From Vision to Backyard Reality: The Deck Masters Custom Decking Process
How Central Ohio's most trusted deck builders turn your ideas into a stunning outdoor space — step by step.
Your backyard is more than just a patch of grass behind your house — it's untapped potential. It's the place where summer cookouts happen, where kids run around on warm evenings, and where you unwind after a long week. For Central Ohio homeowners, adding a custom deck is one of the smartest and most rewarding investments you can make in your home. But how does the process actually work? What happens between that first phone call and the moment you step onto your brand-new deck for the first time?
At Deck Masters, we've been answering those questions — and delivering stunning results — since 1986. With over 2,000 decks and outdoor structures built across the region, our design-build process has been refined over nearly four decades. Here's a look at exactly how we work, from the first consultation to the final walkthrough.
Step 1: The On-Site Design Consultation
Every great deck starts with a conversation — and ours happens right at your home. Unlike companies that send a salesperson with a brochure and a calculator, Deck Masters sends the owner. Mike Fresch, who has personally designed and overseen every project in the company's history, will come to your property to walk the space, listen to your ideas, and sketch out options on-site.
This isn't a generic sales pitch — it's a genuine design session. Mike takes the time to understand how you plan to use the space (entertaining? relaxing? both?), what your aesthetic preferences are, and what your budget looks like. He considers your home's architecture, your yard's layout, and practical factors like sun exposure and access points. By the end of the consultation, you'll have real sketches and real numbers to look at, not vague estimates.
Step 2: Clear Design & Transparent Pricing
One of the most common frustrations homeowners face with contractors is vague or shifting estimates. At Deck Masters, we believe clarity is a form of respect. After the on-site consultation, you'll receive a detailed, itemized estimate that outlines the full project scope — base design costs, available upgrades, materials, and timeline.
This is also the stage where you'll land on your materials. Wood decks offer a timeless, natural look and tend to be more affordable upfront, making them a popular choice for homeowners on a tighter budget. Composite decking — such as the TimberTech products we specialize in — costs more initially but pays off over time: it resists rot, insects, fading, and staining, and requires virtually none of the sanding and sealing that wood demands season after season.
Custom decks in Central Ohio typically range from $20,000 to $60,000 or more depending on size, materials, layout complexity, and features like built-in benches, railing systems, and multi-level designs. Whatever your budget, we'll help you make smart choices that maximize value without cutting corners on quality.
Step 3: Built With Craftsmanship — Not Shortcuts
When construction begins, you'll notice something different about the Deck Masters crew: these are full-time, W-2 employees — not subcontractors hired off a list. That distinction matters enormously. Our craftsmen are invested in the quality of their work because they're part of our team, not just passing through. Mike Fresch remains involved from start to finish, overseeing project management and staying in consistent communication so you're never left wondering what's happening on your own property.
Whether we're doing a brand-new deck build, a full renovation of an existing structure, or a targeted repair — resurfacing boards, replacing damaged sections, or converting from wood to composite — the same standard of care applies. Your job site is kept clean and organized, timelines are communicated clearly, and any last-minute adjustments are handled with professionalism, not frustration.
Step 4: The Final Walkthrough
Before we pack up and head out, we walk through the finished space with you. This is your moment to look at every detail up close — the railing, the decking boards, the stairs, the finish work — and make sure everything feels exactly right. We don't consider the job done until you're genuinely thrilled with what you see.
It's a simple step, but it reflects something important about how we operate: your satisfaction isn't a checkbox, it's the entire point.
Who We Serve: Central Ohio Communities
Deck Masters is based in Westerville, Ohio, and primarily operates throughout southern Delaware County. Due to the high demand for our services, we currently serve the following eight communities and their surrounding areas:
Dublin • Powell • Lewis Center • Westerville • New Albany • Delaware • Galena • Sunbury
At this time, we are not able to guarantee service outside of these locations. We appreciate your understanding.
Your Dream Deck Starts With One Conversation
Ohio gives you all four seasons. Deck Masters helps you make the most of every one. Whether you're envisioning a sprawling multi-level composite deck for summer entertaining or a simple, elegant wood platform for morning coffee, our team has the experience and the passion to bring it to life.
Built on experience. Trusted for generations. Ready to build yours.
Contact Deck Masters today for your free on-site consultation.
