Decks Built for Delaware Homes
Ready to Start Your Project?
Custom Decks Built for the Way You Live Outdoors
Your builder handed you a backyard. We give you a place to actually use it. Sassafras designs and builds custom decks for the way Delaware families spend time outdoors, from simple platforms to multi-level outdoor living spaces with built-in seating, planters, lighting and railings that match the look of your home.
Sassafras Home Improvement has Delaware roots going back to 1963, when Bath Kitchen & Tile Center, now our showroom and design center, first opened its doors. Six decades of local craftsmanship goes into every deck we build, with materials chosen to stand up to Delaware weather, permits pulled, HOA approvals handled, and every detail done right from first sketch to final inspection.
What to Know Before You Build a Deck
A deck is one of the biggest visible additions you can make to your home. Getting it right means making a few good decisions early. Here is what we walk every homeowner through before the first board is cut.
Design That Fits Your Home and Yard
The right deck respects the shape of your yard, the slope of the ground, where the sun lands, and how your family actually uses outdoor space. We talk through size, levels, stairs, railings and built-ins before any quote so you know exactly what you are getting.
Materials Built for Delaware Weather
Delaware summers are humid, winters are wet, and salt air drifts inland down in Sussex. We help you choose between pressure-treated lumber, cedar and composite decking based on your budget, your maintenance preference, and how long you plan to live in the home.
Permits, Property Lines and HOA
Most decks in Delaware need a permit, most yards need underground utilities marked, and most neighborhoods need HOA approval before anyone breaks ground. We handle all of it so you do not spend your weekends on hold with the township.
Wood vs. Composite: Which Decking Is Right for You?
The biggest single choice in your deck project is the decking material. Both wood and composite are great options. The right one depends on your budget, your maintenance preference, and how long you plan to enjoy the deck.
Wood (Pressure-Treated or Cedar)
Lower upfront cost, classic look, natural feel underfoot. Wood decks need to be cleaned and resealed every two to three years to keep their color and resist rot. A great choice if you do not mind a little upkeep and want the most deck for your budget.
Composite
Higher upfront cost, dramatically lower maintenance. No sealing, no staining, no splinters. Modern composites look like real wood and carry warranties of 25 years or longer. The right choice for homeowners who want to build it once and forget about maintenance.
We bring samples of both to your free estimate so you can see and feel the difference before you decide.
Why Choose Sassafras for Your Deck
Sassafras Home Improvement has been serving Delaware homeowners since 1963. Here is what makes us different.
- Delaware Roots Since 1963. Same family, same crews, same standards as Bath Kitchen & Tile Center, our showroom and design center.
- Permits and HOA Handled. We pull the permits, mark the utilities, and handle the HOA paperwork so you do not have to.
- Built for Delaware Weather. Materials and finishes chosen to stand up to humidity, winters and coastal air.
- Honest Estimates, Clean Worksites. Free on-site estimates with clear pricing, no pressure, no surprise add-ons, and we leave your yard cleaner than we found it.
Ready to Start Your Deck Project?
A free, no-pressure estimate is the easiest first step. We come out, listen to what you want, look at the space, and give you a clear plan and an honest price.
Deck Questions Answered
Yes. Most decks in Delaware require a permit. Sassafras handles the permit application, the inspections and any HOA paperwork as part of every project.
We do. We call Miss Utility before any digging begins and coordinate the locate so your gas, water, electric, cable and irrigation lines are clearly marked and protected.
If you do not have a current survey, we can work from your plat or recommend a local surveyor before we set posts. Most townships and HOAs have setback rules, and we factor those into the design so your deck stays well within yours.
Most residential decks take one to three weeks from groundbreaking to final inspection, depending on size, materials and weather. Permitting and HOA approval typically add two to four weeks on the front end. We walk you through a clear timeline during your estimate.
Cost depends on size, materials, levels, railings, lighting and built-ins. After a short on-site visit we give you a clear estimate with honest pricing for your specific project. The estimate is always free and there is no pressure to book.
Both are great. Wood costs less upfront but needs cleaning and resealing every two to three years. Composite costs more upfront but is essentially maintenance free and carries long warranties. We bring samples of both to your estimate so you can see and feel the difference.
We build year round in Delaware. Spring and early summer are our busiest seasons, so booking early gets you on the calendar before peak demand. Fall and winter builds often have shorter timelines and the same quality of work.