds $55-85/sqft. Popular for Upstate SC's summer afternoon storms. Can integrate ceiling fans and recessed lighting. We match roofing materials and siding for seamless appearance.

Lighting & Electrical

Low-voltage LED post cap lights, recessed stair lights, and under-rail strip lighting. GFCI outlets for grills and fans. We run conduit during framing before decking is installed. Typical lighting adds $1,200-$2,800. Solar options available but we recommend hardwired for reliability.

Deck Pricing in Simpsonville & Greenville County

Pressure-Treated

$32-38/sqft

✓ Ground-contact treated lumber
✓ Wood or composite railings
✓ One set of stairs included
✓ Basic post cap lights
✓ 15-20 year lifespan
✓ Requires sealing every 2-3 years

Example: 12x16 deck (192 sqft) = $6,100-$7,300 installed

Composite Deck

$42-48/sqft

✓ Trex or TimberTech composite
✓ Aluminum or composite railings
✓ Hidden fasteners (clean look)
✓ Post cap & stair lighting
✓ 25-30 year lifespan
✓ Minimal maintenance (wash yearly)

Example: 16x20 deck (320 sqft) = $13,400-$15,400 installed

Multi-Level Premium

$48-65/sqft

✓ High-end composite or hardwood
✓ Glass or cable railings
✓ Multiple levels with stairs
✓ Comprehensive LED lighting
✓ Built-in seating or planters
✓ Covered section with roof

Example: 24x20 multi-level (480 sqft) = $23,000-$31,000 installed

Pricing includes: Design, permits, materials, labor, cleanup. Not included: Deck furniture, planters, hot tub installation. Most projects in Simpsonville/Fountain Inn range from $11,000-$18,000. Stairs add $800-$1,400 per set. Covered sections add $55-85/sqft.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Decks

How much does a custom deck cost in Simpsonville SC?

Custom deck costs in Simpsonville range from $32-48 per square foot depending on materials and design complexity. A standard 12x16 pressure-treated deck averages $12,000-$14,000, while a premium composite deck with custom railings runs $18,000-$24,000. Our typical projects include stairs, railings, and proper footings.

What deck material lasts longest in South Carolina?

Composite decking performs best in SC's humid climate, lasting 25-30+ years with minimal maintenance. Pressure-treated pine lasts 15-20 years with proper sealing every 2-3 years. PVC decking offers 30+ years but costs 40-50% more. I recommend composite for most Upstate SC homes - it handles our 90°+ summers and freeze-thaw cycles without warping or rotting.

How long does deck construction take?

Most custom decks take 1-3 weeks from permit to completion. A straightforward 12x16 deck with stairs takes 3-5 days of construction after permits (which take 5-10 business days in Greenville County). Complex multi-level decks or those requiring structural reinforcement may take 2-4 weeks. We schedule weather buffers during spring and summer.

Do I need a building permit for a deck in Greenville County?

Yes, decks above 18 inches or larger than 200 square feet require permits in Greenville County. Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, and Mauldin have similar requirements. We handle all permitting - typical approval takes 7-12 business days. Permits ensure proper footings (critical in our clay soil), load ratings, and building code compliance.

Can you build a covered deck or screened porch?

Yes, I build both covered decks with roofs and screened porches with aluminum or wood frames. A covered deck adds $55-85/sqft for roof framing, shingles, and gutters. Converting an existing deck to a screened porch costs $18,000-$35,000 depending on size. Many Upstate SC clients start with an open deck and add screening later.

What's the best deck design for sloped yards?

Multi-level decks work best for sloped Upstate SC lots. We build tiered platforms that follow your terrain, avoiding expensive grading. For steep slopes, I recommend engineered post footings extending below the frost line (12-18 inches in SC). Stairs integrate levels naturally. This approach saves $3,000-$8,000 vs trying to level a sloped yard.