A new deck should feel like part of the property rather than something added to the back of the house without considering how it will actually be used.
The size of the yard, access from the home, grade changes, stairs, railings, furniture and the way your household plans to use the space can all affect the project.
Manova Services provides custom deck construction for homeowners throughout New Jersey. We begin by reviewing the property and discussing what you want from the finished deck before establishing the layout, materials and construction scope.
A Deck Designed Around Your Home
The first decision in a deck project should not necessarily be whether the boards will be wood or composite.
Before selecting the finished material, it helps to understand how the deck will connect to the home and how the outdoor space will function.
Some homeowners want a simple area for a table and grill. Others want more space for seating, entertaining or direct access to the yard.
The appropriate layout depends on the property and the way the deck will be used.
What Goes Into Planning a New Deck?
Size & Layout
The deck should provide enough usable space for its intended purpose without overwhelming the surrounding property.
Tables, chairs, grills, walking paths and other outdoor furniture can influence how much space is actually needed.
Access From the Home
The location and height of existing doors can affect the deck layout and how people move between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The relationship between the deck, house and surrounding yard should be reviewed before construction begins.
Stairs & Yard Access
An elevated deck may need stairs connecting the outdoor living area with the yard.
Stair placement should consider the layout of the deck, property access and how the homeowner expects to move between different areas.
Railings
Railings can be both a functional and visual part of the deck.
The style and material should be considered together with the decking and overall project rather than selected only after the main deck has been built.
Furniture & Everyday Use
Planning where furniture, a grill or other approved outdoor items may be placed can help determine the dimensions and layout.
A deck should be planned around usable space rather than simply maximizing square footage.
Wood or Composite Decking?
One of the major decisions in a new deck project is selecting the finished decking material.
Wood Decking
Wood can provide the natural appearance many homeowners associate with traditional deck construction.
Different wood products can vary in appearance, maintenance requirements and performance characteristics.
If wood is being considered, the specific product should be reviewed rather than treating all wood decking as identical.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is available in a wide variety of colors, textures, constructions and price ranges.
Different manufacturers may use different installation systems and product requirements.
Composite can provide different maintenance characteristics from wood, but it should not be marketed as completely maintenance-free or indestructible.
Which One Should You Choose?
There is no universal answer.
The decision may depend on:
- Appearance
- Maintenance expectations
- Budget
- Product availability
- Deck design
- Manufacturer requirements
- Household use
- Desired long-term upkeep
The material should fit both the property and the homeowner’s expectations.
Our Deck Construction Process
1. Tell Us What You Want to Build
We begin by learning about the property and what you want from the new deck.
Photos of the rear of the home and existing outdoor area can be helpful during the initial discussion.
2. Review the Property
The location of the home, yard, doors, existing structures, grade and access can affect the project.
These existing conditions should be considered before the final deck layout is established.
3. Discuss Size & Intended Use
Tell us how you expect to use the deck.
Dining, grilling, seating, entertaining and everyday yard access can all influence the amount and arrangement of usable space.
4. Discuss Decking Materials
Wood, composite and other approved products should be compared according to the project and homeowner’s priorities.
If you already have a particular manufacturer or product in mind, provide that information during planning.
5. Plan Stairs, Railings & Access
Stair location, railings and connections to the yard should be included when defining the deck rather than treated as separate decisions at the end.
6. Establish the Project Scope
Before construction begins, the agreed scope should identify the major dimensions, material selections, stairs, railings, demolition when required and other work included in the project.
7. Review Project Requirements
Any property-specific approvals, access requirements or other items that need to be addressed before construction should be identified.
Responsibilities should be clear before work begins.
8. Complete the Approved Construction
The deck is constructed according to the agreed project scope and selected materials.
9. Complete Stairs, Railings & Finishing Details
Approved stairs, railings, transitions and other finishing components are completed as part of the project.
10. Final Review
Once the agreed work is complete, the finished deck is reviewed with the homeowner and any remaining items within the original scope are identified.
New Deck Construction vs. Replacing an Existing Deck
Not every deck project begins with an empty backyard.
Some homeowners already have a deck that needs significant work.
Before assuming that the entire existing deck needs to be demolished, the current structure should be evaluated.
In some situations, repair or resurfacing may be worth considering.
In others, widespread deterioration, changes to the desired layout or unsuitable existing conditions may make replacement more practical.
The appropriate recommendation should be based on the actual deck.
Removing an Existing Deck
When complete replacement is required, the existing deck may need to be removed before new construction begins.
The demolition scope should identify what portions of the existing structure are being removed and how the area will transition into the new deck project.
Conditions that are not visible until demolition begins should be reviewed before additional work outside the original scope is performed.
Deck Framing & Supporting Structure
The finished deck boards are only the visible surface of the project.
The supporting structure underneath is an important part of the deck construction.
Framing and supporting components should be planned according to the deck design, material being used and requirements applicable to the project.
For replacement projects, existing structural components should not automatically be assumed suitable for reuse simply because they are still standing.
They should be evaluated as part of the project.
Deck Height & Changes in Grade
Properties are not always flat.
The elevation of the house, yard and surrounding landscape can influence:
- Deck height
- Stair requirements
- Yard access
- Number of levels
- Relationship with patios or walkways
- Surrounding grade
A deck should be planned around those conditions rather than forcing the same design onto every property.
Single-Level & Multi-Level Decks
A single-level deck may be appropriate when the property and intended use are straightforward.
Other homes may have grade changes or layouts where different deck elevations are worth considering.
Multi-level designs should only be used when they improve the way the space functions rather than adding complexity for appearance alone.
The appropriate configuration depends on the property.
Deck Stairs
Stairs are often one of the primary connections between an elevated deck and the yard.
Their position can influence furniture layout and movement around the property.
Stairs should therefore be planned early in the project.
The deck height, available space and surrounding landscaping can all affect the appropriate configuration.
Deck Railings
Railings can significantly affect the finished appearance of a deck.
Depending on the project, homeowners may consider different materials, styles and visual characteristics.
The selected railing system should be compatible with the deck design and appropriate for the project.
If a particular railing product has already been selected, provide the manufacturer information before the scope is finalized.
Connecting a Deck to a Patio or Yard
A deck does not have to be the only outdoor living area on a property.
Some homes can use a deck for elevated dining or seating and a patio for ground-level activities.
Stairs, walkways and landscaping can help connect those areas.
If you are considering both a deck and patio, tell us during the initial discussion so the two spaces can be considered together instead of being designed independently.
Grade, Drainage & the Surrounding Property
Outdoor construction should consider how water moves around the property.
A deck does not automatically require a large drainage project, but known drainage issues or grading concerns should be identified before construction begins.
Downspouts, patios, slopes and surrounding landscaping can all interact with the area around a new deck.
Significant drainage conditions outside the normal deck scope may require additional work or another appropriate service.
Permits, Approvals & Inspections
Requirements for a deck project can vary according to the property and type of construction.
The project should establish what approvals, documentation or inspections apply and who is responsible for handling each part.
Do not assume that permit work is automatically included in every Manova Services estimate unless it is specifically identified in the project scope.
If permit or inspection coordination is included, that responsibility should be stated clearly before construction begins.
Building a Deck at an Occupied Home
Most deck construction happens while homeowners continue living in the property.
During the project, access to the backyard or exterior door may temporarily change.
Before construction begins, homeowners should consider:
- Children and pets
- Outdoor furniture
- Grill locations
- Material delivery
- Driveway access
- Yard access
- Gates and fences
- Areas that need to remain usable
These details can be discussed while the project schedule is being established.
Choosing the Size of a Deck
Bigger is not automatically better.
A deck should provide enough usable room for the activities the homeowner wants without unnecessarily consuming the surrounding yard.
When thinking about size, consider:
- Dining furniture
- Seating
- Grill placement
- Walking paths
- Door access
- Stairs
- Space around furniture
- Relationship with the yard
Thinking about actual furniture and movement can be more useful than choosing dimensions based only on square footage.
Future Maintenance Should Be Considered Before Construction
Every exterior material is exposed to weather and normal use.
The amount and type of maintenance varies by decking product.
Before selecting the finished material, homeowners should understand the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and maintenance requirements.
No deck should be advertised as requiring absolutely no maintenance.
The better question is whether the maintenance expectations fit the homeowner’s priorities.
Related Deck & Patio Services
Custom deck construction can overlap with other outdoor improvement services.
Manova Services also provides or currently advertises:
These services are already listed within Manova’s current Decks & Patios category.
If your project involves more than the new deck, tell us during the initial discussion so the related outdoor work can be evaluated together.
Custom Deck Construction Throughout New Jersey
Manova Services is based in North Brunswick and currently promotes deck construction and related outdoor services to New Jersey homeowners.
Project availability depends on the property location, deck size, materials, existing conditions and scope of work.
Tell us what currently exists behind the home, how you plan to use the deck and which materials you are considering so we can review the project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Construction
Does Manova Services build new decks?
Yes. Custom Deck Construction is currently listed as one of Manova's Decks & Patios services.
The specific project should be evaluated according to the property, size, materials and construction requirements.
Does Manova build wood decks?
Wood Decks are currently included in Manova's outdoor service offering.
The specific wood product and maintenance expectations should be reviewed before the project is finalized.
Does Manova build composite decks?
Yes. Composite Decks are also currently listed as a Manova service.
Product manufacturer and installation requirements should be considered when selecting the decking.
Is composite decking maintenance-free?
No deck material should be described as requiring absolutely no maintenance.
Composite products can have different maintenance requirements from wood, but owners should still follow the manufacturer's cleaning and care instructions.
Can you replace an existing deck?
Existing deck replacement may be evaluated depending on the condition, desired design and project scope.
The old deck should be reviewed before deciding between repair, resurfacing and replacement.
Can you reuse the existing deck framing?
Possibly, but it should not be assumed.
Existing structural components should be evaluated before they are incorporated into a new or resurfaced deck project.
Can you add stairs to the deck?
Stairs are currently part of the broader deck services Manova promotes.
The deck height, property and layout should be reviewed before the stair configuration is finalized.
Does Manova install deck railings?
Railings & Stairs are currently listed within Manova's Decks & Patios service category.
The railing system should be considered together with the deck design and product requirements.
Does Manova handle deck permits?
Permit and code-compliance assistance is currently advertised within Manova's Decks & Patios menu.
However, I would have the website state that the exact permit or approval responsibility is confirmed for each individual project rather than promising the same process universally.
Can a deck connect to a patio?
Yes, the two spaces can potentially be planned together depending on the property.
A deck may provide elevated space while a patio creates an additional ground-level area.
How large should my deck be?
The right size depends on the property and intended use.
Consider furniture, seating, grilling, walking space, stairs, yard access and how much of the surrounding yard you want to retain.
Can Manova build a pergola with a new deck?
Pergolas & Outdoor Structures are currently listed in Manova's outdoor services.
Whether the structure can be included should be confirmed according to the individual project.
Planning a New Deck?
Tell us about the property, where the deck would connect to the home, how you plan to use the space and whether you are considering wood or composite decking.
Manova Services can review the initial project information and help define the deck construction and related outdoor services required.