Decks & Patios in Seattle, WA
Seattle's mild, wet climate makes outdoor living spaces usable nearly year-round — as long as they're built right. A well-designed deck or patio gives you a place to enjoy those precious dry summer evenings and even those crisp, clear winter mornings, but it needs to handle our 37+ inches of annual rainfall without warping, pooling, or rotting.
Built for Seattle Weather
The Pacific Northwest demands materials and construction methods that stand up to constant moisture. We work with pressure-treated lumber, composite decking, and sealed concrete or pavers designed to resist moss growth and water damage. Proper drainage is non-negotiable here — whether that means sloping your patio away from the house, installing deck boards with adequate spacing, or integrating French drains to manage runoff.
Many Seattle homes, especially the Craftsman bungalows in neighborhoods like Wallingford and Ravenna, have small backyards where a thoughtfully designed deck can maximize usable outdoor space without overwhelming the lot. Elevated decks are also common solutions for sloped terrain, which is typical throughout the city's many hillside streets.
Permits and Site Considerations
Seattle requires permits for most deck projects, particularly if you're building above 30 inches off the ground or adding stairs. We navigate the city's Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) process and ensure your project meets setback and height requirements. If your property is in a steep-slope environmentally critical area or near a shoreline, additional review may be required.
Patios often have simpler permitting paths, especially when built at grade, but grading and drainage plans still matter. Clay-heavy soil in parts of King County can shift and settle, so proper base preparation is essential for long-term stability.
Whether you want a covered deck to extend the outdoor season or a flagstone patio tucked into your garden, the right design respects both your home's character and Seattle's unique conditions. We build outdoor spaces that look great, last decades, and make the most of our temperate — if soggy — corner of the country.