Take Life Outside
VHS Outdoor Living designs and builds decks and custom outdoor structures for homeowners across San Antonio, Boerne, Helotes, Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, and surrounding communities. We build grade-level and elevated decks in cedar and composite materials, and we design and build custom structures including sheds, studios, playhouses, casitas, and one-of-a-kind outdoor buildings. Deck projects start around $8,000.
Decks Are Just the Beginning
A deck can solve problems in a yard. It can create usable space where the ground slopes, connect a higher doorway to the yard below, or give you an outdoor living area without adding another large expanse of concrete or stone.
Cedar and composite both work well for decks, but they come with different costs and maintenance. Cedar needs periodic staining and sealing. Composite costs more upfront but requires less upkeep over time. We'll help you weigh that against the look you want and how much maintenance you're willing to take on.
We've also construct backyard studios, custom playhouses, tea houses, casitas, and sheds that look like they belong in the yard. Have something less conventional in mind? Bring it to the consultation and we'll tell you if it's in our wheelhouse.
What's Happening Below
An elevated deck creates usable space above, but don't forget about what's underneath. Height, drainage, access, and whether you'll see or use the area below can all affect the design.
Maintenance
Cedar is beautiful, but it requires some attention. Expect periodic cleaning, staining, or sealing. If that's not something you want to keep up with, composite may be worth the higher upfront cost.
Don't Forget the Stairs
Stairs can take up more room than you'd expect. Where they land affects the yard below, circulation, and how naturally the deck connects to the rest of the property.
Railings Change the View
An elevated deck may need a railing for safety, and that becomes a major part of what you see from both the deck and the house.
Take It Up a Level
Decks & Custom Outdoor Structures
A grade-level deck creates a defined outdoor surface without adding much elevation. It's a good fit for relatively flat yards and can create a softer transition between the house, landscaping, and surrounding yard. Available in cedar or composite.
Grade-Level Decks
The right call when the yard slopes away from the house or when you want a raised outdoor space with a view. Elevated decks require proper structural support, handrails, and in some cases engineered plans. We handle all of it. Material options include cedar and composite depending on your maintenance preferences and budget.
Elevated Decks
Larger decks need enough room for the furniture and activities you actually want up there. Dining, grilling, seating, and circulation can take up space quickly. We size and lay out the deck with those pieces in mind instead of choosing dimensions first and figuring out the furniture later.
Large Entertainment Decks
Some of our favorite projects don't fit neatly into a standard service category. We've built custom sheds, backyard art studios, playhouses, tea houses, and casitas for guests.If you have something in mind that doesn't fit a standard category, bring it to the consultation and we'll talk through the possibilites.
Custom Outdoor Structures
What Does a Deck Cost in San Antonio?
Estimated Pricing
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Grade-Level Decking - Starting at $8,000
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Large Deck with Handrail- Starting at $15,000
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Elevated Decking with Handrail - Starting at $25,000
Pricing is driven by square footage, material selection, site conditions, and structural requirements. Height and slope can change the scope considerably. Elevated decks may require additional framing, stairs, railings, skirting, footings, or engineering that a simple grade-level deck doesn't need.
What moves the price:
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Square footage
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Cedar vs. composite material
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Grade-level vs. elevated
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Handrail and skirting requirements
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Structural and engineering requirements
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Site access and existing conditions
Do I need a permit for a deck? Permit requirements depend on the location, height, size, and how the deck is constructed. Elevated and attached decks commonly require permitting, and some projects may require engineered plans. We determine what's required for your project and coordinate permitting as part of the project scope.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Cedar or composite — which should I choose? Cedar is warmer looking, costs less upfront, and is a classic choice. It needs periodic staining and sealing to hold up over time. Composite costs more upfront and requires significantly less maintenance. It resists fading, splintering, and warping better than wood in South Texas conditions. We'll help you think through which makes more sense for your situation.
Can a deck be added to an existing patio? Yes. A deck can connect to or extend an existing hardscape depending on the layout and grade. We assess the existing conditions during the consultation.
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