Most people think spring is the best time to build a deck — and most people are wrong. Here's what we've learned from building decks year-round in the Raleigh area.
The Short Answer
Fall (September–November) is the sweet spot. The weather is ideal for construction, contractors have more availability, and your deck is ready for spring entertaining. Winter (December–February) is the hidden gem for savings.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
🍂 Fall (September–November) — Best Overall
- Weather: Cooler temps (50s–70s), less rain than spring, perfect working conditions
- Availability: The summer rush is over — shorter wait times to start your project
- Pricing: Some contractors offer fall promotions to keep crews busy
- Staining: Ideal temperatures for wood staining and sealing (50–80°F)
- Result: Your deck is ready when spring arrives
❄️ Winter (December–February) — Best for Savings
- Weather: NC winters are mild enough for construction most days (30s–50s)
- Availability: Contractors are least busy — fastest scheduling and most flexibility
- Pricing: Best opportunity for competitive pricing; material costs are often lower
- Caveat: Frozen ground can delay footing work on rare deep-freeze days
- Result: Save money and skip the spring backlog entirely
🌸 Spring (March–May) — Most Popular (Most Expensive)
- Weather: Warming temps, but NC spring brings the most rainfall
- Availability: Peak demand — everyone wants their deck for summer. Wait times of 4–8+ weeks are common
- Pricing: Highest demand means least pricing flexibility
- Caveat: Rain delays can push timelines back significantly
- Result: You'll likely be sharing your new deck with summer guests — eventually
☀️ Summer (June–August) — Fine, But Hot
- Weather: Hot and humid (85–95°F+), afternoon thunderstorms
- Availability: Still busy from spring backlog, but starts opening up by August
- Pricing: Moderate
- Caveat: Extreme heat is tough on crews and can affect certain materials during installation
- Result: Your deck may not be done until fall — when you could have started in fall and had it all spring and summer
Pro Tips for Timing Your Deck Build
- Plan 2–3 months ahead. Contact us in July/August for a fall build, or October/November for winter.
- Permits take time. Wake County permits typically take 2–4 weeks. We handle permitting, but factor it into your timeline.
- Materials may need ordering. Specialty composite colors and hardwoods can take 1–3 weeks to arrive.
- Don't wait for "the right time" forever. NC's climate allows deck construction year-round. The best time is when you're ready.