frequently asked questions

At Deckmasters, we offer a variety of payment options tailored to meet our customers' needs. For our building services, we accept checks or can process credit card payments with an additional 3% transaction fee. For retail purchases through Deckmasters Supply Store, we accept all major credit cards and checks. While we discourage the use of cash for security reasons, we aim to make your payment process as convenient as possible. If you have any further questions about payment methods, please feel free to contact us directly.

In order to give you the best experience, we do not make initial visits to your home. We instead start the process in our full size, interactive showroom. Here we will review our process, educate you on the products and services we offer, make all the material selections, and review the general design. You can schedule a showroom visit by visiting our website or calling 701-232-4001.

Our building radius is all of North Dakota and the Detroit Lakes Region of Minnesota.

The best way to start the journey is to schedule a showroom visit. You can do so on our website or you can call 701.232.4001. We are located at 5507 53rd Ave S, Fargo. Some easy homework to complete before you visit us would include snapping a few quick photos of the space you're looking to improve. If you're able, take a few basic measurements of the space if you have something existing. If nothing is existing, grab a few quick measurements for the maximum size space you'd like.

5507 53rd Avenue South, Fargo

Yes. We have a full service, specialty lumberyard that is available to the public. We assist weekend warrior DIYers and master carpenters alike. We generally stock many of the items we retail and have short lead times from distribution if we have to order anything in. Visit our showroom today or browse or offerings online.

At Deckmasters, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality decks with meticulous attention to detail. On average, building a deck takes between one to two weeks. We believe that small details make a big difference, so we never cut corners to speed up the job. Each project receives the same level of care, including crowning floor joists, adding proper blocking, joist taping the tops of all lumber and cutting custom stair stringers. This ensures that your deck is not only beautiful but also helps to protect your investment.

Yes, Trex is widely regarded as one of the best decking materials available, and at Deckmasters, we highly recommend it for several reasons. Trex decking is made from a high-performance composite that combines recycled plastic and wood fibers, offering exceptional durability and low maintenance. Unlike traditional wood, Trex decks are resistant to fading, staining, scratching, and mold, ensuring they maintain their aesthetic appeal for years with minimal upkeep. As the FM area's #1 deck builder since 1989, Deckmasters has extensive experience working with Trex products and can provide expert installation to maximize the longevity and beauty of your outdoor space.

Absolutely. Using joist tape is a wise investment that significantly prolongs the life of your deck. At Deckmasters, we understand the importance of protecting your structural investment. Joist tape acts as a moisture barrier between treated wood and decking, preventing wood rot and decay. This small, upfront cost can save you considerable money and hassle in the long run by extending the life of the lumber beneath your beautiful deck surface. Protecting your investment is our priority, and made it standard on all our builds. We highly recommend joist tape as an essential component of any decking project.

At Deckmasters, we strongly recommend using Helical Piers for deck footings. Helical Piers are a superior footing solution that offers a range of benefits ideal for the longevity and stability of your deck. They are designed to be screwed deep into the ground, providing excellent support and load capacity. Unlike traditional concrete footings, Helical Piers are less invasive to landscaping, causing minimal disturbance. This footing style is particularly effective in regions with freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring your deck remains level and secure over time.

The cost to build a deck with Deckmasters varies based on several key factors, including the size of the deck, the materials you choose, specific details such as railings and finishes, the number and location of stairs, and the overall complexity of the design. At Deckmasters, we take pride in customizing each project to meet your specific needs and try to account for your investment amount. To get an proposal for your project, we encourage you to schedule a showroom visit with our experienced Project Developers so we can tailor a solution that best fits your vision and investment amount.

At Deckmasters, we strive to support our customers in creating their ideal outdoor living spaces. While we do provide basic plan drawings when you purchase our retail products and for permitting, we currently do not offer rendering services.

The answer is no. All decks are slightly different based on the design of your home. At Deckmasters, we prioritize creating custom decks that perfectly align with the unique characteristics and needs of your property. We carefully design each deck to consider elements such as doors, windows, and the specific dimensions and profiles of the decking and railing. This meticulous approach not only ensures a seamless integration with your residence but also maximizes the use of materials to reduce waste. Our goal is to deliver a personalized outdoor living space that blends functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Yes, almost every deck requires a permit to be pulled with the local building/inspections office. Find out more by calling your local building official.

In general, any deck that is over 30 inches above ground level will require a railing. This measurement should be taken 36 inches away from the end of the deck. Additionally, stairwells with four or more risers must have a graspable handrail to meet safety standards. While these guidelines provide a general framework, we strongly advise consulting with your local building officials to ensure compliance with all specific regional regulations. Find a railing for you

Yes, at Deckmasters, we do use subcontractors for our deck building projects. These subcontractors are all licensed and insured builders. Each one is their own small businesses and take immense pride in their work, ensuring that your project is built to the highest standards. We made the switch to using subcontractors due to reduced Workmans Comp, payroll reduction and tax benefits that are advantageous for both Deckmasters and our contractors. It's important to note that this change does not increase the cost of labor, ensuring you receive quality craftsmanship at fair prices.

While it's understandable to want to save on costs by retaining your current deck framing, we at Deckmasters recommend against it. Upgrading your deck is a significant investment in your home's value and outdoor living experience. Old or compromised framing may not provide the longevity, stability, or safety necessary for new additions, and could lead to structural issues down the line. Protect your investment by ensuring that the foundation of your deck is as robust and enduring as the new upgrades you're planning. As the FM area's #1 deck builder since 1989, we ensure that every part of your deck, from the frame up, meets our high standards for quality and durability.

At Deckmasters, we take pride in offering the highest quality and most reliable deck products. To maintain our rigorous standards and ensure the best possible results for your outdoor project, we only install products that we retail. This policy helps us guarantee the longevity and durability of your deck, providing you with a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come. If you’d like to explore our options for decking materials, our experienced team would be delighted to help you find the perfect products for your dream deck!

Absolutely! At Deckmasters, we specialize in creating custom pergola kits from Great Plains Pergolas that are tailored specifically to your unique outdoor space. We understand that every backyard is different, which is why our pergola kits can be custom-sized to fit perfectly into your available area. You have the flexibility to change rafter spacings, adjust lattice spacings, and design a structure that meets your aesthetic and functional preferences.

At Deckmasters, we understand the anticipation of enhancing your outdoor living space. That's why we stock the materials for our pergola kits in-house. Typically, we can produce your custom pergola kit within two weeks of your retail purchase. This quick turnaround ensures that you can start enjoying your new outdoor feature without an extended wait.

Pergolas at Deckmasters are designed to offer an optimal balance of sunlight and shade, enhancing your outdoor living experience. The amount of shade a pergola provides largely depends on the design and placement of the structure as well as the angle and spacing of the beams. On average, a standard pergola can reduce direct sunlight by approximately 50-75%, offering a comfortable, shaded area suitable for relaxation and entertaining. For those seeking more substantial coverage, a louvered system or motorized awning might be a better option.

Typically, once you place an order for an awning, the entire process from order placement to installation takes about 4-8 weeks.

At Deckmasters, we understand that choosing the right awning for your deck can significantly enhance your outdoor living experience. The comparison between Sunsetter and Eclipse Shading awnings doesn't lead to a definitive answer of which is better, as it largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Sunsetter awnings are renowned for their affordability and ease of installation, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners looking for a quick solution. On the other hand, Eclipse Shading awnings often come with advanced features like motorized controls, superior fabric quality, and better customization options, which can offer a more tailored and durable solution. Feel free to consult with our experts for personalized advice to ensure you make an informed decision that best suits your outdoor living space.

At Deckmasters, we are proud to offer Eclipse Shading awnings. Eclipse Shading is renowned for its high-quality, durable, and stylish outdoor shading solutions, perfect for enhancing your deck or patio area. Our choice to partner with Eclipse Shading aligns with our commitment to providing low-maintenance, top-tier products that elevate your outdoor living experience. Whether you're looking to add some shade to your deck or create a comfortable outdoor living space, Eclipse Shading awnings are a reliable and aesthetically pleasing choice.

Yes, a concrete pad is essential under Sport Court™ for optimal performance and longevity. A concrete pad provides a solid, level foundation that enhances the durability and safety of your Sport Court™, ensuring it remains flat and even, which is crucial for sports activities.

Sport Court™ is a specialized surface designed for a wide range of sports and activities, offering durability, safety, and performance. At Deckmasters, we can integrate Sport Court™ into your next project t to create a versatile and enjoyable space.

No, we only install hoops that we retail to you as well.

Absolutely! Saunas offer numerous health benefits, making them a great addition to your outdoor living space. Regular sauna use can improve cardiovascular health, aid in muscle recovery, alleviate stress, and enhance overall wellness.

Yes, Deckmasters is proud to offer high-quality exterior saunas from Nordic Sauna Co., based in Bismarck, North Dakota. Our exterior saunas are designed to integrate seamlessly with your outdoor living space, providing a luxurious and relaxing addition to your deck or backyard. Whether you're looking to enhance your home with a touch of Nordic tradition or simply seeking a unique way to enjoy the outdoors year-round, our saunas are the perfect solution. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your exterior sauna dreams a reality.