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Decks and Porches in Gainesville, GA
A local guide to cost, materials, permits and timelines for building a deck, covered porch or screened porch in Gainesville and Hall County.
Quick answer: EBD Construction LLC is a licensed and insured contractor based in Gainesville, Georgia, that builds decks, covered porches and screened porches for homeowners in Gainesville, Hall County and nearby communities like Flowery Branch, Oakwood, Buford and the Lake Lanier area. Owner Eric Bubniak and the same three-person crew build cedar and pressure-treated decks, multi-level decks, cable and metal railings, and screened outdoor rooms with full roofs, fans and lighting. Eric pulls all permits himself. To get started, call 404-925-7481 for a free consultation.
Who builds decks and porches in Gainesville, GA?
EBD Construction LLC is a Gainesville-based general contractor with more than 15 years of experience building and remodeling homes across Hall County. Decks and porches are a big part of that work, from simple ground-level cedar decks to two-story screened porches on steep lake lots. EBD works with the same crew, year after year: three full-time builders who have worked side by side for over a decade.
What that means for you:
- One point of contact. You talk to Eric from the first visit to the final walkthrough.
- Permits and inspections handled. Eric pulls the permits himself, so footings, framing and railings are inspected and built to code.
- Framing, roofing and finish work under one roof. Because EBD is a full general contractor, the same crew can tie a porch roof into your house, run electrical for fans and lights, and match siding and trim.
- Built for Georgia weather. Heat, humidity, summer storms and red clay are hard on outdoor structures. Material and drainage choices are made with that in mind.
- Work that's guaranteed. All EBD work is guaranteed, and references from past customers are available on request.
What kinds of decks and porches does EBD build?
- New decks. Ground-level, raised and multi-level decks in pressure-treated pine or cedar, with built-in stairs and landings.
- Deck replacements. Tearing out a worn or unsafe deck and rebuilding it on a new, stronger frame.
- Covered porches. Adding a real roof over a deck or patio, with a tongue-and-groove ceiling, ceiling fans and lighting.
- Screened porches. Fully screened outdoor rooms that keep out mosquitoes and pollen and let you use the space from spring through fall.
- Railings and stairs. Cable railing to keep a lake or mountain view open, metal balusters, and new code-compliant stairs.
- Porches over pools and walk-out basements. Elevated structures with a usable, covered space underneath.
How much does a deck or porch cost in Gainesville, GA?
Cost depends mostly on size, height off the ground, materials, and whether it has a roof. A roof is the biggest jump in price, because it adds footings, posts, beams, rafters, roofing, gutters and usually electrical. Steep lots, which are common around Lake Lanier, add cost for taller posts and more stairs.
Here's a general guide to typical Gainesville-area ranges. It isn't a quote; your price depends on your home and your choices.
| Project type | What it usually involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated deck | About 200 to 400 sq ft, low to moderate height, wood railings and stairs | $2,000 to $20,000 |
| Cedar or composite deck | Similar size with upgraded decking, cable or metal railing, or multiple levels | $5,000 to $36,000 |
| Covered porch | Roof tied into the house, ceiling, fans and lighting, over a new or rebuilt floor. See adding a roof over an existing deck | $10,000 to $56,000 |
| Screened porch or two-story porch | Covered porch plus screen system, or a screened room with an open deck above or below | $15,000 to $80,000+ |
For a national comparison, the 2025 Cost vs. Value report puts the average professionally built wood deck addition at about $18,300 and a composite deck at about $25,100, with roughly 95% and 89% of that cost recouped at resale. Decks are consistently one of the best-returning projects you can do. See how they compare in our guide to remodels that add the most value.
Tip: If you think you'll want a roof someday, say so up front. Sizing the footings and beams for a future roof now costs much less than rebuilding the frame later.
Pressure-treated, cedar or composite: which is best in Georgia?
- Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable and resists rot and termites. It needs sealing or staining every couple of years to keep it from checking and graying in Georgia sun. The framing under almost every deck, whatever the surface, is pressure-treated.
- Cedar is naturally rot- and insect-resistant, stays more stable than pine, and takes stain beautifully. It costs more than pine and still needs regular sealing.
- Composite costs the most up front but doesn't need staining, won't splinter, and holds its color. Darker colors can get hot in full summer sun, so lighter shades or a roof help.
For railings, cable railing is popular on lake and view lots because it barely blocks the view. Metal balusters are a durable, clean-looking middle ground, and wood railings are the most budget-friendly.
How long does it take to build a deck or porch?
Once permits are approved and materials are on site, most open decks take about 1 to 3 weeks to build. Covered and screened porches usually take about 4 to 10 weeks, because the roof, electrical, ceiling and screens each add steps and inspections. Permit review typically adds a few weeks before work starts, and rain days can stretch any outdoor schedule. See the best time of year to build a deck or porch.
A typical EBD deck or porch project follows these steps:
- Free consultation. Eric visits, looks at the house, the slope and the view, and talks through how you want to use the space.
- Design and estimate. You get a clear plan, a written estimate and a timeline.
- Permits. Eric pulls the permit himself, with the City of Gainesville or Hall County depending on where you live.
- Demolition and footings. Any old deck comes out and new footings are dug and inspected.
- Framing. The floor system goes in, attached to the house with proper flashing, then posts, beams and the roof if there is one.
- Finish work. Decking, railings, stairs, ceiling, fans, lighting, screens and stain.
- Final inspection and walkthrough. You walk the finished space with Eric, and anything that isn't right gets fixed.
Already have a deck that's showing its age? See whether to repair or replace an old deck.
Do I need a permit to build a deck or porch in Gainesville or Hall County?
Yes. Hall County lists decks, porches and other additions among the projects that require a building permit, and the City of Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Oakwood and Buford each require permits for decks and porches within their limits too. Expect inspections of the footings, the framing and the finished structure. Under the residential building code Georgia uses, a deck more than 30 inches above the ground needs a guardrail, and stairs must meet rules for rise, run and handrails. EBD Construction pulls all required permits itself and schedules every inspection, so you don't have to. Our building permit guide covers permit costs, timelines and inspections across Gainesville and Hall County.
Where does EBD Construction build decks and porches?
EBD Construction is based in Gainesville, Georgia and has served Gainesville and all of Hall County for more than 15 years, including:
- Gainesville
- Flowery Branch
- Oakwood
- Buford
- Chestnut Mountain
- Murrayville
- Clermont
- Lula
- Gillsville
- Homes around Lake Lanier
Why hire a general contractor instead of a deck-only company?
- Porches are part of the house. A roof has to tie into your existing roofline, and an outdoor room often needs electrical, siding and trim work. A general contractor handles all of it.
- The same crew every day. You know who's at your house.
- Local experience. EBD knows Hall County lots, from flat yards in Oakwood to steep, wooded lake lots around Lanier.
- Reviews you can check. EBD Construction has 5-star reviews on Thumbtack, and references are available on request.
- See the work first. Photos of real EBD porches and decks are in the project gallery.
Deck and porch FAQs
What is the best time of year to build a deck in Georgia?
Decks and porches can be built most of the year in Gainesville. Late winter and early spring are popular so the space is ready for summer, and fall is a good time because the weather is dry and mild. Booking a few months ahead gives you the most choice of start dates, since spring fills up fast.
Can you build a roof over my existing deck?
Sometimes. A roof adds a lot of weight, so the existing footings, posts and beams have to be strong enough to carry it. Many older decks weren't built for that, and it's often better to rebuild the frame. Eric checks this during the free consultation.
Is a screened porch worth it in Gainesville?
For many families, yes. Mosquitoes, gnats and spring pollen make open decks hard to enjoy for much of the year in North Georgia. A screened porch with a ceiling fan lets you use the space from early spring through late fall.
How long does a deck last?
A well-built pressure-treated or cedar deck commonly lasts 15 to 20 years or more with regular cleaning and sealing, and composite decking often lasts longer. The framing underneath and how it's attached to the house matter as much as the surface boards.
Should I repair or replace my old deck?
If the frame, posts and attachment to the house are sound, replacing worn boards and railings can be enough. Soft or rotted framing, wobbly railings, rusted connectors or a deck that pulls away from the house are signs it should be rebuilt. EBD can take a look and tell you which makes sense.
Is EBD Construction licensed and insured?
Yes. EBD Construction LLC is licensed and insured, all work is guaranteed, and references are available on request.
Does EBD Construction also remodel kitchens?
Yes. Along with decks and porches, EBD remodels kitchens and bathrooms, opens up living spaces, and builds additions and new homes. See the kitchen remodeling guide.
Ready to build your deck or porch?
Call Eric Bubniak at 404-925-7481 or fill out the form below for a free consultation. Tell us a little about your yard, how you want to use the space and your timeline, and we'll set up a time to see it.
Get your free consultation
Tell us a little about your project. Eric will call you within one business day to talk it through and set up a time to see the space.