When it comes to deck building in Kansas City, we’re sure you have lots of questions, like how much deck can I afford? What materials should I use? Should I go real wood or composite? What kind of railing should I choose? Should I put a patio underneath? At Creative Concepts and Design, we’ve been building decks in Kansas City for 15 years. We know a thing or two about decks and backyard design. We even know a thing or two about patios, pergolas, and privacy walls.
We put together this deck FAQ sheet to help get you started on your journey to your dream deck. Hopefully, it will answer most of your initial questions, but if you have more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and ask. We offer a free deck consultation where you can ask all of your questions, share your ideas and walk away with a free quote. Meanwhile, take a look at these questions and answers and get inspired.
1. How Much Does a Deck Cost in Kansas City?
Great question—and the answer is: it depends! But here’s the good news—at Creative Concepts & Design, we’re all about giving you the most deck for your dollar. Thanks to our value engineering approach (more on that below), we aim to keep costs close to $75 per square foot, depending on materials, design, elevation, and extra features like pergolas, patios, or privacy walls.
Want a ballpark price? We’ll sit down with you in a free deck consultation, talk through your vision, and give you a no-pressure quote so you know exactly what to expect.
2. Should I Choose Composite or Real Wood?
This is the classic deck building dilemma! Each option has its pros and cons, and it really depends on your style, budget, and maintenance preference.
- Composite decking is super low-maintenance, resistant to fading and rot, and comes in a wide range of colors and styles. It’s a great long-term investment, especially if you want a deck with more enjoyment and less work.
- Real wood decking (like cedar or treated pine) gives you that warm, natural feel. It’s budget-friendly upfront and beautiful, but it does need regular staining or sealing to keep it looking its best, and it only lasts 10-15 years vs. composite decking that lasts 30-50 years.
We can help you compare materials side by side so you get the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.
3. What Size Deck Can I Afford?
This one comes up a lot—and the answer often surprises people! You don’t need a sprawling mega-deck to create an amazing backyard space. With our value engineering expertise, we can design a smart, stylish, deck that works for your budget. Our deck building team is great at finding design tweaks that save money without sacrificing style or function. And don’t forget, we offer easy deck financing too!
4. What Kind of Railing Should I Choose?
Railing styles are like jewelry for your deck—they can totally change the vibe. Here are some popular options:
- Wood railing – Classic and budget-friendly, though it requires more upkeep.
- Aluminum or steel railing – Sleek, modern, and maintenance-free.
- Cable railing – Gives a high-end, minimalist look and preserves your view.
- Composite railing – Durable and color-matched to your deck.
- Glass railing – High-class and best for uninterrupted views.
Our design team can show you examples and samples to help you pick the perfect railing for your deck’s personality.
5. Should I Add Lighting to My Deck?
Heck yes! Deck lighting isn’t just pretty—it’s practical. It extends your deck’s usability into the evening hours and adds safety by lighting up stairs and walkways. From post cap lights to un
der-rail and stair riser lights, we can create just the right ambiance for your deck.
And with energy-efficient LED options and low-voltage systems, lighting doesn’t have
to blow your budget. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to add a wow factor to your deck.
6. Is It Worth Putting a Patio Under My Deck
Absolutely—and this is one of the most underrated backyard upgrades in Kansas City. Under-deck space is prime real estate. Why waste it? Adding a patio underneath your deck gives you a cool, shady spot to relax in the summer. Add a couple of chairs, some string lights, maybe even a hot tub, and you’ve got a whole second outdoor living space. Plus, patios are generally lower in cost per square foot than decks, so you’re adding tons of value without adding too much expense.
7. What’s a Pergola and Why Do I Want One?
A pergola is a beautiful open-roof structure that adds architectural flair and partial shade to your deck or patio. Imagine lounging under a pergola with a glass of iced tea, dappled sunlight filtering through overhead beams, maybe some vines climbing up the posts. Instant backyard oasis.
Pergolas are incredibly versatile—they can go over a deck, patio, hot tub, outdoor kitchen—you name it. They’re also a relatively low-cost addition that adds a major wow factor (and some UV protection while they’re at it). Pergolas are one of our best kept deck building secrets.
8. Do I Need a Privacy Wall?
If you’ve got close neighbors (and who doesn’t in Kansas City suburbs?), a privacy wall can make your outdoor space feel more like a retreat and less like a stage. It can block unwanted views, wind, and even noise. Plus, we design them to look amazing—think horizontal slat walls, lattice panels with climbing plants, or partial screens that double as décor.
Privacy walls are super affordable and make a huge difference in comfort and aesthetics. And bonus: they’re a great place to mount lighting, speakers, or even a TV.
9. How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?
From design to done, most decks take 2 to 4 weeks depending on complexity, materials, permitting, and weather. Once the design is finalized and materials are ordered, the build itself usually takes about a week.
We’ll walk you through the timeline in your free deck consultation, so you know what to expect. And don’t worry—our deck building experts will handle all the permits and inspections so you can sit back and dream about patio furniture.
10. Can You Build a Deck and a Patio at the Same Time?
Yes, and we love doing just that! In fact, combining a deck and patio gives you the best of both worlds—elevated views above and cozy ground-level space below. It’s a great way to create zones for dining, lounging, grilling, and more.
Designing both at once ensures a cohesive look, better use of space, and smart savings on labor and materials. Plus, it just looks incredible.
11. Do I Need a Permit for My Deck?
Yep, if your deck is more than 30 inches off the ground or attached to your house, you’ll need a building permit. But no worries—we take care of all that for you. We’ll draw up the plans, submit them to the city, and schedule any required inspections.
12. Can You Help with Furniture Layout or Decorating Ideas?
Absolutely. Our designers aren’t just builders—they’re outdoor living pros. We’ll help you think through furniture placement, traffic flow, and how to create cozy zones. Want built-in benches, planters, or a spot for a firepit? We’ve got you.
We’ve designed decks for everything from quiet morning coffee to full-blown neighborhood parties. Let’s build a space that fits your lifestyle.
Why Creative Concepts & Design Stands Out – Value Engineering
Here’s where we shine. One thing you’ll get with Creative Concepts & Design that you won’t find with many other Kansas City deck builders is value engineering.
What does that mean?
It means we use smart design strategies, insider supplier knowledge, and decades of experience to give you the best-looking, best-functioning deck possible—at the lowest possible cost. Our goal is to keep your price around $75 per square foot, but we don’t stop there.
We know which suppliers have the best deals on composite decking. We know which railings look like a million bucks but cost way less. We know how to tweak the design to save labor and materials while keeping all the features you love. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about cutting waste and maximizing style.
This kind of value engineering only comes with years of deck building experience, deep relationships with trusted suppliers, and a real passion for beautiful outdoor spaces. Add in our flexible financing options, and you’ll see why Kansas City homeowners love working with us.
Kansas City’s Custom Deck Builders
At Creative Concepts and Design, if you can imagine it, we can help you design it and build it. We’d love to hear your deck ideas – the more creative, the better! As one of the leading deck builders in Kansas City, Creative Concepts & Design has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. We have a 4.8-star rating on Google because our clients trust us to deliver stunning outdoor spaces that match their vision and budget. Our value-engineered approach ensures that every dollar is maximized, allowing homeowners to enjoy designer decks without overspending. Plus, we offer convenient deck financing options to make the process even more manageable.
Schedule Your Free Deck Design Consultation
We’d love to help you bring your backyard vision to life—whether it’s a cozy perch for sipping coffee, a sprawling party deck with built-in seating, or a multi-level masterpiece with pergola, privacy wall, and patio below.
Schedule a deck design consultation and get a free quote. Call us at (816) 301-0275 or contact us online.
