Santa Monica · Deck Building Services
FAQ
Answers · all our services
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything we get asked across decks, handrails, and play structures — grouped by service so you can jump to what you need.
Decks
How long does a custom deck take to build in Santa Monica?
Design to final hand-over typically runs 6–10 weeks. Design and permit takes 3–4 weeks. Build is 2–4 weeks on most projects.
Do you handle the Santa Monica permit?
Yes. We pull the building permit and any HOA submissions. Elevated decks may need engineered drawings, which we coordinate.
What materials do you offer?
Pressure-treated pine, Western Red Cedar, redwood, Thermally Modified Ash/Pine/Oak, premium hardwoods (Ipe, Mahogany), and composite (Trex, TimberTech, AZEK). Cedar and redwood are our most popular natural-wood decking — beautiful grain, naturally rot- and insect-resistant, and they handle the coastal climate well. We’ll spec the right material for your sun exposure and lifestyle.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes — fully licensed California contractor, insured, and bonded. We can send our license number and certificate of insurance on request.
Do you do warranty work?
Yes. We warranty our framing for 10 years and finishes per manufacturer terms. We come back to address any issues during the warranty period at no charge.
Handrails
How long does a handrail install take?
Most railing-only jobs are done in 1–3 days once material is on site. Cable systems usually finish in a day; glass takes longer because of the lead time on tempered panels.
Will cable railings sag over time?
Not if they’re tensioned correctly and re-tensioned once after the first season. We use marine-grade stainless cable and through-bolted posts on every coastal install so the system holds spec for 20+ years.
Do you handle code compliance?
Yes — every railing we install meets the 42″ guard height, the 4″ sphere rule, and graspability requirements for hand-rails on stairs. We also handle the inspection sign-off.
Can you upgrade the railing on an existing deck without replacing the deck?
Almost always. We can pull the old top rail and pickets and set new posts into the existing framing if the framing is sound. We inspect first and confirm.
What's the maintenance on cable vs glass vs wood?
Cable: re-tension once a year. Glass: hose off as needed. Wood: re-stain every 2–3 years. Aluminum: hose off — that’s it.
Play Structures
How long does a play structure take to build?
Most builds run 1–2 weeks once material is on site. Treehouses with engineered footings can run 3 weeks. Design and permit (if needed) adds 2–3 weeks up front.
Do play structures need a permit in Santa Monica?
Most ground-mounted play structures under the city height limit do not require a building permit. Tall treehouses, structures attached to the house, or anything in the coastal overlay zone may need one — we’ll check and pull if required.
What wood do you use, and how long does it last?
Cedar and redwood — both naturally rot-resistant and safe for kids. With marine-grade hardware and a yearly rinse, 15+ years is typical. We use stainless on every coastal install.
Is it safe? What about kids falling?
Yes — we follow ASTM F1487 playground safety standards on every build: 4″ sphere rule on guard rails, soft-fall surfacing under swings and slides, and entrapment-free spacing. We’ll walk you through the safety details at design.
Can you add to the structure later?
Yes. We design with future add-ons in mind — bolt-on swing beams, slide modules, and climbing accessories that come on as the kids grow. Saves you a full rebuild down the road.
Planning a deck in Santa Monica?
Tell us about your yard, your style, and how you'd use the space — we'll design and quote it.
Or call us now: 310-564-8939