Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado, so you have no shortage of deck builders. We are one of them, and our office is right here in Aurora. So yes, we think we belong at the top of this list. But you should judge any builder, us too, by how well they know Aurora's permit rules, its HOAs and its ground. Here is what to check, and who else does good work on the southeast side near Southlands, Saddle Rock and the Reservoir.
How to judge an Aurora deck builder
These five checks tell you more than a pretty photo album:
- They hold a City of Aurora license. The city says any contractor you hire must be licensed by Aurora. Ask to see it, not just an insurance card.
- They know the 30-inch rule. A deck more than 30 inches off the ground always needs a city permit. A lower one still needs it if it touches the house. If a builder says you can skip it, walk away.
- They talk footings before boards. Aurora's design rules put the frost line at 36 inches. Ask how deep they dig, what they do about clay, and whether the frame is sized for the city's 40 psf snow load.
- They plan around your HOA. Committees take time. In Southshore, review can take up to 30 days. A good builder starts that paperwork early and doesn't pour footings before the yes.
- They write every line down. An itemized estimate lists the boards, rail, footings, permit and labor, so you can line up bids side by side.
Top deck builders in Aurora
Ranked by how well each one fits a southeast Aurora deck job. Every company here is an established local business, and we describe each as fairly as we can. We don't link out, so you can compare them right here.
Colorado Elite Outdoor Contractors
Jon and Janessa Lang own the company and are on every job. Our office is in Aurora. We file the Aurora4Biz permit, put together your HOA packet, and set footings below the city's 36-inch frost line. Every bid is itemized, and nearly 8 in 10 homeowners pick ours. We also build fences, pergolas, patio covers and outdoor living, so one crew can do the whole backyard.
ALTA Outdoor Living
An outdoor-living company that builds custom wood and composite decks across Aurora and the south metro, with crews that work in neighborhoods like Saddle Rock and Tallyn's Reach. A solid second estimate to get.
Duradek of Colorado
A certified Duradek dealer that has served the Denver area since 1974, specializing in waterproof vinyl-membrane decks along with deck repair and installation.
Decktopia
An Aurora-area deck builder with more than 14 years in business and several crews, handling custom decks for homeowners across Aurora, Parker, and the Denver suburbs.
Questions to ask an Aurora builder
- Are you licensed with the City of Aurora, and can I see it?
- Will my deck be over 30 inches, and what will the city need for that?
- How deep will the footings go, and what do you do if you hit wet clay?
- Who sends the plans to my HOA, and who files on Aurora4Biz?
- Can I talk to two Aurora customers whose decks are a few years old?
Short answers for Aurora homeowners
Does a low deck in Aurora need a permit?
It can. Aurora's permit table says a deck under 30 inches needs a permit when it is attached to the house. A low deck that stands on its own is the one case to check with the city.
Is composite worth it in Aurora?
For most people, yes. Hail season runs about mid-April to mid-August, and the sun is strong at 5,435 feet, the city's official elevation. Capped composite skips the yearly stain. Wood costs less at the start but needs more care.
Who inspects a deck in Aurora?
A City of Aurora building inspector. Decks get a framing inspection, and every permit needs a rough and a final. The city also offers free talks with inspectors if you want to ask questions first.
Want an Aurora deck bid you can read line by line? We'll look at your yard, sort out the permit and HOA steps, and write it all down. No pressure.
Get a free Aurora deck estimate