When you Google “deck builder near me” in Charlotte, you’ll see a long list. Here’s the truth: most decks fail on framing, flashing, and drainage—not the pretty boards. If you want a premium result that lasts through Charlotte heat, humidity, and storms, you need a builder who obsesses over the hidden details—and puts it in writing.

How I’d Hire (and Why Homeowners Hire Brazawood)

By Matt, CEO of Brazawood — Premium Outdoor Living

I’m Matt. My team at Brazawood designs and builds premium decks and porches across Charlotte and a ~50-mile radius. We’ve been recognized as Best Deck Builder within 50 miles of Charlotte (2023 & 2024) and Best Service & Client Satisfaction (2024). That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s standards.

This is the straight talk I wish every homeowner had before hiring: what actually matters, our build method, materials I recommend, realistic price ranges and timelines, permits/HOA, and a quick checklist to compare builders.

Who We Are (and why it matters)

Brazawood isn’t “a guy and a truck.” We run projects with an in-house general contractor, structural engineers, architects, and 3D designers. That means:

• Your project is engineered for real life—not “hope it holds.”
• Cleaner plans, tighter scopes, fewer surprises.
• One accountable team from concept to final clean-up.

What Actually Matters (beyond the sales pitch)

1) Structure first

Spans, load paths, post/footing sizing, and connections make or break a deck.

In a proposal, look for “invisible” line items like:

• Joist planing for a flat, tight surface
• Joist membrane / joist tape to protect framing
• Proper deck-band flashing to block water at critical points

2) Moisture defense (Charlotte is unforgiving)

Storms + heat + humidity = rot risk if framing isn’t protected and ventilated correctly.

3) Materials that handle heat and time

Not all composites are equal. We specify premium systems with:

• cooler-surface options for summer comfort
• clean fastening methods where appropriate
• better long-term consistency for future board matching

4) Permits, inspections, and HOA

If this isn’t managed, your project stalls. We handle permits, engineering, inspections, and HOA packets.

5) Warranty and post-build care

Get a written workmanship warranty and a punch-list process you can hold to. We do both.

What “Premium” Means in Practice (our build method)

1. Removal & inspection

   We remove old surfaces, inspect framing, replace compromised members as needed, and prep the base so we’re building on a healthy structure.

2. Surface prep

   We plane joists for a perfectly level surface and apply a premium joist membrane across all framing. This extends structure life and reduces future rot/squeaks.

3. Structural enhancements

   Stairs and bases are set on concrete support to avoid ground contact and improve durability.

4. Finishing touches

   Maintenance-free PVC fascia around the perimeter and steps for a crisp, long-lasting finish.

5. Railing

   We love aluminum posts with stainless cable infill—modern look, open view, corrosion-resistant.

On porches, we typically spec:

• aluminum screen extrusion systems
• remote ceiling fan + dimmable can lights
• beadboard/shiplap-style ceilings with clean trim
• synthetic underlayment + architectural shingles on roofing

Materials I Recommend (and why)

• Decking: We install a lot of Fiberon composite for durability and consistency. Heat-reduction tech helps in summer, and reversible boards can help with long-term maintenance.
• Railing: Stainless cable with aluminum posts for clean lines and low view obstruction.
• Under-deck protection (optional): Add under-deck drainage if you want dry storage or a sitting area below.
• Flashing & membranes: Non-negotiable if you want decades, not a few seasons.

Pricing & Timelines (realistic ranges)

Every site is different—access, elevation, engineering, HOA, and materials change the math. Directional ranges for Greater Charlotte:

• Composite reskin (300–400 sq ft)

  Composite surface, joist planing + membrane, PVC fascia, targeted framing repairs as needed, new railing

  Starting range: $32k–$55k

• New premium deck (~16’×20′ / 320 sq ft)

  Engineered framing, composite surface, picture frame details, cable rail, stairs, membranes/flashing

  Typical range: $50k–$90k

• Screened porch / roof addition (scope dependent)

  Engineered roof, screen system, lighting/fan package, beadboard ceiling + trim

  Typical range: $70k–$140k

Timeline: Smaller reskins can be 1–3 weeks. New builds and porches typically land in the 3–8+ week window, depending on lead times, inspections, and weather.

If a quote is “too good to be true,” someone is usually skipping engineering, membranes/flashing, or labor hours. You’ll pay twice.

Permits, Engineering, and HOA

• We handle permits and coordinate inspections.
• Our structural engineers size beams, posts, footings, and connections for long-term performance.
• We provide plans and renderings to help you move through HOA approvals faster.