Deck Builders in Federal Way, WA

Hiring deck builders in Federal Way usually starts with one question: do I need a permit? The city answers it in writing, which makes planning easier. We read that page with you, design the deck to suit your yard and your budget, and handle drawings when a permit is required.

What the exemption actually says

Federal Way's Residential Permit Exemptions page lists decks that do not need a building permit. To qualify, a deck must meet every condition at once: no more than 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to the house, and not serving the exit door required by the residential code. Miss any one of those and you should expect to apply. In practice, almost every deck that steps straight out of a slider or a back door is attached and serves a door, so it needs a permit even if it is small and low.

Critical areas change the answer

The same page says the exemptions do not apply to any work in a critical area, including wetlands, streams, landslide hazard areas and their buffers. That matters in Federal Way. The city has the West Hylebos Wetlands Park, lakes like Steel Lake and Lake Killarney, and wooded ground falling toward Puget Sound near Dash Point. If your lot backs onto a ravine, a creek or a wetland, even a small freestanding platform may need review. We recommend calling the Permit Center at 253-835-2607 before you commit to a design, and we are happy to be on that call.

Built to the current code

Federal Way enforces the 2021 International Residential Code with Washington State amendments for applications deemed complete on or after March 15, 2024. For a deck, that code drives footing size, beam spans, ledger attachment, guard height, stair rise and run and lateral connections that help the deck stay attached to the house in an earthquake. We design to it whether or not a permit is pulled, because the rules exist for safety, not paperwork.

What we build here

• Composite decks for families who want low upkeep through long, wet winters
• Cedar and pressure-treated wood decks, framed with flashed ledgers and joist tape
• Replacement decks when an older structure fails inspection or simply wears out
• Covered decks and pergolas so the space stays usable from October through April
• Guards and stairs for second-story decks on split-level and sloped lots
• Cleaning, staining and sealing for wood decks that have grayed or grown moss

Rain, shade and moss

South King County shares the long rainy season of nearby Tacoma, which averages about 155 days a year with measurable precipitation. Tall firs around many Federal Way neighborhoods add shade, and Seattle Public Utilities notes that moss does poorly in hot, sunny, dry spots and thrives where conditions are damp and shaded. A north-facing deck under trees will need more frequent cleaning, and composite with a capped surface will hold up better than bare wood. If you use a moss treatment, keep it out of storm drains; some contain zinc or copper sulfates that are toxic to aquatic life.

A city of homeowners and renters

Census estimates show 55.3% of Federal Way homes are owner-occupied, with 2.76 people per household. For owners who plan to stay, it can make sense to plan a deck that can be extended later, such as framing a pergola-ready beam line now and adding the cover in a future season.

Next step

Call (253) 525-5245 or request a visit. We measure, check grade and setbacks, and give you a written estimate plus a plain answer on whether your design likely needs a permit.

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