If you’ve been dreaming about adding a deck to your home, you’ve probably asked yourself: When’s the best time to get started? The short answer is: sooner than you think! Whether you’re envisioning summer cookouts, quiet mornings with coffee, or the ultimate entertainment space, getting a jump on planning is the key to making it happen.
At Brazawood, we’ve helped countless Charlotte homeowners design and build decks that perfectly match their style and needs. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned – it pays to plan ahead!

The Best Season to Start Planning Your Deck
A lot of people assume that spring is the best time to start a deck project. After all, that’s when the weather warms up, and we all start thinking about spending more time outside. But here’s the thing: Spring is when you want to be enjoying your deck – not just starting the process.
Winter (Best for Early Planners!)
Winter might not seem like the obvious time to start planning your deck, but it’s actually the best time to do it. With spring just around the corner, getting a head start in February means you can avoid the seasonal rush, secure better scheduling, and have your deck ready to enjoy when the warm weather arrives. While many homeowners wait until March or April to start thinking about outdoor projects, those who plan in February get access to more material options, flexible timelines, and potential cost savings. Here’s why acting now is a smart move.
- Faster Permits & Approvals: The earlier you start, the less likely you’ll get caught in long approval wait times when building season is in full swing.
- Better Contractor Availability: By locking in your project early, you beat the rush and get on the schedule before contractors are booked solid.
- More Time for Design & Materials: With no rush, you can thoughtfully plan your deck’s design, choose the perfect materials, and explore custom features.
Spring (Great for Booking, but Act Fast!)
Spring is when many homeowners start thinking about building a deck, which means contractor schedules fill up quickly. If you wait until March or April to start planning, you might not get your deck finished until mid to late summer.
That’s not to say spring is a bad time – just be ready to move quickly! If you start planning in early spring, you can still have your deck ready before peak summer.
Summer (Still Possible, but Be Flexible)
If you’re hoping to use your deck this summer but haven’t started planning yet, don’t panic—you still have options. However, summer is the busiest season for deck construction, so availability can be limited.
If you plan in early summer, you might still be able to get your deck finished in time for some late-season fun. But if you start in July or August, keep in mind that you may not be using your deck until fall.
Fall (An Underrated Choice!)
Fall is one of the best-kept secrets for starting a deck project. The weather is still great for building, contractors have more availability after the summer rush, and you’ll have your deck ready to go by spring without the wait.
If you start planning in September or October, you can have your deck built before winter, giving it time to settle before heavy use in the warmer months. Plus, fall construction means you won’t have to worry about unpredictable spring rain delaying your project.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?
The timeline for building a deck depends on several factors, but here’s a general breakdown:
- Planning & Design: 2–4 weeks (longer if you want custom features)
- Permitting: 2–6 weeks (Charlotte’s timeline varies based on demand)
- Construction: 1–3 weeks (weather and complexity can affect this)
That means from the initial consultation to a finished deck, it could take anywhere from 6–12 weeks. This is why starting early is always a good idea—it gives you flexibility and avoids delays.
Why Planning Early is Worth It
Still unsure about when to start? Reach out to the Brazawood team for personalized recommendations. We always believe that planning ahead is the best choice. High-quality decking materials, especially popular composite options, can sell out quickly, so starting early ensures you get exactly what you want. It also eliminates last-minute stress, giving you time to make thoughtful design decisions rather than rushing through the process.
Most importantly, early planning means you’ll be enjoying your deck when the warm weather arrives instead of waiting for construction to finish.

Let’s Start Planning Your Deck Today!
If you’re ready to bring your dream deck to life, the best time to start is now! Whether you want a small, cozy space or a sprawling outdoor retreat, our team at Brazawood is here to help.
Give us a call today and let’s get started on designing a deck that fits your home, style, and outdoor lifestyle. The sooner we plan, the sooner you’ll be enjoying your new favorite space!
Lets Get Started
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