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Techwood Decks · Palo Alto, California

Deck Builder in Palo Alto, CA

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

Composite deck with steps around a mature tree in Palo Alto, CA

We design and build custom decks in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto

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

A Palo Alto project

A New Deck in Palo Alto

A new low deck with TimberTech Landmark decking in French White Oak, built around a mature tree with steps down to the yard.

TimberTech Landmark French White Oak deck in Palo Alto, CA
Low composite deck with a framed border in Palo Alto, CA
Composite deck surface and fascia in Palo Alto, CA
See more about our projects

Permit guide

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Palo Alto?

In most cases, yes. Palo Alto follows California Residential Code R105.2 and exempts only low, free-standing decks:

  • Not over 30 inches above grade
  • Not attached to the house
  • Not serving the exit door

A deck attached to the house needs a building permit at any height. We confirm the requirements for your property and prepare the plans.

Permit requirements for a deck in Palo Alto

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. Palo Alto Permit Center: (650) 329-2496.

Setbacks and zoning

  • Typical R-1 setbacks: front 20 ft or the contextual setback of the block, rear 20 ft, interior side 6 ft, street side 16 ft (Sec. 18.12.040). On a block of homes set back further, the front setback can be larger than 20 ft.
  • Uncovered porches, patios, decks and stairways on the first floor may project up to 6 ft into a required front or rear yard and 3 ft into a required side yard (Sec. 18.12.050).
  • Decking more than 30 inches above grade counts toward lot coverage. We confirm your lot before 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: Palo Alto Municipal Code Secs. 16.04.110, 18.12.040 and 18.12.050.

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

Palo Alto deck FAQ

In most cases, yes. A deck needs a permit if it is attached to the house, more than 30 inches above grade, or serves an exit door. 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 Palo Alto?

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