Custom decks built for Marin hillsides.
Redwood, composite, and ipe decks — engineered for steep lots, fog, and wildfire zones, and built by one crew from first post to final board.
Serving San Rafael, Mill Valley, Novato, Sausalito, Tiburon, and the rest of Marin County.
What we build
Custom wood decks
Redwood and ipe decks sized to the lot — ground-level patios to multi-level hillside decks with stairs and landings.
Planning range: $55–$85 / sq ft (redwood)
Composite decks
Trex and TimberTech boards for low upkeep in fog and shade, with hidden fasteners and matching fascia.
Planning range: $75–$110 / sq ft
Deck repair & resurfacing
Keep a sound frame and replace worn boards, railing, and stairs — or rebuild when the structure has had its day.
Priced after a site visit
Railings, pergolas & lighting
Cable and glass railing that keeps the view, pergolas for shade, and low-voltage lighting for evening use.
See the estimator below
Planning ranges cover a typical deck, framing, and standard railing. Hillside work, engineering, permits, and features add cost — the estimator below shows how. Every real price comes after a site visit.
Deck cost estimator
Pick a material, a size, and a lot type. The total is the sum of the line items — nothing hidden.
Typical Marin decks run about 200–600 sq ft.
Your planning estimate
$17,600–$27,200
Planning range, not a quote. Permits, engineering, and site conditions are priced after a visit. Try it: a 320 sq ft redwood deck on a flat lot is $17,600–$27,200.
Redwood vs. composite vs. ipe
| Material | Best for | Upkeep | Planning range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood | The classic Marin look; warm, light, and easy to repair board by board. | Clean and re-oil every 1–2 years, more often in full sun. | $55–$85 / sq ft |
| Composite | Shady, foggy lots and homeowners who want low upkeep. | Wash a few times a year; no oiling or staining. | $75–$110 / sq ft |
| Ipe | A dense hardwood for a long-life deck where budget allows. | Oil to keep the brown color, or let it silver naturally. | $95–$140 / sq ft |
Honest advice is one of our promises — see About Us. In deep shade under redwoods, composite often wins. On a sunny, well-drained lot, redwood is hard to beat for the money.
Project types
Ground-level decks
Low decks that step straight onto the garden. Simplest build, fastest permit path.
Elevated & hillside decks
Posts, piers, and engineered footings for sloped Marin lots, with stairs and landings.
Multi-level decks
Two levels that follow the slope, so the upper level meets the house and the lower meets the yard.
Resurfacing
New boards, railing, and stairs on a frame that is still sound.
Guides: deck costs, materials & permits in Marin
These are short summaries of the three guides we publish for Marin homeowners. Each will become its own full guide page when the blog is added — see the plan in the project README.
How much does a deck cost in Marin?
Most Marin decks land between $55 and $140 per square foot depending on material, with hillside work adding $12–$20 per square foot. A 320 sq ft redwood deck on a flat lot plans at $17,600–$27,200 before permits and features.
Composite vs. redwood by Marin microclimate
Mill Valley and Fairfax shade stays damp — composite resists the mildew cycle there. Sunny Novato and San Rafael lots suit redwood well. In Sausalito and Tiburon, salt air argues for stainless fasteners whatever the board.
Marin deck permits, in plain English
Most decks over 30 inches high, and any deck attached to the house, need a building permit from your city or town — plus engineering on steep lots and fire-resistant details in WUI zones. We handle the drawings and the submittal; the town still sets the timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a deck in Marin?
Usually yes if the deck is more than 30 inches above grade or attached to the house. Low, freestanding platforms are sometimes exempt, but the rule varies by town. We check with your town's building department before we quote — see Areas & Products for your town's counter.
What is a WUI fire zone, and does it change my deck?
WUI stands for wildland-urban interface — areas where homes meet wildland, common across Marin's hills. In a WUI zone, decks need fire-resistant details: non-combustible or ignition-resistant materials near the ground, metal flashing, and no debris traps underneath. We design for it from the start rather than bolting it on later.
How long does a deck take?
A straightforward ground-level deck is often 1–2 weeks of building once permits are in hand. An elevated hillside deck is typically 3–5 weeks. Permits are the long pole — allow 4–8 weeks for most towns, longer if design review or engineering is involved.
Can you build on a steep lot?
Yes — most Marin lots are sloped, and hillside decks are our everyday work. Steep lots need engineered footings, careful drainage, and a realistic access plan for materials. That is why the estimator adds $12–$20 per square foot for hillside lots.
Will you give me a price without visiting?
A planning range, yes — that is what the estimator is for. A firm price, no. Slope, access, soil, and the condition of an existing deck change the number too much to guess from photos alone.
Request a site visit or call (415) 555-0199.