Balcony Deck Installation
in South Florida
Extreme Decks
Expert Balcony Deck Installers Across Palm Beach, Broward & Miami-Dade
The best deck builders
in Miami, Broward and Palm beach
At Extreme Decks, we’ve completed over 1,500 residential and commercial projects across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. We’re not a franchise. We don’t use subcontractors. Every installation is handled by our own certified crews, professionals who understand that in Florida, cutting corners means watching your investment fail.
Whether you’re building a pool deck in Coral Gables, a rooftop terrace in Boca Raton, or a multi-level entertainment space in Fort Lauderdale, we engineer outdoor spaces that perform for decades, not just the first year.
Composite Deck
Installation in Miami
Trex, TimberTech & Deckotech Material Selection
Not all composite decking performs equally in Florida’s climate. We prioritize boards with PVC capped shells rather than standard composite cores, as the capping provides superior fade resistance under intense UV exposure and enhanced stain resistance from pollen, mildew, and tannin bleed. TimberTech, for example, uses a fully cellular PVC construction that won’t absorb moisture critical in South Florida’s high-humidity environment where standard composites can experience swelling.
Ipe Deck Installation
in south florida
Ipe decking represents the premium choice for homeowners who want natural wood beauty combined with exceptional durability. As certified Ipe installers serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, we specialize in this Brazilian hardwood that naturally resists termites, rot, and decay without chemical treatment—making it ideal for Florida’s challenging environment.
Premium-Grade Ipe Selection (Janka 3,680)
Ipe’s performance in South Florida stems from its density and natural oil content. With a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbf, Ipe is significantly harder than domestic oak (1,290 lbf) and even surpasses composite materials in scratch resistance. This density makes Ipe naturally resistant to Florida’s wood-destroying organisms including termites and powder post beetles, which is why it’s the preferred material for waterfront applications from Miami Beach to Jupiter Island.
“Many homeowners want the look of natural wood but worry about maintenance. Here’s the truth: Ipe maintenance is simpler than you think. One coat of oil once a year takes a few hours. Skip it entirely if you prefer the natural silver patina. Compare that to the 25+ years of zero structural maintenance—no painting, no staining, no replacement boards. The “high maintenance” reputation comes from comparing Ipe to composites, not to the reality of what maintenance actually involves.
Outdoor Kitchens
Turn your deck into a year-round entertainment hub with a fully integrated outdoor kitchen. Marine-grade framing and weather-resistant countertops stand up to Florida’s humidity, UV rays, and salt-air exposure without compromise.
PERGOLAS
Maximize your deck’s functionality with a custom pergola built for Florida’s harshest conditions. Hurricane-rated aluminum or Ipe wood structures deliver lasting shade, UV resistance, and the architectural upgrade your outdoor space deserves.
Railings
WALL CLADDING
Extend your deck’s premium aesthetic to your home’s exterior with matching Ipe or composite wall cladding. Engineered for Florida’s UV intensity and moisture cycles, our siding transforms facades with zero-compromise durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deck pricing depends on size, material selection, site conditions, and structural complexity. As a general framework:
| Material | Installed Price Range (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $35–$50 |
| Trex / Composite | $55–$75 |
| TimberTech AZEK | $70–$90 |
| Cumaru hardwood | $75–$95 |
| Ipe hardwood | $90–$130+ |
These ranges include materials, framing, hardware, and labor. Factors that affect final cost: elevation changes, railing linear footage, permit complexity, site access, and demolition of existing structures. We provide detailed, itemized proposals—no "allowances" or vague estimates that balloon later.
| Project Scope | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard pool deck (300-500 sq. ft.) | 2–3 weeks |
| Ground-level deck with stairs and railing. | 2–4 weeks |
| Elevated or second-story deck | 3–5 weeks |
| Multi-level or complex custom project | 4–8 weeks |
Complete timeline from contract signing to final inspection typically runs 6-8 weeks in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with the majority of time spent in permit processing rather than physical construction.
Week 1-3: Engineering drawings preparation and permit application submission. Miami-Dade permit processing currently averages 3-4 weeks; Broward County runs 2-3 weeks; Palm Beach County 2-4 weeks depending on municipality.
Week 4-5: Once permit is issued, we schedule footing excavation and concrete pour, followed by footing inspection (typically approved within 48 hours). Framing installation begins immediately after footing inspection approval.
Week 6: Framing inspection, followed by deck board installation. For standard residential decks (300-500 sq ft), physical construction takes 5-10 working days depending on complexity.
Week 7-8: Final inspection scheduling and completion, Certificate of Occupancy issuance.
Weather delays during summer rainy season (June-September) can extend timelines by 3-5 days. Material lead times for specialty products like exotic hardwoods or custom-color composite boards may add 1-2 weeks to the front end of the schedule.
For pool surrounds where bare feet are the norm, we recommend Ipe or Cumaru hardwood. Here's why:
- Surface temperature: Hardwoods stay noticeably cooler than composites in direct sun. Composite decking can exceed 150°F on hot days—uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for bare feet.
- Slip resistance: Ipe's natural texture provides grip when wet without being abrasive.
- Durability: Pool chemicals, sunscreen, and constant moisture don't penetrate Ipe's dense surface.
If low maintenance is your priority and you'll primarily use the deck with footwear, premium composites like TimberTech AZEK offer excellent performance with less upkeep.
In most cases, yes—and it's often more cost-effective than removing the concrete. We install a sleeper system or adjustable pedestal system over the existing slab, creating proper drainage and airflow beneath the new deck surface.
Requirements for over-concrete installation:
- Concrete must be structurally sound (no major cracking or heaving)
- Adequate drainage must exist or be created
- Height transitions to doors and adjacent surfaces must be manageable
We evaluate your specific situation during the site consultation and recommend the best approach.
| Factor | Ipe | Trex Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Surface temperature | Cooler—comfortable barefoot | Hotter—can be uncomfortable in direct sun |
| Lifespan | 40–75 years | 25–30 years |
| Maintenance | Annual oiling (optional) | Periodic cleaning only |
| Appearance | Natural wood grain; rich color | Wood-look texture; consistent coloring |
| Initial cost | Higher | Moderate |
| Long-term cost | Lower (longer lifespan, no replacement) | Higher (eventual replacement) |
Our recommendation: For pool decks with regular barefoot use, Ipe delivers superior comfort and longevity. For covered areas, outdoor kitchens, or clients who prioritize zero maintenance, Trex is an excellent choice.
Extreme Decks provides:
- Workmanship warranty: 5 years covering installation defects, structural issues, and fastener failures attributable to our work
- Material warranties: Pass-through of manufacturer warranties (25–50 years depending on product)—Trex, TimberTech, and our hardwood suppliers all provide written warranty documentation
We also provide a 1-year follow-up inspection at no charge to identify any adjustments needed as materials complete their initial settling and acclimation.
Ipe maintenance is simpler than its reputation suggests:
Option 1: Embrace the silver patina
- Do nothing. Ipe naturally weathers to a silver-gray tone over 12–24 months.
- The wood remains structurally sound for 50+ years regardless of surface color.
- Periodic cleaning with mild soap and water removes debris.
Option 2: Maintain original color
- Apply a penetrating oil finish (we recommend Penofin or Ipe Oil) once per year.
- Application takes a few hours for an average-sized deck.
- Clean the deck first, let it dry, apply oil with a roller or sprayer, remove excess.
That's it. No sanding between coats. No stripping old finishes. No staining. Ipe requires less maintenance than a painted wood fence—and lasts three times longer.
Absolutely. A significant portion of our work comes through referrals from interior designers, landscape architects, and custom home builders. We're experienced in:
- Reading and executing from architectural drawings and specifications
- Coordinating with other trades on complex projects
- Providing input during design phase on material performance and constructability
- Meeting designer specifications while ensuring code compliance
If you're working with a designer, we're happy to coordinate directly with them. If you're not, we provide design guidance based on your goals, property conditions, and how you intend to use the space.
Yes, we provide comprehensive deck repair and structural remediation services for decks originally built by other contractors. Our inspection process includes:
Structural assessment: Checking for rotted framing members, failed ledger board connections, inadequate footing support, and connection failures that compromise structural integrity.
Code compliance review: Verifying guardrail height, baluster spacing, stair dimensions, and structural connection details meet current Florida Building Code (many older decks were built to outdated standards).
Material condition evaluation: Assessing deck board wear, fastener corrosion, and whether composite/wood materials can be preserved or require replacement.
Permit status verification: Determining if original construction was permitted and inspected (critical for insurance claims and real estate transactions).
Common repairs we perform:
- Ledger board re-attachment with proper flashing and engineered fastener patterns
- Rotted joist/beam replacement while preserving acceptable framing members
- Deck board replacement for damaged sections (with color-matching limitations discussed previously)
- Guardrail upgrades to meet current 36-inch height and 4-inch sphere rule requirements
- Stair rebuilding to current code (maximum 7¾-inch risers, minimum 10-inch treads)
- Structural connector additions for decks lacking hurricane-rated connection hardware
The "repair vs. replace" decision depends on the extent of structural issues. If more than 40% of framing requires replacement, or if the ledger board connection has failed, complete rebuild is often more cost-effective than piecemeal repair. We provide honest assessment of whether repair makes financial sense or if starting fresh provides better long-term value.
For insurance claims related to storm damage, we document existing conditions with photos and engineering reports, prepare scope of work for adjuster review, and coordinate with insurance companies on covered repairs vs. uncovered pre-existing deficiencies.
This is where most contractors cut corners and where you’ll see the difference within a year:
- Hidden fastener systems (Camo, Ipe Clip, or manufacturer-specific clips) for a clean surface with no visible screw heads
- Proper gapping for expansion/contraction and drainage (we calculate based on material and installation temperature)
- Every cut end sealed with end-grain sealer before installation—this single step prevents 80% of premature rot and checking
- Pre-drilling for hardwoods to prevent splitting and ensure fasteners seat properly
Here’s something most deck companies won’t tell you: the crew that shows up at your house often isn’t employed by the company you hired. They’re subcontractors—paid by the job, rushing to finish so they can move to the next one.
We do things differently.
Every Extreme Decks project is executed by our own W-2 employees. These are certified installers who’ve been trained in our specific methods, who understand our quality standards, and who know they’re accountable for every screw, every cut, every detail.
Ready to Build a Deck that
Actually Lasts in Florida?
Skip the guesswork. Skip the contractors who disappear. Skip the “budget” installation you’ll be replacing in five years. Request a Technical Site Evaluation a no-obligation consultation where we assess your property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed proposal with transparent pricing.