Deck and Patio Guides
Our deck and patio guides answer what people ask us before they build. They cover Austin permits, Central Texas soil, decks, porches and pergolas.
Composite vs Wood Decking in the Texas SunUpkeep, heat under bare feet, splinters and what each board needs underneath.
Call 811 Before You Dig Deck or Pergola Footings in TexasThe notice window in state law, what is free and what is on you.
Read This Before You Build Near a Big Oak in AustinThe 19 inch and 24 inch tree rules and the root zone limits for decks and footings.
Wood vs Composite on a 12x16 Austin Deck, Priced Line by LineShelf prices, local crew wages and the permit line for one plain 12x16 deck, wood or Trex.
Deck Railing Height vs Stair Rail Height in Austin36 inches on the deck, 34 on the stairs, 34 to 38 for the handrail, and the slope rule that catches Austin yards.
Check Your Impervious Cover Before You Build in AustinThe 45 percent cap on most Austin house lots, and how decks and patio covers count.5 Rules That Decide If an Austin Deck Needs a PermitThe size, height, attachment, exit and flood rules on the city exemption list.Hiring a Deck Builder vs Building It YourselfWhere DIY decks fail, from footings to the ledger board, and what to ask any builder.
7 Porch Design Tips for a Texas SummerDepth, sun, fans, screens and steps for a porch you will actually sit on in July.
Pergola vs Patio Cover for an Austin BackyardShade, rain, upkeep and footings, side by side.How We Write These Guides
Each guide starts with a question we hear on estimate visits. Do I need a permit? Will this tree be a problem? Wood or composite? Why did my old deck sink?
We answer from the job site first. Then we check the rule on the city, county or state page that sets it, and we link that page so you can read it yourself. Rules change, so the official page always wins over our summary.
Start With the Project
- Decks. Wood or composite, low or raised, and what the ground under them needs.
- Patios and patio covers. Shade, rain and how the cover ties into the house.
- Porches. Depth, steps and a roof that sheds water.
- Patio enclosures. Screens, screen rooms and keeping the bugs out.
- Pergolas. Filtered shade, attached or freestanding.
Each project page links the guides that fit it. Each town page does too, matched to the ground in that town.
New guides come out every week or two. If you have a question we have not answered, call 24/7 Phone (737) 315-4184 and ask. It may become the next guide.
Where to Find Deck and Patio of Austin
706 W Ben White Blvd A, Austin, TX 78704