New wood decks in Bend
A good deck is mostly hidden: footings, posts, beams, joists and the connection to the house. Get those right and the boards on top are easy to change later.
Most new decks around Bend are built on pressure-treated framing, with the decking chosen to fit the budget, the look of the house and how much upkeep you're willing to do. The builder's job is to size the frame for the span and the snow, attach it to the house correctly, and get it through the permit process.
What does a new deck involve?
- Design and site check. The builder measures, checks the slope, looks at where the deck meets the house, and notes setbacks, easements and any overlay zone. On some Bend lots, shallow rock affects where footings can go.
- Footings. Concrete footings sized for the load and set to the frost depth your building department requires. Deschutes County's design criteria list an 18-inch minimum frost depth; confirm the number for your address.
- Ledger or freestanding frame. An attached deck is bolted to the house framing through a properly flashed ledger. Some decks are built freestanding on their own posts instead.
- Framing and hardware. Joists, beams and posts sized for the span, with connectors and fasteners rated for treated lumber.
- Decking, guards and stairs. Boards on top, guards where the deck is high enough to need them, and stairs built to code.
- Permit and inspections. In Bend, inspections typically cover footings, framing and a final.
Which wood decking works here?
| Decking | Why people pick it | What to expect in Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine or fir | Lowest upfront cost; easy to repair | Dries, checks and grays in strong sun; needs regular cleaning and stain |
| Western red cedar | Warm color, lighter weight, naturally rot-resistant | Softer and dents more easily; Firewise USA lists cedar among woods vulnerable to ember ignition |
| Hardwoods | Very dense and long-wearing | Harder to work and fasten; ask your builder about availability |
Is Oregon's free deck plan useful?
It can be. In 2025 the Oregon Building Codes Division released a free permit-ready plan for a one-level, wood-framed deck attached to a house. You or your builder fill in the project details and submit it to the local building department. Larger, taller or multi-level decks usually need their own drawings.
Do I need a permit?
In Bend, a deck more than 30 inches above the ground or with stairs needs a permit, according to the city's guide. If you're outside city limits, check with Deschutes County or your city. A good builder will tell you up front who pulls it.
Every deck is priced by the builder after a site visit, once they've measured, looked at the ground and the house wall, and talked through materials with you. We don't quote prices, and any number you hear over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Can I put a hot tub on a new deck?
Possibly, but the City of Bend says it wants structural plans showing the deck can carry the added weight, often with calculations from a structural engineer. Glass within five feet of a hot tub must be tempered. Tell your builder before design starts.
How long does a new deck take?
It depends on size, the permit review and the builder's schedule. Bend says permit review typically takes two to three weeks. Ask the builder for a timeline once the design is settled.
Related services
More background: Bend deck guide.
Gray, splintered boards, a shaky railing, or a deck you keep sketching on napkins?
Call now and a local deck builder will help you figure out the next step.