Custom Deck Builders in Lehi, UT
Level Ground That Refuses to Move When Winter Does
Footings that stop short of Lehi's 30-inch frost line are the single most common reason a deck starts to move, because water in the soil expands each winter and lifts whatever sits above it. The movement shows as racked framing, gapped boards, and stairs that stop meeting the landing squarely. H&L Custom Builders builds custom decks throughout Lehi, UT, American Fork, Provo, Draper, and the surrounding Utah County communities, starting below that line and working up. Composite and wood decks come with custom stairs, built-in benches, privacy walls, skirting, and integrated lighting, outlets, and fans wired during framing. Sloped lots become multi-level layouts that follow the grade instead of fighting it. Tired decks get rebuilt, repaired, or torn out and hauled away entirely, leaving a clear site behind. We hold a General Contractor's License and B100 License, bring 30 years of framing experience, and offer free on-site consultations booked through our contact page.
Custom Decks We Design and Build
Composite Decking
Composite boards hold color and texture without annual staining, resist rot and insects, and shrug off the freeze-thaw movement that splits softwood. Hidden fasteners leave the surface clean, and the material suits homeowners who would rather use a deck than maintain one.
Custom Deck Stairs
Stairs get laid out to code with risers no taller than 7.75 inches and treads at least 10 inches deep, so the rhythm feels natural underfoot. Landings, stringers, and lighting are planned together rather than added once the platform is finished.
Built-In Benches and Storage
Seating framed into the deck structure saves floor space, eliminates furniture that blows over, and gives a finished, intentional look. Bench boxes can be built to open, turning otherwise wasted volume into storage for cushions, tools, and seasonal gear.
Deck Rebuilds and Repairs
Not every aging deck needs replacing. Sound framing can take new decking and railings, while rot at the ledger or shifting posts calls for a rebuild. Old structures are torn out and hauled away completely, leaving a clear site.
Integrated Lighting, Outlets, and Fans
Stair lights, post caps, receptacles, and fan-ready framing all get planned while the structure is open. Running wiring at that stage keeps every cable concealed and avoids drilling into finished surfaces or surface-mounting conduit across a completed deck later.
Privacy Walls and Deck Skirting
Slatted or solid privacy walls block a neighbor's sightline and cut prevailing wind, extending comfortable use into cooler evenings. Skirting closes the gap beneath the deck, keeping animals out and giving the whole structure a grounded, finished edge.
Why Choose Us for Custom Decks
Foundations Set Below the Frost Line
Everything above ground depends on what happens below it. Footings carried past 30 inches keep the structure level through repeated freeze cycles, which is the difference between a deck that stays true and one that racks within a few winters.
Layouts Drawn Around Your Yard
Sloped lots, mature trees, awkward door placements, and view corridors all shape the right design. Working from what your property already offers produces a deck that feels inevitable, rather than a rectangle dropped behind the house and left there.
Structure and Finishes Planned Together
Stairs, railings, benches, lighting, and skirting affect framing decisions made on day one. Deciding all of it early avoids cutting into finished work and produces cleaner details throughout, which is exactly what separates a custom build from a kit.
Straight Talk on Composite Versus Wood
Composite costs more initially and asks for almost nothing afterward. Wood costs less and needs sealing every two to three years. You get a clear picture of both paths so the decision fits your budget and your patience.
Old Decks Removed Without Drama
Demolition, hauling, and disposal are handled as part of the job. Nobody is left with a pile of splintered framing in the driveway or a separate contractor to schedule, which is the part homeowners most often forget to ask about.
Craftsmanship You Are Not Chasing Later
Should a flaw in our workmanship appear after completion, we come back and fix it at no cost. That standard shapes how carefully flashing, fastening, and blocking get handled, well before anyone would have reason to call about it.
A Deck That Still Feels Right After the Novelty Wears Off
The first summer on a new deck is easy. What separates a good build from a regrettable one is how it feels on the tenth summer, whether the stairs still sit true, the boards still lie flat, and the whole structure still meets the house squarely. H&L Custom Builders builds decks in Lehi, UT with footings below frost depth, framing sized for real loads, and finishes chosen for high-altitude sun, because those decisions are invisible on day one and obvious by year ten. When you are ready to talk it through, request a free on-site consultation through our contact page.
frequently asked questions
How long does building a custom deck take?
Most residential decks take one to three weeks on site once all materials are delivered, depending on size, height, and stair complexity. Design, permitting, and material lead times typically add another three to six weeks before construction actually begins.
What is the difference between composite and wood decking?
Composite resists rot and insects and holds color with minimal upkeep, while wood costs less upfront but needs staining or sealing every two to three years. H&L Custom Builders builds both across Lehi, UT, and maintenance tolerance usually decides it.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Generally yes, particularly for decks more than 30 inches above grade or attached to the house. Permits trigger footing, framing, and final inspections. Requirements vary by city, so confirming with your local building department early on prevents costly delays.
At what height does a deck require a guardrail?
Any walking surface more than 30 inches above the grade below requires a guard, at a minimum 36 inches tall in most residential settings. Openings must block a 4-inch sphere. Stairs carry their own separate handrail requirements alongside.
How do multi-level decks work on sloped terrain?
Tiers step down to follow the natural grade, creating separate zones for dining, lounging, and access without extensive excavation. Each level is independently supported and joined by stairs, which makes steep or awkward lots genuinely usable outdoor space.
Can an old deck be rebuilt instead of replaced?
If posts, footings, ledger, and framing are sound, new decking and railings restore it for far less than full replacement. Drawing on 30 years of framing, H&L Custom Builders assesses existing decks in Lehi, UT before recommending either path.
When is the best time of year to build a deck in Utah?
Spring through fall offers the easiest digging and staging conditions, though frozen ground rarely stops experienced crews. Booking during the winter months secures earlier spring slots, since schedules fill quickly once the first genuinely warm weekend arrives each year.
How do built-in deck features add value?
Benches and storage boxes framed into the structure maximize usable area, cut furniture needs, and give a finished custom appearance. They matter most on smaller decks, where every square foot of open walking surface counts toward how the space functions.
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