Outdoor living & yard care
Deck Builder & Patio Contractor for the Lake Livingston Area
Custom wood and composite decks, deck repairs, patios and pavers, built for the view and for East Texas weather.
Outdoor space built around the view
At the lake, the deck is often the most used room in the house. It is where coffee happens in the morning, where the grill goes in the evening and where guests end up no matter how big the living room is.
Onalaska Builders builds and repairs decks and patios with our own crews. Because we also do grading, footings and concrete, the ground and supports under your deck or patio are handled by the same company.
We build and repair:
- Custom wood decks
- Composite decks
- Patios, including concrete
- Paver patios
- Deck repairs
Choosing materials
Wood or composite decking by the lake?
Both are good choices. The right one depends on your budget and how much upkeep you want.
- Wood, usually pressure-treated pine here, costs less up front and has a natural look. In East Texas sun and humidity it needs regular cleaning and staining or sealing to keep from graying, cracking and splintering. See deck restoration.
- Composite costs more up front but does not need staining, resists splintering and holds its color better. It still needs occasional cleaning, especially under pines, where needles and pollen collect.
Whatever the surface, the framing underneath is usually treated wood, and it is what carries the load. Good footings, proper spacing and sound connections matter as much as the boards you walk on.
Planning
Planning a new deck
- How you will use it. Dining, grilling, lounging or all three, and how many people at once.
- The view and the sun. Where the water is, where the afternoon sun hits and where you want shade. A pavilion or covered area can make a deck usable all summer.
- The slope. Lake lots often fall away from the house, which can mean a raised deck, stairs or multiple levels.
- Railings and stairs, which matter most on raised decks and for families with children or older adults. A deck can also tie into a ramp.
- Drainage and ground. The area under and around the deck should drain so the framing stays dry. See drainage solutions.
- Property rules. Deed restrictions, HOA rules, setbacks and rules near the shoreline can affect size and placement.
Patios
Concrete and paver patios
A patio sits on the ground rather than above it, which makes it a durable, lower-maintenance option where the site is level.
- Concrete patios give a smooth, solid surface for furniture and grills. See concrete flatwork for more on how they are poured.
- Paver patios use individual units set on a prepared base. They offer color and pattern choices, and individual pavers can be lifted and reset if needed.
Either way, the base and slope decide how well a patio holds up. It should shed water away from the house and sit on well-prepared ground.
Deck repair
When a deck needs repair
Signs your deck needs attention:
- Soft, spongy or cracked boards
- Loose or wobbly railings and stairs
- Popped nails or screws
- A deck that sways, bounces or sags
- Rot where the deck meets the house or around posts
Some decks just need boards, railings or stairs replaced. Others have framing or post problems that affect safety. If the structure is sound and the surface is just worn, restoration may be all it needs.
We build and repair decks and patios within about 35 miles of Onalaska, including Livingston, Point Blank, Coldspring, Shepherd, Groveton, Trinity, Huntsville, Cleveland and Willis. See our full service area.
More outdoor living & yard care services
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Questions
Decks & Patios questions
Is wood or composite better for a deck at the lake?
Wood costs less up front but needs regular cleaning and staining or sealing in East Texas sun and humidity. Composite costs more initially but does not need staining and resists splintering. Both need occasional cleaning.
Do you repair existing decks?
Yes. We repair decks, including replacing boards, railings and stairs. Soft boards, wobbly railings and sagging framing are signs a deck needs attention.
Can you build a deck on a sloped lot?
Sloped lake lots are common, and decks on them are often raised or built on multiple levels with stairs. Tell us about the lot and we will talk through the options.
Should I build a deck or a patio?
A patio sits on the ground and suits level sites with lower upkeep. A deck is raised, works well on sloped lots and for capturing views, and needs more maintenance if it is wood.
How do I get an estimate for a deck or patio?
Call (806) 480-0328 or send the estimate form with the town or ZIP code, the rough size you have in mind and whether it is a new build or a repair.
Get started
Ready for a new deck?
Tell us about your property and how you want to use the space. Send the form or give us a call.