Decks Built Like Fortresses.
Skip has been building decks across Northern Virginia since 1979 — engineered to code, built to outlast the mortgage, and finished so cleanly you won't find a screw out of place.
Soft boards, wobbly rails, or a backyard you never use?
A failing deck isn't just an eyesore — it's a safety risk. Split boards, rusted fasteners, and rotted joists sneak up over the years until the whole structure feels unsafe underfoot. And a deck that was never built right in the first place will keep costing you in repairs.
Whether you need a brand-new multi-level deck for entertaining or a full tear-out and rebuild of a tired one, Skip builds it once, builds it right, and stands behind it — the man who quotes your job is the man on your site.
What we build
New Custom Decks
Single- and multi-level designs sized to your yard, your slope, and how you actually entertain.
Repair & Rebuild
Board replacement, re-decking over sound framing, structural repairs, and full tear-out rebuilds.
Railings & Stairs
Code-compliant railings, wide stairs, and built-in benches that feel solid the moment you lean on them.
Pergolas & Covers
Shade structures, pergolas, and covered porches that extend how many months you use the space.
Lighting & Details
Low-voltage stair and post-cap lighting, skirting, and hidden-fastener finishing.
Outdoor Living
Multi-zone decks with room for a grill station, dining, and a fire-pit lounge.
Every deck, from the footings up.
A deck is only as good as what's under it
Anyone can screw down boards. Skip's decks last because the work you don't see is done right — so as you read through the build, the craft stays in view.
Footings
Dug below the frost line and poured to code so nothing shifts or heaves over the years.
Framing
Properly sized joists and beams, flashed and fastened for a rock-solid, level base.
Decking
Composite or wood laid tight and true, with hidden fasteners where it counts.
Railings & Stairs
Solid, code-height railings and wide stairs that never wobble underhand.
Finish & Clean
Lighting, skirting, a final walkthrough, and a site left cleaner than we found it.
Composite or natural wood — the honest trade-offs
Skip walks you through both so you spend on what matters for your yard and budget — never a hard sell on the priciest option.
COMPOSITE · TREX & TIMBERTECH
Near-zero maintenance, fade- and stain-resistant, 25-year warranties. Higher upfront cost, best long-term value for busy households.
NATURAL WOOD · CEDAR, IPE & PT
Unmatched warmth and lower upfront cost. Needs periodic sealing — we'll tell you honestly what upkeep to expect.
Built across Northern Virginia
Common questions
How long does a custom deck take to build?
Most residential decks run one to three weeks on site once we start, depending on size, levels, and whether permits or an old deck tear-out are involved. Skip gives you a realistic timeline in the written quote — not an optimistic guess.
Do you handle permits and HOA approval?
Yes. Decks in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Arlington counties typically require a permit, and many neighborhoods have HOA design rules. We build to code and can help prepare the drawings and paperwork your county and HOA need. New to the process? Read our guide to deck permits in Fairfax County.
Can you repair my deck instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. If the framing and footings are sound, re-decking and new railings can save you money. If the structure is unsafe, Skip will tell you straight — and won't sell you a rebuild you don't need.
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!”
Decks built across Northern Virginia
Skip builds decks throughout NoVA. See how we handle the terrain, permits, and HOA rules specific to your town:
Get a free deck estimate
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.