01
Site Assessment
Soil conditions, ledger location, setbacks, view corridors, and sun-exposure assessment.
Decks, Patios & Outdoor Living
Composite and pressure-treated decks, paver patios, screened porches, and outdoor kitchens. Massachusetts-permitted construction with structural integrity.
OVERVIEW
Schlickmann Construction builds decks, patios, screened porches, and outdoor living spaces across Massachusetts. We handle structural engineering, permitting, and finish detail — built to outlast the trends.
Outdoor living space is short in New England — six good months a year — so we build decks and patios designed to be used hard. Schlickmann Construction installs composite, hardwood, and pressure-treated decks across Stoneham, Reading, Andover, Burlington, Wilmington, Shirley, and Greater Boston, plus stone and paver patios with proper drainage and frost-protected footings.
Decks: we use TimberTech, Trex, or Cambara composite for low-maintenance builds; Ipe or cedar for premium hardwood; and pressure-treated for budget projects with optional stain. Framing is engineered to current Massachusetts code with proper joist hangers, ledger flashing, and footings to frost depth (4 feet+ in our region). Railings range from cable to glass to traditional aluminum picket.
Patios: we excavate, install a compacted gravel + sand base, and lay flagstone, pavers, or full stone slabs with proper drainage away from the foundation. Optional features include built-in fire pits, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, low-voltage lighting, and integrated planter boxes.
End-to-end scope — handled in-house.
- Site survey and utility mark-out (Dig Safe)
- Permits and HOA review
- Footings to frost depth (4 ft+ in MA)
- Engineered framing with joist hangers
- Ledger flashing and waterproofing
- Composite, hardwood, or PT decking
- Railing systems (cable, glass, aluminum, wood)
- Stairs and landings
- Optional pergola or shade structure
- Stone, paver, or flagstone patio
- Drainage and grading
- Low-voltage lighting and outlets
- 2-year workmanship warranty
What drives your investment
- Decking material (PT vs composite vs Ipe)
- Square footage and elevation (single-level vs multi-level)
- Railing system
- Stairs and landings count
- Footings (number, depth, proximity to foundation)
- Lighting and electrical
- Pergola or shade structure
- Patio material (flagstone vs paver vs slab)
First-tier specs & brands
- TimberTech, Trex, Cambara composite
- Ipe and cedar hardwood
- Pressure-treated southern yellow pine
- Cable, glass, aluminum, wood railings
- Bluestone, Goshen stone, paver patios
- Low-voltage LED deck lighting
Decks & Patios across Greater Boston.
Most of our Decks & Patios projects come from these Massachusetts communities — click through for city-specific details.
OUR PROCESS
How We Deliver Decks & Patios
02
Design & Permit
Engineered drawings, materials selection, permit submission to local building department.
03
Footings & Frame
Excavation, helical or sonotube footings, ledger attachment with proper flashing, and structural frame.
04
Decking & Detail
Decking installation, railing, lighting, hardware, and final inspection.
FAQ
Common Questions About Decks & Patios
Yes — any deck attached to a house requires a building permit, regardless of size. Free-standing decks under 200 sq ft sometimes don't, but we always pull a permit for liability and resale clarity.
Composite (Trex, TimberTech, Azek) costs 30–50% more upfront but lasts 25+ years with zero maintenance. PT lumber costs less but needs annual cleaning and 3-year staining. For most homeowners, composite pays off by year 8–10.
A simple 12'×16' rear deck: 2–3 weeks from permit. Multi-level decks with built-ins, lighting, or screened porches: 4–6 weeks. Patios with hardscaping run a similar timeline.
Yes. Screened porches and three-season rooms are some of our most-requested outdoor projects. Three-season construction (R-13+ insulation, removable storm panels) costs about 2× a screened porch but extends usable months April–November.
Now Booking · Q2–Q3 2026
Ready to start your Decks & Patios?
Pre-fill your Decks & Patios request and we'll respond inside 4 business hours. Most consultations scheduled within 5 business days.
- 5.0 from 50+ Google reviews
- Licensed CSL-121587 · insured
- Firm budgets — no surprise change-orders
- 4-hour response on every inquiry