Decks we build in Sharon
Sharon is one of the most heavily wooded towns in our service area, and that defines a lot of what we build here. Many Sharon lots are an acre or more with mature pine, oak, and hemlock canopy. Decks here are often set back from the house to catch the dappled light, and material choice matters more than usual: composite colors read differently under heavy shade, and darker tones generally hold up better visually against falling pine needles and leaves.
Around Lake Massapoag, we build decks on sloped lots that step down toward the water. These builds are design-forward — multi-level, with stair runs that work the terrain, often ending in a lower platform near grade. The lakefront setback requirements limit how close to the water we can build, so most of this work sits well back and uses the slope rather than fighting it.
The Moose Hill area and the conservation-adjacent neighborhoods have strict setback requirements from protected land. We check parcel boundaries carefully against the Audubon Society's conservation easements and the town's wetland resource maps before quoting a project in these areas.
Sharon permits, conservation review, and inspections
Sharon deck permits are issued by the Sharon Building Department at Town Hall, 90 South Main Street. The town processes residential permits within one to two weeks of complete submission.
Required documents include plot plan showing setbacks and any wetland boundaries, framing specifications, footing details, and stair/railing details. Sharon enforces setbacks precisely.
Conservation Commission review is more common in Sharon than in most of our service area. The town has significant wetland resources (Lake Massapoag, Moose Hill, Beaver Brook, numerous vernal pools), and projects within 100 feet of these resources require filing a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) or a Notice of Intent (NOI) before the building permit is issued. This can add four to eight weeks to the project timeline. We handle the filing, including stamped site plans when required.
Standard three-stage inspection: footings pre-pour, framing pre-decking, final. Sharon inspectors generally schedule within two to three business days.
What makes a Sharon deck different
Rodents and animals are a Sharon factor. The wooded setting means squirrels, chipmunks, and the occasional raccoon find under-deck spaces attractive. On Sharon builds we often spec blocking or hardware cloth skirting around the perimeter to keep animals out. It's a small addition at build time that saves a repair call three years later.
Insect pressure is also higher in Sharon. Ground termites are present in some areas and we check for conditions that might create termite risk around the deck — direct soil contact with wood, standing water, debris accumulation under the structure. These are routine checks we do; they're not a Sharon-specific problem, but they matter here more than in a drier urban setting.
Finally, Sharon clients tend to value natural materials. Cedar is a common choice here and it looks beautiful in a wooded setting. We also do a lot of thermally modified wood and PVC that looks like wood (Azek Vintage, TimberTech Reserve) for clients who want the look without the maintenance.
Materials we use on Sharon decks
Material selection is one of the biggest decisions on any deck project. The three main options we build with in Sharon:
- Pressure-treated pine. The most affordable path to a full deck — typically $30–45 per square foot installed. Needs stain or seal every 1–2 years to prevent gray-out. Properly maintained PT lasts 15–20 years. Good for budget-conscious builds or utility decks.
- Composite decking (TimberTech, Trex, Fiberon). $50–75 per square foot installed. Essentially maintenance-free — no staining, no sealing, no sanding. Resists rot, insects, and UV fade. 25-year warranties standard.
- Cedar or PVC (Azek). Cedar for a natural wood look with better rot resistance than PT. PVC for a wood-grain product that never rots and stays cool underfoot. $65–90 per square foot installed. The finish quality is noticeably better on both.
Underneath all three, we frame with kiln-dried pressure-treated southern yellow pine and galvanized or stainless hardware. Hardware upgrade to stainless is standard practice on any Sharon deck within a few hundred yards of saltwater or in a damp microclimate.
How we actually build it, start to finish
Every project starts with a site walk, not a phone quote. We measure the house wall, check for existing footings, assess grade, decide where the ledger ties in, and talk through what you actually want the deck to do. From there:
- Design and material selection. We put together a plan showing dimensions, framing, railing style, and material. You sign off before we spend time on permits.
- Permit submission. We prepare the plot plan, framing diagram, and material spec, and file at the Sharon building department.
- Footings. Below Massachusetts frost line (48 inches minimum), with a footing inspection before pour.
- Framing. Ledger with proper flashing, beams, joists, blocking. Framing inspection before decking goes down.
- Decking, railings, stairs. Boards installed with concealed fasteners (composite) or face-screwed (PT), stair stringers cut, railings assembled and secured.
- Final inspection and walk-through. You and the inspector both sign off.
A standard 16×14 deck with no complications runs seven to ten working days from ledger to final board, plus permit lead time at the front.
Recent projects
