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Techwood Decks · San Mateo, California

Deck Builder in San Mateo, CA

Custom decks by Techwood Decks, a licensed deck builder serving San Mateo homeowners. See a project we built in San Mateo below.

Timbertech composite deck with fire pit in San Mateo, CA backyard

San Mateo homes come with all kinds of yards and grades. We design and build custom decks that fit your lot, your home and the way you use your yard. Every project starts with a visit and a 3D design, and we build with TimberTech PVC and composite decking.

In San Mateo we handle deck building, deck replacement, pergolas and outdoor living features such as lighting, benches and outdoor kitchens. Planning a budget? See what a deck costs in the Bay Area, with real totals from recent projects.

Schedule a visit

or call 650-640-1668

Decks built for San Mateo homes

  • Sloped and hillside lots, with engineered footings and structure
  • Low-maintenance TimberTech PVC and composite decking
  • Cable and aluminum railing, with LED lighting options
  • Permit drawings and City submittal handled by us

What we build in San Mateo

  • New decks and full deck replacements
  • Raised and multi-level decks
  • Stairs, railings and gates
  • Outdoor lighting

A San Mateo project

A Deck Replacement in San Mateo

A deck replacement with TimberTech Prime+ decking in Coconut Husk. The new deck connects to stairs, a retaining wall and a fire pit area.

Composite deck stairs and retaining wall in San Mateo, CA
Outdoor dining area on a composite deck in San Mateo, CA
Composite deck with dining table and string lights in San Mateo, CA
See more about our projects

Permit guide

Do I need a permit to build a deck in San Mateo?

In most cases, yes. The City of San Mateo exempts only platforms and decks that are not more than 18 inches above grade. That is stricter than the California Residential Code, which allows 30 inches.

Any deck higher than 18 inches, or attached to the house, needs a building permit. San Mateo also sets its own rules for yards and projections, and we build to them.

Permit requirements for a deck in San Mateo

Requirements vary by project. For a typical deck we prepare:

  • Building permit application
  • Site plan showing the deck and property lines
  • Floor plan, framing plan and elevations
  • Structural details for footings, framing and railings
  • Structural calculations when an engineer is required
  • Product and material information

What the City checks

  • Structure: footings, framing, connections and loads
  • Guardrails and stairs
  • Compliance with the California Residential Code
  • Setbacks and lot coverage
  • Inspections during construction

How long it takes

Timing depends on the City’s review queue and on any comments that come back. Ask our team for the current estimate.

Setbacks and zoning

  • Uncovered decks 18 inches or lower are allowed in all required yards (Sec. 27.18.100(a)(9)).
  • Decks over 18 inches and up to 30 inches are allowed in some parts of required yards, but not within 5 ft of a property line.
  • Decks over 30 inches follow the full district setbacks.
  • Typical R1-B setbacks: front 15 ft (20 ft for a front garage); interior side 5 ft; rear 15 ft (25 ft for new construction above one story) (Secs. 27.18.070 to 27.18.090).
  • A deck or balcony attached to the house may project up to 2 ft into a required yard, with its outside face at least 3 ft from the property line (Sec. 27.18.100(a)(6)).
  • Your zoning district sets the exact numbers, so we confirm them before we design.

We handle it for you. Techwood Decks prepares the drawings, submits the permit and manages the inspections, so you do not have to deal with the City.

Sources: San Mateo Municipal Code, Sec. 27.18.100 and the City of San Mateo permit FAQ (“What is exempt from a permit?”).

How it works

01

Consultation at your home

02

3D design, so you see the deck before we build it

03

Material selection at our San Carlos showroom

04

Permit and planning

05

Construction

06

Final walkthrough and warranty

San Mateo deck FAQ

In most cases, yes. The City of San Mateo exempts only platforms and decks that are not more than 18 inches above grade, and an attached deck needs a permit at any height. We confirm the rule for your property and handle the permit.

Cost depends on size, height, slope, materials and railing. We give a written estimate after a site visit and a 3D design. Call 650-640-1668 to schedule.

We build with TimberTech PVC and composite decking. These materials resist rot and insects, do not need staining and come in many colors. We bring samples to your visit.

Yes. We build raised and hillside decks, with engineered footings and structure where needed.

Yes. We prepare the drawings and engineering, submit them to the City and manage inspections through final.

Ready to plan your deck in San Mateo?

Tell us about your yard and we will come out, measure and show you the deck in 3D.

Schedule a visit

650-640-1668 · CSLB #1104498