Who Can I Hire to Design a Good Deck

A well-designed deck is more than a platform with railings. It needs to feel connected to your home and yard, and it should be engineered to last in our wet PNW climate. The person you hire shapes the entire outcome.

General contractors can build decks, but it’s usually a side task compared to kitchens, additions, and remodels. They do fine with simple layouts, but once the design becomes elevated, multi-level, or hillside-based, experience gaps start to show.

Architects can create strong visual concepts and blend the deck into broader remodel plans. Where things sometimes break down is structural detailing. Outdoor framing and load paths are not their main focus, so builders often need to adjust the plans.

Landscape designers understand how outdoor spaces flow. They’re great at shaping the overall environment, but many don’t provide structural plans. You end up needing a builder to convert the ideas into code-ready drawings.

Dedicated deck builders are the safest choice for most homeowners. This is their craft. They know code changes, span limits, moisture issues, footing requirements, and which materials actually perform well over time. They design with both aesthetics and longevity in mind instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

A specialist also helps you compare materials realistically. TimberTech, Trex, Fiberon, Azek, and Wolf all behave differently in Seattle weather. Someone who installs them every week has a clear sense of durability, color retention, heat, expansion, and maintenance.

Hiring the right designer is like choosing a specialist instead of a generalist. You get fewer surprises, a stronger structure, and a deck that fits the way you actually live.

If you want your deck designed right the first time, reach out to Petra Decks. We design and build custom decks across Seattle and King County, from Sammamish to Kent and Redmond to Auburn. Book a free consultation and get professional guidance on design, materials, and cost.