Custom Deck Builders in Medina, OH

What a custom deck can include

Attached decks off a kitchen, family room or walkout basement
Freestanding decks out in the yard or beside a pool
Multi-level decks that step down a slope
Wide stairs, landings and built-in benches
Prep for a pergola or a future roof

Planning for a roof or pergola at the start matters, because posts and footings sized only for an open deck may not carry the extra structure later.

Where Ohio code sets each part of the frame

Since July 1, 2019, Section 507 of the Residential Code of Ohio has prescriptive deck rules. The Medina County Building Department sent deck builders a letter on the change pointing to these parts.

Part of the deck	Ohio rule
Footing size	Minimum sizes by tributary area, Table 507.3.1
Footing depth	Below the frost line, which Medina County lists at 38 inches
Posts	Maximum post heights by post size, Table 507.4
Beams	Spans in Table 507.5; each ply bears directly on top of the posts, and bolting beams to the sides of posts is no longer allowed
Joists	Spans in Table 507.6
Ledger	Fastener spacing based on joist span, Table 507.9.1.3

How a custom deck goes from plan to inspection

Design and site plan
The builder draws the deck to your house and yard and marks its distance from the property lines.
Zoning, then building permit
Medina County will not issue a building permit without proof of local zoning approval.
Notify OHIO811
At least two working days and no more than 16 calendar days before footings are dug.
Footing inspection
Holes go at least 38 inches deep and are inspected after digging, before concrete.
Frame, deck and final
Built to the Section 507 tables, with the permit card and approved drawings kept on site.

What does a custom deck cost in Medina?

A custom deck's price comes from its size, height, levels and stairs, the boards and railing, and any site work. A written quote for your layout is the only reliable number.

What affects the price	Why it matters
Size and number of levels	More square footage and more levels mean more framing and footings
Height	Taller decks need longer posts and guards on every open side above 30 inches
Stairs	Each run adds stringers, treads and handrails
Decking and railing	Treated wood, composite or PVC, and the railing system you pick
Site work	Removing an old deck or building on a slope

Get your price

What is a custom deck?

A custom deck is built from a design made for your property instead of a kit or a stock plan. The size, shape, height, stair location, railing and boards all follow the house and the yard, and the frame is sized from the span tables in Section 507 of the Residential Code of Ohio.

What the deck builder needs from you

Your address and, if you have it, a survey or plot plan with property lines.
Where the deck goes, roughly how big, and which door it serves.
How you plan to use it: grilling, dining, a hot tub, a play area.
Your material leaning: wood, composite or PVC.
Any homeowners association approval you need first.

Custom Deck Building questions

How big can a deck be without a permit in Ohio?

Ohio's residential code lets a deck skip the building permit only when it is 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to the house and not serving the required exit door. Most custom decks are larger or attached, so they need a permit, plus a township or village zoning permit in much of Medina County.

Can a deck be built on a sloped yard?

Sloped lots are common around Medina, and the usual answer is taller posts on the low side or a multi-level design that steps down the hill. Once any part of the walking surface is more than 30 inches above the ground within 36 inches of its edge, guards are required there. See deck railings for what that means.

Do I need to call 811 before deck footings are dug?

Ohio law expects whoever digs to notify OHIO811 at least two working days, and no more than 16 calendar days, before digging. When you hire a contractor, the contractor makes that call. Private lines, such as a buried line to a shed or lamp post, may not be marked, so point those out.