arbor/deck builder with good rep (San Antonio, Anton: home, construction, costs) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

petrockmedia · 09-25-2009, 08:47 AM

Can anyone recommend a good deck/arbor company that is pretty reasonable and very reputable? I have had quality custom decks come out, but they seem a little pricey for the size of arbor I am wanting. Im looking to make an outside area for BBQ and dining, as well as a path from the back patio porch to the new area. Any ideas? Its something along the lines of the pictures below, just bigger of course to accommodate an outdoor patio set. thanks!

doss1 · 09-25-2009, 08:54 AM

Craigslist seems to be all the rage, these days. Try that?

petrockmedia · 09-25-2009, 08:58 AM

Im looking into craigslist as well, however just wanted some feedback from someone who has perhaps used someone from craigslist, or from anywhere else. Thanks again for the response!

sc hokie · 09-25-2009, 11:58 PM

I used Dream Decks to build my deck. I'm quite pleased with the work they did. The cost wasn't crazy expensive, but it was just a touch on the pricey side of what I'd call reasonable. About $5K for a 120 sq ft custom built deck plus screening in a 50 sq ft porch with solar screen. Every job they do is custom designed. They offered lots of options that changed the price dramatically, but seemed to make an effort to design a deck that had the features important to me and in my price range.

My impression is that you have three options if you want someone else to build it for you: Craigslist and hope you don't get someone that either does a crappy job and/or takes your money and runs, happen to get lucky and get cheap, quality labor off Craigslist, or go with someone like Dream Decks, pay a bit more, but have the peace of mind that you're getting quality work with a quality company.

shoegal39 · 09-26-2009, 10:20 AM

Word of caution with Craigslist...I hired a guy to fix my dryer. He took it "in" for repair. Long story short it took me 4 months and filing theft charges with the DA before I got it back...and it's still broken. I even had a recommendation for this guy through a friend. You just never know.

CH1960 · 09-26-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petrockmedia

Can anyone recommend a good deck/arbor company that is pretty reasonable and very reputable? I have had quality custom decks come out, but they seem a little pricey for the size of arbor I am wanting. Im looking to make an outside area for BBQ and dining, as well as a path from the back patio porch to the new area. Any ideas? Its something along the lines of the pictures below, just bigger of course to accommodate an outdoor patio set. thanks!

I would try at least three estimates. The home and garden show in San Antonio This weekend will have numerous decking folks down there as well. So you can see their work. I used Dream Decks; and like a fellow CD'r noted; they are expensive. My neighbor used Quality Decks; which by the way, owns their own lumber company so they can save costs by eliminating one of the middlemen. My neighbors' quality deck; In my opinion was a better quality deck than mine. Construction right down to finishing work. Mine, on the other hand was designed for my steep slope and corner location. So you have to decide what your needs and wants are that suit your budget....

bg2ntst · 09-26-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc hokie

I used Dream Decks to build my deck. I'm quite pleased with the work they did. The cost wasn't crazy expensive, but it was just a touch on the pricey side of what I'd call reasonable. About $5K for a 120 sq ft custom built deck plus screening in a 50 sq ft porch with solar screen. Every job they do is custom designed. They offered lots of options that changed the price dramatically, but seemed to make an effort to design a deck that had the features important to me and in my price range.

My impression is that you have three options if you want someone else to build it for you: Craigslist and hope you don't get someone that either does a crappy job and/or takes your money and runs, happen to get lucky and get cheap, quality labor off Craigslist, or go with someone like Dream Decks, pay a bit more, but have the peace of mind that you're getting quality work with a quality company.

We used Dream Decks, too. Great job. High quality. It's a situation where you get what you pay for, IMO.