Deck Builder & Repair in Vienna, VA
Skip's Modern Carpentry is your local Vienna deck builder and contractor, based right here at 1438 Crowell Rd — this is home. Since 1979 Skip has built custom decks, screened porches, and handled every kind of deck repair for Vienna neighbors, so when you call you get a craftsman who knows the town's homes, its wooded lots, and its two-step permitting — not a crew driving in from an hour away. If we don't answer, you'll get a call or text back within the hour.
Your neighbor, not a national chain
Vienna's housing stock skews to homes built from the 1960s through the '80s — split-levels, ranches, and colonials whose original decks are now well past their prime — alongside newer builds. That mix means every project is a little different: a structural repair on a decades-old deck one week, a full custom build the next.
Whether you need a custom deck builder for a new backyard build near the W&OD Trail or a contractor to repair an aging one, you deal directly with Skip — honest advice, straight answers, transparent labor-and-materials pricing, and a deck built to last.
Deck repair, board replacement & rebuilds
Older Vienna decks often need structural attention — failing ledger connections, undersized footings, rotted boards, and wobbly railings that are a genuine safety issue. Skip handles the full range of deck repair:
- Board & decking replacement — swapping split, rotted, or warped boards, or re-decking over sound framing.
- Structural & joist repair — reinforcing or replacing joists, beams, posts, and failing ledger attachments.
- Railing & stair repair — bringing wobbly, non-code railings and stairs back to safe, solid, code-height condition.
- Staining, sealing & refinishing — protecting a wood deck and restoring a tired one.
- Full tear-out & rebuild — when a deck is past saving, a clean rebuild done right.
Skip gives you an honest assessment: what actually needs fixing, what doesn't, and whether repair or replacement is the smarter spend. No manufactured urgency, no upsell.
Vienna's two-step permit path — handled for you
Addresses inside the Town of Vienna go through a two-step review: Fairfax County acts as the building official and issues the building permit, while the Town of Vienna reviews the project against its own zoning code (Chapter 18) through its idtPlans portal. Both have to sign off before work begins — a step out-of-town crews routinely miss.
Homes in unincorporated Vienna (outside town limits) are permitted through Fairfax County only. Skip knows which applies to your address, and either way he pulls the permits as the responsible contractor so you're not chasing two agencies.
As a rule of thumb, a deck that's attached to the house or sits more than ~30 inches above grade needs a permit, a site plan, and code-compliant guardrails. Requirements and fees change, so Skip confirms the current specifics for your property before building.
A few of our recent decks
A selection of decks from Skip's Northern Virginia portfolio — multi-level composite builds, tear-out rebuilds, railings, and stairs. It's the same footings-up craftsmanship we bring to every Vienna project.
Vienna deck questions
Are you actually local to Vienna?
Yes — Skip's Modern Carpentry is based in Vienna and has served the town since 1979.
Can you repair my existing deck instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. Skip does board and joist replacement, railing and stair repair, re-decking, and refinishing — and he'll tell you honestly whether a repair is safe and worthwhile or whether replacement is the better long-term value.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Vienna?
Usually — a deck attached to the house or more than about 30 inches above grade needs a permit. Inside town limits that means both Town of Vienna zoning review and a Fairfax County building permit; unincorporated addresses go through Fairfax County only. Skip handles it either way.
How much does a deck cost in Vienna?
It depends on size, height, and materials, but as a ballpark, composite decks in Northern Virginia typically run around $30–$95 per square foot installed — so a mid-sized 300–400 sq ft deck often lands in the low-to-mid five figures. Skip quotes labor and materials split out, so you see exactly what you're paying for and can compare wood vs. composite yourself.
What Northern Virginia Homeowners Say
“I hired Skip and his crew to remodel my basement with a bathroom remodel, and they also remodeled my upstairs bathroom and kitchen. Then I hired them to expand my deck as well. Everything came out wonderful, on time and on budget — a great company that I will continue to work with on my home.”
“He rebuilt my deck after it was damaged by a fire from my grill. He and Tommy rebuilt it in record time, to my specs, and for a reasonable price. This is a good company that won't give you the runaround, and they are respectful to women — which means a lot if you're a single mom who owns your own house. Two thumbs up.”
“We hired Skip and crew to open up a stairwell in our 1939 Cape Cod. Their bid was competitive and the outcome is terrific! They showed up every day on time, the work was superb, and they cleaned up at the end of each day. The job finished on schedule. Highly recommend.”
“I told Skip I wanted to tear down my old deck and build a new one to Fairfax County code. The result: doubled in size, permitted, and it looks so much better. I'm convinced this well-built deck will be here long after the house falls away. Great job by great people. He's a straight shooter who does great work at a reasonable price — I whole-heartedly recommend Skip's Carpentry.”
“We had at least five bids for a complete remodel of our deck, pergola, and fence. Skip's quote was competitive and actually split into costs for materials and labor — very transparent. Skip is authentic and a straight shooter. One contractor said we needed a complete redo of the frame and posts; Skip disagreed, and it turned out he was right! We're very pleased with the end result.”
“I found Skip on Yelp and called based on the great reviews. I had a buckled board in my entryway. Skip answered my call — on a Sunday, when I expected to leave a message — and came by the next morning. He screwed the board down free of charge. I'm definitely planning on calling him again when we redo our deck next year.”
“Highly recommended. Skip and his crew built a new deck using existing structures and about doubled the size of usable space. The new deck is extremely solid and the finish work beautiful. Price was very competitive.”
“Skip was a breeze to work with on our deck replacement. Like other reviewers have said — he's no nonsense, but honest and forthright. I'd recommend him any day!”
We build decks throughout NoVA
See our full deck building & repair serviceGet a free deck estimate in Vienna
Call Skip directly or send a few details and photos of your space. If we don't answer, expect a call or text back within the hour.