Find licensed deck builders and contractors across Washington. Browse 10 cities with license data and local permit requirements.
10
Cities Covered
$21-$53
Cost per Sq Ft
$89-$590
Permit Fees
Deck permits across Washington are administered at the city or county level, and requirements vary between jurisdictions. In Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, the dominant building code in force is 2021 Seattle Building Code (based on 2021 IBC with Seattle amendments), effective November 15, 2024 (some jurisdictions still on 2018 IRC). Decks 18 inches or less above ground: no permit required (unless in an Environmentally Critical Area). Decks over 18 inches above ground require a permit. That said, any deck that meets any one of the following usually requires a permit regardless of size: attached to the dwelling, over 30 inches above grade, covered with a roof, or serving a required exit door. Seattle processes residential plan reviews in subject-to-field-inspection permits (most standard decks): issued within 48 hours. addition/alteration permits (complex decks): standard review, currently running up to 4 weeks longer than normal due to november 2024 code transition backlog.. Always verify current rules directly with your local building department before pulling in a contractor, because Washington has no statewide fee schedule — every city sets its own.
Seattle
Pop. 737,015
Spokane
Pop. 228,989
Tacoma
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver
Pop. 190,915
Bellevue
Pop. 151,854
Kent
Pop. 136,588
Everett
Pop. 110,629
Renton
Pop. 106,785
Spokane Valley
Pop. 102,976
Federal Way
Pop. 99,037
Average costs for a typical 300 sq ft deck with railing in Washington.
| Material | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $6,627 | $8,496 | $11,215 |
| Cedar | $9,204 | $11,800 | $15,576 |
| Composite (Trex, TimberTech) | $12,886 | $16,520 | $21,806 |
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