New deck construction in Missoula
A deck that suits the house, the yard and the way you use it, built on a foundation that holds up to western Montana winters.
The part of a deck that decides how long it lasts is the part you'll rarely see: the footings, posts, beams, joists and the connection to the house. Boards and railings sit on top of that structure, and they're the easiest pieces to swap later. A good builder spends most of the planning time on what's underneath.
How is a solid deck put together?
- Footings dug below frost. Montana's rule sets a 24-inch minimum footing depth unless a local rule or local conditions call for more, and a Montana code summary lists 36 inches locally. Your builder should confirm the number for your address.
- A bolted, flashed ledger. An attached deck hangs off a ledger board fastened into the house framing, with flashing so water can't run behind it. Rot at the ledger is one of the most common ways older decks fail.
- Framing sized for the job. Joists and beams sized for the span and the load, with connectors and fasteners rated for treated lumber.
- Boards, guards and stairs. The decking surface, plus railings and steps built to the current residential code.
- Permit and inspections. Attached decks and decks over 30 inches high generally need a permit, which comes with inspections as the work goes.
Which decking woods are common?
| Material | Why people choose it | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Treated pine | Lowest starting cost; also used for nearly all framing | Dries, checks and grays in strong sun without regular finish |
| Cedar | Warm color, lighter weight, natural look | Softer surface; needs finish to keep its color |
| Composite or PVC | Very little upkeep | Costs more up front; see composite decking |
Building on a hillside lot
Houses in the South Hills, up the Rattlesnake and along Grant Creek often sit on slopes, so a deck that's at the back door on one side can be ten feet or more above the yard on the other. Taller decks need bigger footings, bracing against sway, and stairs that land somewhere sensible. Ask the builder how they'll handle the height, and whether the space below could become a patio or storage.
Lots on the valley floor
The Missoula Valley was the bottom of Glacial Lake Missoula about 13,000 years ago, which is why so much of town is flat. On flat lots, a low deck or a ground-level platform is often all you need. If your home is close to the Clark Fork, the Bitterroot or Rattlesnake Creek, ask whether the lot is in a mapped floodplain before you design, since that can add another permit.
Things to decide early
- How many people, and will there be a grill, table, or hot tub?
- Which way it faces. West-facing decks bake in the afternoon.
- Whether you might add a roof later, so footings can be sized for it now
- Where the steps land, and whether you need a gate for kids or a dog
What drives the price?
- Size, height and shape
- Decking and railing materials
- How many footings, stairs and levels
- Tear-off of an old deck, permit work, and how easy the site is to reach
Every deck is priced by the builder after a site visit, once they've measured, looked at the ground and the house, and talked through materials with you. We don't quote prices, and any figure you hear before that visit is a rough guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How deep do deck footings go in Missoula?
State rules set a 24-inch minimum unless a local rule asks for more, and a Montana code summary lists 36 inches locally. Have your builder confirm with the City of Missoula or Missoula County before digging.
Can I put a hot tub on a new deck?
Possibly, but a full hot tub is extremely heavy. The deck has to be designed for that load from the start, usually with extra footings and beams. Mention it at the first visit.
Related services
More background: Missoula deck guide.
Thinking about a new deck, or worried about the one you have?
Call the number above and a Missoula-area deck builder will talk through what you need.