Fence and Deck Builders in Kent, WA
Why Fences and Decks Fail Early in the Pacific Northwest
Built for Strength, Style, and Longevity
Deep, Solid Post Setting
Fence and deck posts are the foundation of the entire structure. Posts set in shallow footings or loosely compacted soil shift, lean, and pull the rest of the build with them. We set posts to depth in concrete footings sized for the load and your soil conditions.
Right Material for the Use
Cedar performs differently as decking, a fence picket, or a structural post. Composite boards need specific spacing and fasteners to drain well and handle expansion. We match each material to how and where it will be used, not just to how it looks in a brochure.
Drainage and Ventilation
Outdoor structures that trap moisture fail faster. Deck framing needs clearance from grade, composite boards need correct gaps, and fence panels need ground clearance to prevent bottom-rail rot. These details decide whether a structure lasts or needs an early rebuild.
Sealed Fastener Connections
Every connection point, where a post meets a rail, a joist meets a beam, or a ledger meets the house, can let moisture in. We use corrosion-resistant fasteners and treat each connection to stop the rot that starts at the hardware and spreads outward through the wood.
Fence and Deck Materials We Work With
Fencing Materials
Cedar Wood Fencing
Western red cedar is a long-standing favorite for fences in Kent and the greater Seattle area. It naturally resists rot and insects, stays stable in wet conditions, and takes stain well. A properly installed and maintained cedar fence lasts 15 to 25 years in this climate.
Typical installed cost
$35 – $90 / linear ft
Depending on style and height.
Composite Fencing
Composite fencing offers the look of wood with far less maintenance. It never needs staining or sealing, holds its color longer than cedar in wet conditions, and resists rot and insects at ground contact. Expect a lifespan of 25 to 40 years with minimal upkeep.
Typical installed cost
$35 – $70 / linear ft
Depending on style and height.
Decking Materials
Cedar Wood Decking
Cedar is a traditional Pacific Northwest decking choice. It is lightweight, naturally rot-resistant, and warm in appearance. A well-maintained cedar deck lasts 15 to 25 years in Kent's climate, with annual cleaning and periodic sealing or staining to keep it performing.
Material cost only
$8 – $14 / sq ft
Approximate; installation not included.
Composite Decking
Composite is a leading choice for new decks in the Seattle and Kent area. It resists mold, fading, staining, and the surface cracking cedar develops in wet-dry cycles. It needs little beyond seasonal cleaning and carries longer product warranties than natural wood.
Typical installed cost
$37 – $74 / sq ft
Depending on size, complexity, and material tier.
Pressure-Treated Framing
Pressure-treated lumber forms the structural layer of every deck we build, including joists, beams, posts, and ledger boards. Its strength and resistance to ground moisture make it the right base for any decking surface, whether cedar or composite goes on top.
Used in
The structural frame of every deck we build.
Careful Planning and Skilled Craftsmanship
Fence and Deck Builders in Kent, WA — Cost and Timeline
A new fence or deck is a lasting investment in your property. Here is what Kent-area homeowners typically spend in 2026 and how long projects take from start to finish.
Fence Installation Costs in the Kent Area (2026)
| Material | Installed Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar wood fence | $35 – $90 / linear ft | 15 – 25 years |
| Composite fence | $35 – $70 / linear ft | 25 – 40 years |
Example: A 150-linear-foot cedar privacy fence in Kent typically lands between $5,000 and $9,750 before gates or difficult site work.
Deck Construction Costs in the Kent and Seattle Area (2026)
| Deck Size | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | $4,900 – $7,400 |
| 12 × 12 ft | $7,100 – $10,600 |
| 12 × 20 ft | $11,800 – $17,700 |
| 16 × 20 ft | $15,700 – $23,600 |
Ranges reflect professional installation including materials, labor, standard footings, and permit fees for typical Kent-area residential projects. Final cost depends on material choice, site access, slope, and design complexity.
Project Timelines
- Fence installation1 – 3 daysDepending on fence length and terrain.
- Deck build3 – 7 daysFrom start to finish for most decks.
- Permit approval+ ~2 weeksBefore construction, when a permit is required.
We confirm your full timeline at the estimate stage, so you know exactly when work starts and finishes.
Local Fence and Deck Builders Serving Kent, WA
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About
Fence and Deck Building in Kent, WA
Straight answers to the roofing questions Kent homeowners ask us most, from repair vs. replacement to cost and lifespan.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Kent, WA?
It depends on the deck’s size and how it is attached. Attached decks require a building permit regardless of height. Freestanding decks more than 30 inches above grade require a permit, as do covered decks or decks over 300 square feet. Permit fees in Kent typically range from $70 to $450, with standard approvals taking approximately two weeks. We handle permit coordination as part of our project planning process and factor approval time into your project timeline.
What is the best decking material for the Pacific Northwest climate?
Composite decking is the most popular choice for Kent and Seattle-area homeowners because of its moisture resistance. Cedar is a strong natural option with a warmer appearance, but it requires annual cleaning and periodic sealing to hold up through repeated wet seasons. The right choice depends on your maintenance preference and budget — we go through both options during the estimate so you can make an informed decision before committing to a material.
How long does a cedar fence last in Kent's climate?
A properly installed cedar fence with regular maintenance — sealing or staining every two to three years — typically lasts 15 to 25 years in the Pacific Northwest. Without maintenance, cedar will begin to gray and develop surface checking within a few seasons and will deteriorate faster at post bases and bottom rails where ground moisture contact is highest.
How much does it cost to build a fence in Kent, WA?
Cedar wood fence installation in the Kent area typically runs $35 to $90 per linear foot installed, depending on fence height, style, and site conditions. A standard 150-linear-foot privacy fence project commonly lands between $5,000 and $9,750 before gates or difficult terrain add-ons. We provide free, itemized estimates so you know exactly what is included before any work begins.
Do you handle fence and deck permits, or does the homeowner?
We coordinate permit applications as part of our project process and factor the approval timeline into your project schedule. You do not need to manage the permit process yourself. We make sure the project complies with Kent’s current building code requirements before construction begins.
Can you replace an existing deck or fence, or only build new ones?
Both. We handle full replacement of failing or outdated fences and decks as well as new builds. Replacement projects follow the same process — site assessment, material selection, permit coordination if required, and full construction. For deck replacements, we inspect the existing footings and framing before quoting to determine whether structural components can be reused or need replacement.
Are you licensed and insured for fence and deck work in Washington State?
Yes. Smith Exteriors LLC is a licensed, bonded, and insured Washington State contractor. Our registration number is SMITHEL789PE, verifiable through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries contractor lookup tool.