How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck in LA or OC?

A detailed look at timelines, materials, and what to expect from start to finish.

If you’re planning a deck project in Los Angeles or Orange County, one of the most common questions is also one of the hardest to answer: How long does it take to build a deck?

The truth is, timelines can vary based on a number of factors, including design complexity, permit requirements, material availability, and the type of wood or composite you choose. But as a 2-decade deck builder, we’ve built thousands of decks across LA and OC in the past two decades, and we can give you a clear sense of what’s typical and what might extend your schedule.

In this post, we’ll break down each stage of a deck project, highlight common timeline pitfalls, and explain how different materials (like ipe, cedar, or Trex) can impact your timeline.

The Short Answer

Most residential decks in LA or OC take 6-10 weeks from first consultation to final walkthrough. Actual construction time (once we break ground) is typically 2-4 weeks, depending on the size and scope of the project. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Deck Design and Planning Timeline in Los Angeles and OC (1–2 Weeks)

Every deck build starts with planning. We visit your property, discuss goals, take measurements, and explore design ideas. We’ll also review material options based on your climate, layout, and maintenance preferences.

Common choices for LA/OC include:

• Tropical hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa
• Composites and PVCs like Trex, TimberTech-Azek, and Deckorators
• Thermally modified woods that offer durability and sustainability

Once we align on the layout, style, and materials, we finalize the design and move into permitting.

Permitting Timeline for Deck Construction in Southern California (2-6 Weeks)

Permits are often required in LA and OC, especially for raised decks or structures attached to the home.

Some cities, like Glendale or Huntington Beach, issue permits in under 2 weeks. Others, such as the City of Los Angeles or Santa Monica, may take 4–6 weeks or more depending on complexity and staff availability. Also, types of decks can affect the permit process. For instance, hillside decks require more permitting than flat decks.

LA Decks handles the entire process, including drawings, submittals, and back-and-forth with the city to avoid delays.

How Long Does It Take to Order and Receive Decking Materials?

Once permits are in progress, we order materials. We keep many options stocked locally or through trusted suppliers:

• Hardwoods: Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa (kiln-dried, in multiple sizes)
• Composites: Trex, Deckorators, TimberTech-Azek (fast ship on most colors)
• Thermally Modified Woods: Ash, Pine (availability varies—may be special order)
  

Special requests, like wide-plank boards, fluted profiles, or rare finishes, may add 1–2 weeks. We’ll let you know upfront so there are no surprises.

How Long Does Deck Construction Take in LA and OC? (2–4 Weeks)

Once permits and materials are ready, construction typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on:

• Square footage
• Site access
• Material type
• Custom features (lighting, privacy walls, stairs, railings, etc.)

Here’s how construction usually breaks down:

• Week 1: Demolition (if needed), site prep, framing, footings
• Week 2–3: Decking, stairs, fascia, trim
• Week 4: Railings, lighting, inspections, and final touches

We use our in-house crew, not subcontractors, so we can keep your project moving without gaps or delays.

How Deck Materials Impact Your Timeline

Different decking materials require different tools, methods, and timelines. Here’s how each option typically impacts your schedule:

Tropical Hardwoods (Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa)

• Extremely dense, durable, and long lasting
• Require pre-drilling and specialized fasteners
• Installation may take longer than with composite or softwood

Build impact: Add 1-3 days to installation time for large or intricate decks

Composite and PVC Decking (TimberTech-Azek, Trex, Deckorators)

• Designed for speed and ease of installation
• Boards often interlock or fasten with hidden systems
• Low-maintenance, consistent appearance

Build impact: Typically the fastest to install

Thermally modified Woods (Ash, Pine)

• Lightweight and easy to work with
• No chemicals, environmentally friendly
• May have longer lead times if not stocked

Build impact: Fast to install; plan ahead for procurement if custom

Common Delays When Building a Deck in Southern California

While we work to keep every project on track, there are a few common factors that can cause delays during the deck building process. Permit backlogs or additional revisions requested by the city can add unexpected time early in the project. Mid-project change orders, such as switching materials or adjusting the layout, can also slow things down. 

Occasionally, demolition reveals structural issues that require extra work before framing can begin. Special-order materials with long lead times may also impact the schedule, especially during peak building season. And while rare in Southern California, rain can delay concrete work or inspections. At LA Decks, we build contingency time into each project and communicate clearly if anything shifts along the way.

Typical Deck Construction Timelines Based on Project Size

If you’re wondering how long does it take to build a deck, timelines vary by size, design, and materials. Smaller decks between 150 and 300 square feet, often built with Garapa or standard composite materials like Trex, can usually be completed in 4 to 6 weeks—especially if permits aren’t required. Medium-sized decks in the 300 to 500 square foot range, using hardwoods like Ipe or premium PVCs like TimberTech-Azek, typically need 6 to 8 weeks due to permitting and material handling.

Larger or custom builds with multiple levels, integrated seating, or mixed materials like Cumaru and thermally modified wood may take 8 to 10 weeks or longer, especially if extensive permitting or special design features are involved. We tailor each timeline based on your goals, location, and material selection to keep everything on track from start to finish.

Start Planning Your Deck Build Today

If you want to know how long does it take to build a deck in order to have your new deck ready for summer hosting or fall evenings outside, it’s smart to start early. Designing, permitting, and sourcing materials takes time—and the sooner you lock things in, the smoother your project will go.

At LA Decks, we handle every part of the process: design, permits, sourcing, and construction. We’ve built hundreds of decks throughout Los Angeles and Orange County and bring deep knowledge of what works best in SoCal’s unique climate zones.