Walking barefoot across a traditional wood deck in Pomona during a July heatwave is difficult. Composite decking is taking over neighborhoods from Phillips Ranch to the historic Downtown district because of the heat. The inland Valley sun is brutal on natural wood, which is why homeowners are switching to Trex. Constructing composite boards requires professional experience. Homeowners preparing for a new build need to know what the actual process looks like from start to finish.
The Real Timeline: From Permit to Finished Deck
Good work takes time. If a contractor states they can permit and build a Trex deck in four days, that is not realistic. In Los Angeles County, the permitting process takes time. Between plan checks and zoning reviews, homeowners are usually looking at two to four weeks just to get the green light from the city building department.
Once the permit is in hand, actual construction usually takes anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the size and complexity. Multi-level decks, custom lighting packages, or tricky hillside lots out near the fairplex take longer than a straightforward rectangular build over a flat backyard slab.
What to Expect While We are Working
Construction is messy. Trucks are parked out front, material stacks are placed on the lawn, and the sound of chop saws rings through the neighborhood around 8:00 AM.
- Old material tear-out happens on day one, which creates a large amount of debris.
- Post holes and concrete footings come next, meaning the yard will have some muddy patches.
- Framing goes up fast, followed by the work of clipping down those hidden Trex fasteners.
Pomona Deck & Porch tries to keep driveways as clear as possible, but pets will likely bark at the crew for the first two days. That is standard for any construction project.
How to Prep Your Property
Homeowners need to do a little prep work before the crew shows up. Patio furniture, potted plants, and kids toys must be moved away from the work zone. A clear path to the backyard gate and a working outdoor electrical outlet must be accessible. If a neighbor fence is right on the property line, let them know the crew might need a little room to set posts.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign That Contract
Before you hand over a deposit to anyone, including Pomona Deck & Porch, you need to ask the hard questions. Homeowners can get burned if details are assumed and not put in writing.
Ask who is pulling the permits, because your contractor should always handle this. Check what the subframe warranty looks like, and how it matches up with the 25-year Trex fade and stain warranty. Ask who cleans up the concrete splatter and old screws when the job is done.
Getting a new deck should not feel like a guessing game. Know the timeline, prep your space, and hire Pomona Deck & Porch because we know how our Valley weather treats building materials in Pomona, California.