A deck is the part of the yard most people actually use, and the part that takes the most abuse from Carolina weather. When an aging structure can no longer be repaired board by board, or when a new home has no outdoor living space at all, building the deck properly the first time is what makes it last through years of sun, rain and freeze-thaw cycles.
Reliable Home Handyman builds new decks and replaces existing ones for homeowners throughout Cary, Apex, Morrisville and Raleigh. Every build is quoted from photos, measurements and a written scope, so the size, materials, railing style and finish are settled before the first cut is made.
Common Problems We Solve
- An aging deck with soft boards, loose railings or posts that move when you lean on them
- Stairs that flex, creak or have treads that no longer sit square
- A deck that was built too small for how the family actually uses the yard
- A home with a bare slab or flat dirt area where a deck would give usable living space
- Rot at the ledger board and rim joist that cannot be fixed with individual board swaps
- A railing or gate that no longer feels secure and needs to be rebuilt
What the Work Includes
- Layout and sizing planned around how the space will be used
- Removal and haul-away of an existing deck or porch structure where requested
- Footings, posts, beams and framing sized for the span and load described in the plan
- Decking installed and fastened, with gaps set for drainage and movement
- Stairs, landings and guardrails built and secured
- Gates, hardware, skirting and trim details
- Sanding and a protective stain or sealer finish where included in the scope
- Cleanup and final walkthrough with the homeowner
How the Process Works
Step 1
Photos, measurements and your plan
We ask for photos of the area, the size you want and any style references. That tells us whether the project is a new build, a full replacement or a repair of what is already there.
Step 2
Written scope and price
You receive a defined scope covering framing, decking, stairs, railing, finish and materials, with the price shown before anything is ordered.
Step 3
Materials and staging
Materials are scheduled and the work area is prepared so the structure goes up in the order that keeps it square and stable as it is built.
Step 4
Build, inspect and hand over
The deck is built to the agreed scope, fasteners and railings are checked, the site is cleaned, and we walk the finished work with you before the project is closed out.
Recent Related Work

Typical Pricing
Cary-area planning prices for the most requested deck repair line items. The “Typical around” amount is a planning average, not a guaranteed quote.
Replace up to five standard deck boards
up to five boards
$350–$900
Typical around $625
Railing or handrail repair
per repair
$450–$1,500
Typical around $975
Repair stair treads, risers or stringers
per repair
$650–$1,800
Typical around $1,225
Selected services are combined into one estimated project total. Pricing and service disclosures.
Deck Builds FAQs
Will my deck build need a permit?
Permit requirements depend on the project location and scope. We tell you what a specific project needs before work begins, and any work that must be handled by a licensed trade or design professional is arranged separately rather than added on quietly.
Do you remove the old deck?
Yes, removal and haul-away of the existing structure can be included in the written scope so the area is cleared before the new build starts.
How long does a deck build take?
Most residential builds are scheduled across several working days, with the schedule affected by weather, material availability and any finish that needs time to cure. The written scope includes the working plan.
Are materials included in the price?
Materials can be included or supplied by you, and the scope states which applies. Either way the written price lists what is covered before work begins.
Is there a limit on project size?
Yes. We do not price or accept projects valued at $40,000 or more, which require a North Carolina licensed general contractor, and structural alterations are outside the work we offer.

