Planning a deck involves defining your budget, understanding your property’s unique features, and making informed decisions about materials, layout, and design before construction begins. The right planning process prevents costly mistakes and ensures your deck functions exactly how you need it to while maximizing your property’s potential.
Too many homeowners jump straight to Pinterest boards and material samples without addressing the foundational questions that determine whether a deck project succeeds or falls short. After building thousands of decks across Los Angeles County, we’ve learned that the planning phase makes all the difference between a deck that becomes the heart of your home and one that never quite lives up to expectations.
This guide walks you through the complete planning process, from initial site assessment to final design decisions, using real-world insights from two decades of Southern California deck building.
Start With Your Property, Not Your Pinterest Board
Every deck project should begin with understanding what your property can actually support. Slope, soil conditions, sun exposure, and existing structures all dictate what’s possible and what will work best for your space.
In Los Angeles, hillside lots present both challenges and opportunities. A property in the Hollywood Hills with a 20% slope requires completely different planning than a flat lot in Venice. The slope determines your foundation approach, affects permit requirements, and influences whether you’ll need retaining walls or extensive grading.
Soil type matters more than most people realize. Sandy soil near the coast requires deeper footings than clay-heavy soil in other areas. Seismic considerations also come into play, especially for elevated decks. Your local building department has specific requirements based on your property’s location and geology.
Sun exposure shapes how you’ll actually use your deck. A west-facing deck in the San Fernando Valley gets punishing afternoon sun, which means shade structures become essential rather than optional. South-facing decks get more consistent sunlight, while north-facing spaces might feel perpetually shaded. According to InterNACHI’s guide to building orientation, patios and decks should ideally be built on the south side of the house where direct sunlight permits their use for more hours during the day and more days during the year.
Walk your property at different times of day. Notice where shadows fall, how breezes move through the space, and where views are best. This real-world observation often reveals opportunities and constraints that don’t show up on property surveys.
Define How You’ll Actually Use the Space
Generic deck planning leads to generic results. The best decks are designed around specific activities and realistic usage patterns.
Consider who uses the space and when. A family with young children needs different features than empty nesters who love hosting dinner parties. Someone who works from home might want a quiet corner for morning coffee, while avid entertainers need space for groups to flow naturally.
Think through typical scenarios. If you grill frequently, you’ll want the cooking area near the kitchen but positioned so smoke doesn’t drift into seating areas. If you host often, you need enough space for people to move around comfortably without the deck feeling empty when it’s just you.
In one Studio City project, the homeowners insisted they needed a massive 800 square foot deck. After talking through how they actually used their outdoor space, we discovered they rarely had more than six people over and preferred intimate gatherings. We designed a 400 square foot deck with better flow and more comfortable proportions, saving them significant money while creating a space they loved.
Budget Realistically From the Start
Deck costs in Los Angeles vary dramatically based on materials, site conditions, and complexity. Having a realistic budget framework prevents disappointment and helps prioritize where to invest.
A basic ground-level deck with pressure-treated wood might cost $35-50 per square foot. Mid-range composite decking on a slightly elevated structure runs $50-75 per square foot. Premium hardwood decks on challenging hillside sites can reach $85-120 per square foot or more.
These ranges include materials, labor, permits, and basic features. They don’t include add-ons like built-in seating, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, or complex lighting systems. Each of these features adds to the total investment.
Site accessibility significantly impacts costs. If materials need to be carried through a house or around tight spaces, expect labor costs to increase. Hillside properties often require specialized equipment and additional engineering, adding 15-25% to baseline costs.
Permits in Los Angeles County typically cost $500-1,500 depending on project scope. Structural engineering for elevated or hillside decks adds $1,000-3,000. These aren’t optional expenses, they’re part of building safely and legally.
Material Selection: Beyond Wood vs Composite
The wood versus composite debate dominates deck planning discussions, but the decision involves more nuance than most online guides suggest.
Wood Decking Realities
IPE and other hardwoods offer unmatched natural beauty and durability in Southern California’s climate. They handle UV exposure well and develop rich patinas over time. However, they require regular maintenance; annual cleaning and oiling keep them looking their best.
Pressure-treated lumber costs less initially but needs more frequent maintenance and replacement. In our experience, it makes sense for budget-conscious projects or areas that get less visible attention, like deck framing or lower-level utility spaces.
Composite Advantages
Composite decking from Trex, TimberTech, or Azek provides consistent color, minimal maintenance, and excellent warranties. As Platinum installers, we see how these materials perform over time, they truly deliver on the low-maintenance promise.
Composites work especially well for full-sun exposures where wood would fade quickly. They’re also ideal for pool decks since they don’t splinter and resist moisture-related damage.
The cost difference isn’t as dramatic as many assume. When you factor in long-term maintenance and eventual replacement, quality composite often costs less over a deck’s lifetime.
Mixing Materials Strategically
You don’t need to use the same material everywhere. We often design decks with composite on primary surfaces and pressure-treated wood for framing and less-visible areas. This balances performance with budget while maintaining quality where it matters most.
Layout and Flow: The Overlooked Essential
Poor layout planning creates decks that look fine in photos but feel awkward in daily use. Great layouts consider circulation, sight lines, and how spaces connect.
Think about how people will move through the space. The path from your back door to seating areas should feel natural, not like an obstacle course around furniture. If you’re planning an outdoor kitchen, position it so the cook can interact with guests without turning their back to everyone.
Multiple access points often improve functionality. Stairs that descend to the yard at different points give people options and reduce congestion. For multi-level decks, thoughtful stair placement determines whether levels feel connected or isolated.
Furniture planning happens during design, not after construction. Sketch out where tables and chairs will actually sit. Leave room for people to walk behind seated guests. Account for furniture with cushions, which takes more space than you think.
In a recent Hancock Park project, we discovered during planning that the homeowners’ existing dining table wouldn’t fit comfortably in their desired deck location. Adjusting the layout by three feet solved the problem before construction began, not after.
Integrating With Existing Features
Decks rarely exist in isolation. They connect to houses, interact with landscaping, and relate to pools, gardens, and other outdoor features.
The transition from interior to deck matters enormously. Ideally, your deck should sit close to your main living area’s floor level, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. When that’s not possible due to site conditions, thoughtful stair design softens the transition.
Existing landscaping might need modification. Mature trees can be incorporated into deck designs with proper planning and professional guidance. Moving planting beds or adjusting hardscaping might be necessary, and it’s better to plan these changes upfront than discover conflicts mid-construction.
If you have a pool or plan to add one, deck planning should consider pool access, sight lines, and how the spaces work together. Our backyard beautification projects often integrate multiple elements into cohesive outdoor living spaces.
Permits and Regulations: Plan for Reality
Los Angeles County’s permitting process isn’t optional, and trying to skip it creates problems that surface during home sales or after-the-fact inspections.
Any deck over 30 inches high requires permits. Hillside properties often need additional approvals and engineering. If you’re in a historic district or homeowners association, expect additional review layers.
The permitting process typically takes 4-8 weeks, sometimes longer during busy periods. Plan for this timeline rather than expecting instant approvals. Working with experienced contractors who know local requirements streamlines the process significantly.
Setback requirements determine how close you can build to property lines. These vary by neighborhood and property type. Easements might restrict where you can build, and utilities running through your property could require adjustments to your plans.
Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid
After thousands of projects, we’ve seen the same planning mistakes repeatedly. Learning from others’ errors saves time and money.
Underestimating Space Needs People consistently underestimate how much space furniture and people actually require. A six-person dining table needs roughly 100 square feet including chairs and circulation space. Add in a grill station and seating area, and suddenly 200 square feet feels cramped.
Ignoring Maintenance Access Beautiful designs sometimes create maintenance nightmares. Make sure you can actually reach all areas for cleaning, sealing, and repairs. Tight spaces under elevated decks need consideration for future access.
Forgetting About Storage Where will you store cushions, covers, gardening tools, and outdoor accessories? Planning storage solutions during design prevents clutter from taking over your deck.
Skipping Shade Planning A deck that’s unusable during peak daylight hours is a wasted investment. Plan shade structures, placement, and orientation during initial design, not as an afterthought.
Working With Professionals vs DIY Planning
Some homeowners can handle basic planning for simple ground-level decks. Most Los Angeles projects benefit from professional expertise, especially when dealing with slopes, elevations, or complex designs.
Professional design services include site analysis, engineered plans when required, 3D modeling to visualize the finished project, material recommendations based on your specific situation, and permit navigation through local jurisdictions (we obtain the permits for you).
The investment in professional planning typically returns value through better designs, fewer change orders during construction, proper permitting and inspection compliance, and material efficiency that reduces waste.
If you’re considering DIY planning, be honest about your expertise. Structural calculations, load requirements, and code compliance aren’t areas for guessing. A deck failure isn’t just expensive, it’s dangerous.
Timeline Expectations
Understanding realistic timelines prevents frustration and helps you plan around construction.
Planning Phase: 2-4 Weeks: Initial consultation, site assessment, design development, material selection, and budget finalization take time when done properly.
Permitting: 4-8 Weeks: Submit plans, respond to any review comments, and receive approved permits.
Construction: 2-6 Weeks: Timeline depends on deck size, complexity, and weather. Simple decks might be complete in two weeks, while complex multi-level hillside projects could take six weeks or longer.
Los Angeles weather generally cooperates year-round, but winter rains can cause delays. Planning construction for drier months reduces weather-related slowdowns.
Making Final Decisions
At some point, planning needs to end and construction needs to begin. Decision paralysis stops more projects than any other factor.
Prioritize decisions that affect structure and layout. These can’t be easily changed later. Surface finishes and decorative elements offer more flexibility and can sometimes be adjusted during construction.
Trust your contractor’s experience while staying true to your vision. If something doesn’t make sense or feels wrong, speak up during planning. Changes on paper cost nothing compared to changes during construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does deck planning typically take? Comprehensive planning for a custom deck takes 2-4 weeks from initial consultation to finalized plans. This includes site assessment, design development, material selection, and permit preparation. Rushing this phase usually creates problems later, so allowing adequate planning time pays off.
Do I need an engineer for my deck project? Any deck over 30 inches high in Los Angeles County typically requires engineering, especially on hillside properties or with complex designs. Your contractor can assess whether engineering is required for your specific project during initial planning.
What’s the best time of year to plan a deck project? Plan in the fall or winter for spring construction. This timeline allows for thorough planning, permit approval, and construction during ideal weather. However, Los Angeles’ mild climate means deck construction can happen year-round with proper planning.
How much should I budget for deck planning and design? Professional design services typically cost 3-7% of the total project cost. For a $30,000 deck, expect $1,000-2,000 for comprehensive planning and engineered drawings. This investment prevents costly mistakes and ensures optimal design.
Can I change my deck design after planning is complete? Minor adjustments are usually possible during construction, but significant changes after permits are issued require plan revisions and re-approval. This adds time and cost, which is why thorough planning upfront saves money overall.
Should I plan for future additions during initial design? Yes. If you might add a pergola, outdoor kitchen, or other features later, plan structural support during initial construction. Adding reinforcement after the fact is expensive and sometimes impossible without major modifications.
How do HOA restrictions affect deck planning? Homeowners’ associations often have design guidelines covering materials, colors, heights, and styles. Review HOA requirements during early planning to avoid redesigns. Some associations require separate HOA approval beyond city permits.
Turn Planning Into Reality
Great decks start with great planning. By understanding your property, defining clear goals, budgeting realistically, and working through design decisions systematically, you set your project up for success.
The planning phase might feel slow when you’re eager to start building, but this investment of time and thought determines whether your deck becomes everything you hoped for or falls short of expectations.
Ready to start planning your dream deck? Contact MG Construction & Decks for a comprehensive site assessment and design consultation. Our experienced team will guide you through every planning decision, from initial concept to construction-ready plans that bring your vision to life.