Decks and outdoor living in Northwest Arkansas
New decks, rotted-deck replacements and covered outdoor spaces, built on proper footings and framed to last through Arkansas summers.
Decks we build
- New decks: ground-level or second-story, with stairs, railings and lighting.
- Deck replacement: tearing out a rotted or unsafe deck and rebuilding it. Old ledger boards, footings and railings are where most failures start.
- Covered decks and patios: a roof over the deck or patio, tied into the house properly, or an open pergola for filtered shade.
- Outdoor living: larger outdoor spaces with room for a grill area, seating and lighting.
Wood or composite?
Pressure-treated wood costs the least up front and looks great when it’s new. It needs cleaning and sealing every few years in our heat and humidity. Composite costs more up front but needs no staining, won’t splinter, and holds its color. Either way the framing underneath is pressure-treated lumber, and that’s where we don’t cut corners: correct footings, flashed ledger, proper joist hangers and hardware.
Choosing a deck builder in Northwest Arkansas
Two decks can look the same on the day they’re finished and age very differently. The difference is under the boards, so ask any deck builder these questions before you sign:
- Are you licensed? Arkansas requires a state contractor license for residential building and remodeling work over $2,000, and most decks cost more than that.
- Who pulls the permit, and what gets inspected? It varies by city. Fayetteville inspects decks at footings, framing and final and wants construction plans and a scaled site plan. Siloam Springs requires a permit for any deck attached to the house or more than 30 inches tall. Bella Vista has its own Deck and Dock permit, and the Architectural Control Committee may need to approve the design too.
- How deep are the footings? The 2021 IRC that Arkansas enforces calls for footings at least 12 inches below undisturbed ground. Fayetteville’s deck guide requires 24 inches for an attached deck.
- How is the ledger attached and flashed? The ledger ties the deck to the house. It should be bolted, never hung on brick or stone veneer, and flashed so water can’t get into the house framing (IRC R507.9 and R703.4). It’s the most common place for an old deck to fail.
- Wood or composite, and why? A good builder will lay out the trade-off for your yard: the sun, the shade, and how much upkeep you want.
In Rogers, the city’s residential construction packet lists what its inspectors look for on a deck, from the ledger to the guards; see our page for a deck builder in Rogers. If you already have a deck that’s going soft, start with deck replacement and what current code requires. If you want shade over it, compare a covered patio or roof over the deck with an open pergola.
Built to code
Most decks that are attached to the house or raised off the ground need a permit, and railings, stairs and footings have specific code requirements. We pull the permit and build to it, which also matters when you sell the house.
For most wood decks. Composite decking typically runs about $25–$54 per square foot installed; covered patios often $4,000–$12,000.
Range based on HomeAdvisor 2025 national cost data and Fixr (covered patios). Your written estimate depends on size, materials and what’s behind the walls.More about deck and outdoor living
- Deck Replacement: Tear out a rotted or unsafe deck and rebuild it to current code, in wood or composite.
- Covered Patios & Patio Covers: A roof over your patio or deck, framed and tied into the house so it handles NWA weather.
- Pergolas: Wood or aluminum pergolas over a deck or patio, open, shaded or louvered, on real footings with permits handled.
- Outdoor Kitchens: Built-in grills, counters, sinks and power on a patio or deck, with the gas, electrical and permits done right.
- Screened Porches: A screened porch or three-season room, framed and roofed to tie into the house, with permits and ACC approval handled.
Recent deck and outdoor living work
Questions about deck and outdoor living
Do I need a permit for a deck?
In most NWA cities, yes, for an attached or raised deck. We check the rules for your city (and your POA, if you have one) and pull the permit.
Should I repair or replace my old deck?
If the boards are worn but the framing, ledger and footings are sound, resurfacing can work. If the framing is soft or the ledger isn’t flashed and bolted properly, replacement is the safe call. We’ll show you what we find.
How long does a new deck take?
A typical deck is often built in about a week or two of on-site work, after the permit is approved. Larger covered structures take longer.
Where we do deck and outdoor living
We work across Northwest Arkansas:
Our process
Free consultation
We talk through what you want, look at the space and give you an honest read on feasibility and budget.
Itemized estimate
A written estimate with every line item. No hidden costs.
Contract and scope
A clear scope of work, timeline and payment schedule, agreed before anything starts.
Planning and permits
Selections, ordering, scheduling and any permits the city requires.
Construction
Our crew and trusted trades do the work, and you get regular updates along the way.
Final walkthrough
We walk the finished job with you and fix anything that isn’t right before we call it done.
From our clients
From homeowners and property owners we’ve worked for. See all our Google reviews.
“The boys at Harvey Construction are top notch! Great quality and great people! I’ve used them for everything from fascia repairs to bathroom remodels and they always deliver exceptional results.”
“We have an air bnb in downtown Bentonville and these guys helped us fix it up. They also really helped us get it back up and running after the tornado in June 2024. They even connected us with some of the services needed that they don’t cover such as water removal. Thanks guys!”
“Would recommend. Harvey Construction’s got some excellent staff in their office and on the field. They were eager to get us on the schedule quickly, communicated when weather delays occurred, and delivered quality work.”
Other services
Bathroom Remodeling
Tub-to-shower conversions, walk-in tile showers, new vanities and full primary-bath remodels.
Kitchen Remodeling
Cabinets, countertops, islands, lighting and layout changes, from a refresh to a full gut.
Basement Finishing
Turn an unfinished basement into living space, done right on moisture, egress and code.