How long does a small deck take to install?

A small deck under 200 sq ft takes 3 to 5 days of active construction. Adding permitting and planning, the full timeline from first call to finished deck is typically 4 to 6 weeks.

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Goddard, KS?

Yes, most deck builds in Goddard and Sedgwick County require a building permit. Burwell Construction handles the permit application process for homeowners, which typically adds 1 to 3 weeks before construction begins.

Does weather affect how long deck installation takes?

Yes. Rain, extreme heat, and Kansas thunderstorms can pause outdoor work. Burwell builds weather contingencies into project schedules and keeps homeowners updated when conditions affect the timeline.

How long does composite decking take to install compared to wood?

Composite decking with hidden fasteners typically takes 3 to 5 days for the board-and-railing phase. Pressure-treated wood installs a bit faster. The trade-off is composite's longer lifespan and lower maintenance.

When is the best time to schedule deck installation near Goddard, KS?

Late winter or early spring booking secures the best summer build slots. Spring is peak season in the Wichita area. Booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead of your target start date gives the most scheduling flexibility.

How Long Does a Deck Installation Take? A Timeline

Most deck installations take 4 to 8 weeks from first call to finished build — and that includes permitting, not just construction. For Goddard and Wichita-area homeowners, Burwell Construction has handled the full process for over 38 years. Here's exactly what that timeline looks like, phase by phase, so you know what to expect before a single board goes down.

What Is the Full Timeline for a Deck Installation?

The full timeline — design through final walkthrough — runs 4 to 8 weeks for most residential decks. Active construction is a fraction of that. A straightforward 200–400 sq ft wood or composite deck typically takes 1 to 2 weeks on-site. Larger builds with multiple levels, built-in seating, or pergolas can run 3 to 5 weeks of active work. Permitting, material lead times, and Kansas weather are the variables that stretch or tighten the schedule. Knowing each phase up front prevents surprises.

Step-by-Step Deck Installation Timeline

Each phase below has a realistic time range. Phases 1 and 2 run before any crew sets foot on your property.

Step 1: Design and Planning (1–2 Weeks)

This covers the initial consultation, site measurements, material selection — wood, composite, or pool-deck-specific materials — and finalizing the layout. Simpler decks move through this stage in a few days. Custom designs with built-ins or multi-level framing take closer to two weeks. Burwell walks homeowners through material options and pricing before any commitment is made.

Step 2: Permits (1–3 Weeks)

Most Goddard and Sedgwick County deck projects require a building permit. Processing typically takes one to three weeks depending on the office's current volume and whether a physical inspection of the site is required. Burwell handles permit applications directly — homeowners don't have to manage paperwork or city correspondence.

Step 3: Site Preparation (1–2 Days)

Once permits are in hand, the crew prepares the site: clearing vegetation, removing any old structure, and marking post locations. For most Goddard lots, this phase wraps in a single day. Unstable soil or large demo jobs can add a day.

Step 4: Foundation and Framing (2–5 Days)

Post holes are dug and concrete footings are poured. Footings need 24–48 hours to cure before framing begins. Then the beams, joists, and support posts go up — the structural skeleton of the deck. A standard 12×16 frame takes 1 to 2 days. Larger or elevated decks with complex angles can push this to 4 or 5 days.

Step 5: Decking Boards and Railings (3–5 Days)

Boards are cut and fastened across the frame, followed by railing posts, balusters, and stair stringers. Pressure-treated lumber installs faster; composite decking with hidden fasteners takes a day or two longer but delivers a cleaner finish. Kansas homeowners choosing cedar or composite typically see this phase complete in 3 to 5 days.

Step 6: Finishing Touches and Final Inspection (1–2 Days)

Stairs, lighting rough-in, and any built-in features are completed. If the municipality requires a final structural inspection, Burwell schedules it and coordinates access. The crew does a full site cleanup before the final walkthrough with the homeowner.

What Factors Affect the Deck Installation Timeline in Goddard, KS?

Several variables move the schedule in either direction. Deck size is the biggest one — under 200 sq ft builds wrap in 3 to 5 construction days; 500+ sq ft projects with custom features can run 3 to 5 weeks. Material choice matters too: composite decking takes slightly longer to install than pressure-treated wood. Kansas summers bring heat and occasional severe weather, which can pause outdoor work. Spring is the most popular build season in the Wichita area, which affects contractor scheduling. Booking 4 to 6 weeks before your target start date gives the most scheduling flexibility.

Why Burwell Construction Delivers Predictable Timelines

Burwell Construction has been building decks in the Goddard and Wichita area since 1988 — that's over 38 years of local experience. The company is family-owned, BBB-accredited since 2001, and manages permits in-house so nothing stalls in a queue. Customers have noted the crew listens closely on design preferences and delivers skilled, professional craftsmanship from start to finish. Free estimates mean you know the scope and timeline before any commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a small deck take to install?
A small deck under 200 sq ft takes 3 to 5 days of active construction. Adding permitting and planning, the full timeline from first call to finished deck is typically 4 to 6 weeks.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Goddard, KS?
Yes, most deck builds in Goddard and Sedgwick County require a building permit. Burwell Construction handles the permit application process for homeowners, which typically adds 1 to 3 weeks before construction begins.
Does weather affect how long deck installation takes?
Yes. Rain, extreme heat, and Kansas thunderstorms can pause outdoor work. Burwell builds weather contingencies into project schedules and keeps homeowners updated when conditions affect the timeline.
How long does composite decking take to install compared to wood?
Composite decking with hidden fasteners typically takes 3 to 5 days for the board-and-railing phase. Pressure-treated wood installs a bit faster. The trade-off is composite's longer lifespan and lower maintenance.
When is the best time to schedule deck installation near Goddard, KS?
Late winter or early spring booking secures the best summer build slots. Spring is peak season in the Wichita area. Booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead of your target start date gives the most scheduling flexibility.