A custom deck defines your outdoor living space and creates level surface for furniture, grills, and entertaining. Red Agave builds decks using IPE hardwood (50+ year lifespan, minimal maintenance), Western red cedar (classic aesthetic, needs staining every 2-3 years), or composite decking (zero maintenance, UV-resistant). Every deck includes steel posts set in concrete footings, hidden fastener systems for a clean surface, and integrates pergolas, privacy walls, and FCOB under-rail lighting. Most custom deck projects in Austin range from $15,000 to $80,000+ depending on size and materials. View our Signature Projects to see completed builds, or request a free estimate.
Red Agave Landscape · Austin, TX
Custom Deck Builder Austin TX
Deck Construction
Elevated Outdoor Living
Materials
Deck Materials for Austin TX
01
IPE Hardwood
The gold standard. Brazilian hardwood rated 3,680 lbs on the Janka scale. Naturally rot, insect, and fire resistant. Weathers to silver or maintains rich brown with annual oiling. 25+ year lifespan.
02
Western Red Cedar
Classic grain and warm color. Naturally resistant to decay and insects. Lighter than IPE, easier to work with for complex designs. Needs stain/seal every 2-3 years. 15-20 year lifespan.
03
Composite (Trex/TimberTech)
Engineered wood-plastic composite. Zero maintenance, no staining or sealing required. Consistent color, won't splinter. 25-year manufacturer warranty. Higher upfront cost, lower lifetime cost.
04
Thermally Modified Wood
Kiln-treated at 400°F+ to remove moisture and sugars. Dimensional stability in Austin's heat cycling. No chemical preservatives. 20+ year lifespan.
05
Mild Steel Framing
We frame every deck with mild steel instead of pressure-treated lumber. Steel doesn't warp, rot, or attract termites. It creates a perfectly level, rigid structure that will outlast the decking material itself.
06
Hidden Fasteners
All our decks use hidden fastener systems. No visible screws on the walking surface. Clean lines, no catching on bare feet, and a more finished appearance.
Compare
IPE vs Composite vs Cedar in Austin
Choosing the right decking material comes down to three factors: how you want it to look, how much maintenance you are willing to do, and your budget. Here is how the three main options compare in Austin's climate.
| Feature | IPE Hardwood | Composite | Western Red Cedar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (per sq ft, installed) | $45-$65 | $35-$55 | $25-$40 |
| Lifespan | 25-40 years | 25-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Maintenance | Annual oiling | None | Stain/seal every 2-3 years |
| Heat Retention | Moderate | High (can be hot barefoot) | Low |
| Appearance | Rich natural grain | Consistent manufactured look | Warm natural grain |
| Scratch Resistance | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Austin Climate Rating | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
In Austin's climate, IPE and composite are our top recommendations. Both handle the 100+ degree summers and UV exposure without warping or fading. Cedar is a beautiful choice but requires more ongoing maintenance to look its best. We help every client choose the right material based on budget, aesthetic preference, and how much maintenance they want to do.
Investment
How Much Does a Deck Cost in Austin?
Entry — $15,000-$25,000
200-300 sq ft deck with composite or cedar decking on a mild steel frame. Single level, standard railing, one set of stairs.
Mid-Range — $25,000-$45,000
300-500 sq ft multi-level deck with IPE or premium composite. Built-in bench seating, cable railing, integrated LED stair lighting.
Premium — $45,000-$80,000+
500+ sq ft multi-level deck with IPE hardwood, mild steel cable railing, built-in planters, pergola integration, under-deck lighting, and full landscape tie-in. The deck becomes the centerpiece of the outdoor living space.
All decks are built on mild steel frames — we never use pressure-treated lumber for structural members. Pricing includes design, engineering, materials, fabrication, and installation. Permit fees (required for all attached decks in Austin) are included.
Every project starts with a free on-site consultation where we assess your space, discuss material options, and provide a detailed proposal. Schedule yours today.
How It Works
From Design to First Sunset
01
Consultation
Free on-site visit. We assess your lot, slope, soil conditions, and access points. You share your vision for how you'll use the deck.
02
Design & Engineering
Custom deck plan with material selections, railing style, lighting layout, and structural engineering. Permit-ready drawings included.
03
Build
Our crew fabricates the mild steel frame, installs decking, railing, stairs, and lighting. Most decks complete in 2-4 weeks. No subcontractors.
04
Final Walk
Final inspection, cleaning, and walkthrough. We review care instructions for your specific decking material. You're ready to enjoy.
Our Work
Recent Projects
What We Build
Deck Features
01
Composite Decking
Dekorators Voyage and Surround lines. UV-resistant, splinter-free, zero maintenance. Realistic wood grain in colors built for Texas sun.
02
Cedar & IPE
Western red cedar for warmth and natural beauty. Brazilian IPE for extreme durability and a 50-year lifespan. Both sourced responsibly.
03
Privacy Walls
Horizontal slat privacy walls in matching deck material. Adjustable spacing for airflow and light control. Integrated into the deck frame.
04
Pergola Integration
Pergola posts built into the deck structure for a seamless connection. No retrofit brackets, no wobble, no visible hardware.
05
Under-Rail Lighting
FCOB LED strips installed beneath railings and stair nosings. Continuous dot-free glow for safety and ambiance after dark.
06
Hidden Fasteners
Concealed clip systems for a clean deck surface with no visible screws. Cleaner lines, no foot snags, and easier board replacement.
Common Questions
Deck FAQ
Composite or wood — which is better for Austin?
For most Austin homeowners, composite is the better long-term value. It handles UV exposure, heat, and moisture without fading, warping, or requiring annual staining. Dekorators composite boards stay cool enough to walk on barefoot even in July. Cedar is the right choice if you prefer a natural wood aesthetic and do not mind re-staining every 2 to 3 years. IPE is the premium choice for clients who want a 50-year deck with unmatched hardness and grain character.
How much does a custom deck cost in Austin?
Most custom deck projects in Austin range from $15,000 to $80,000+ depending on size, material, and features. Entry-level decks (200-300 sq ft, composite or cedar on a mild steel frame) start at $15,000-$25,000. Mid-range builds (300-500 sq ft, IPE or premium composite with built-in seating and lighting) run $25,000-$45,000. Premium multi-level IPE decks with full landscape integration run $45,000-$80,000+. All decks are built on mild steel frames with design, engineering, permits, and installation included.
IPE or composite — which is better for Austin?
Both perform excellently in Austin's climate. IPE is the premium choice: it's the hardest wood available, naturally resists everything Austin throws at it, and has an unmatched natural grain. The tradeoff is annual oiling to maintain the brown color (or let it weather to silver). Composite is the zero-maintenance choice: no staining, no sealing, consistent color for 25+ years. The tradeoff is a manufactured look and higher surface temperature in direct sun. Most of our clients choose based on whether they want a natural wood aesthetic or true zero maintenance.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Austin?
Yes. The City of Austin requires a building permit for any attached deck and for freestanding decks over 200 sq ft or 30 inches above grade. We handle all permitting as part of our design-build process, including structural engineering drawings, site plans, and inspections. Permit fees are included in our project pricing.
How long does it take to build a deck?
Most residential decks take 2-4 weeks from groundbreaking to completion. Simple single-level decks can be completed in 10-14 days. Large multi-level decks with complex railing, lighting, and landscape integration take 3-4 weeks. The design and permitting phase adds 2-4 weeks before construction begins.
Why do you use steel framing instead of wood?
Mild steel frames don't warp, rot, split, or attract termites. In Austin's heat, pressure-treated lumber can twist and cup within a few years, creating an uneven deck surface. Steel stays perfectly flat and level for decades. It also allows longer spans without intermediate posts, giving you a cleaner look under the deck. The steel frame will outlast any decking material we put on top of it.
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