Deck Remodeling in Salem, MA
Composite, cedar, and pressure-treated decks — built, rebuilt, and brought up to code for New England weather.
A deck is a structure, and in New England it takes a beating: freeze-thaw, snow load, moisture, and salt air all work to loosen and rot it. Whether you’re refacing an aging deck or rebuilding from the footings up, the parts that matter are the ones you don’t see — frost-depth footings, properly flashed ledger connections, and code-compliant railings. We build and remodel decks that are solid underfoot and pass inspection.
Materials
Decking we build in Salem
- Composite — low-maintenance, fade- and rot-resistant, many colors
- Cedar — natural, beautiful, suited to historic homes
- Pressure-treated — budget-friendly and durable
- Frost-depth footings — the foundation a safe deck stands on
- Code railings & stairs — safe, inspected, and clean
- Flashing & ledger work — the detail that prevents rot and failure
The AB Mendez Standard
How we remodel a Salem deck
Assess & permit
We evaluate the structure, footings, and ledger, and pull a building permit when the work requires it.
Frame & footing
We set or verify frost-depth footings and frame to code with proper flashing.
Deck & rail
We install the decking and code-compliant railings and stairs.
Finish & inspect
We finish details and coordinate the inspection so it’s signed off.
Permits in Salem
Do you need a permit to remodel a deck in Salem?
Through Salem Inspectional Services, a deck generally needs a permit if it’s attached, over 200 sq ft, over 30 inches above grade, or serves a required exit door — which covers most real decks. If the work is visible from a public way in a local historic district, it also needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Salem Historical Commission before a permit is issued. We handle the permit, the drawings, and the hearing — and we tell you which apply before any work starts. We pull the permit and coordinate the inspection.
| Material | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated | $25–$40 / sq ft |
| Cedar | $30–$50 / sq ft |
| Composite | $35–$60 / sq ft |
Why AB Mendez
Why Salem homeowners hire us for decks
The owner builds it
Anibel Mendez quotes and runs every project here personally — no salesman, no handoff to a sub who has never seen your property.
Engineered for New England
Frost-depth footings, proper drainage, and code-compliant materials. We build for year 10, not the first photo.
Licensed, insured, permitted
Massachusetts HIC registration, full insurance, Dig Safe on every dig, and permits pulled in our name — the boring stuff that separates real contractors from a guy with a truck.
From the owner
“Most deck failures start at the ledger — the board bolting it to the house. Flash it wrong and the whole thing rots from there.”
The connection to the house and the footings under it are what make a deck safe. We flash the ledger right and set footings below the frost line, so the deck stays solid and passes inspection — Anibel Mendez
Decks FAQ
Common questions
Can you reface my old deck instead of rebuilding it?
If the structure and footings are sound, yes — we can replace the decking and railings. If they’re not, we’ll tell you straight.
Composite or wood?
Composite is low-maintenance and long-lasting; cedar looks best on historic homes; pressure-treated is economical. We’ll compare them for your home.
Do I need a permit to remodel my deck?
Usually yes — most attached or raised decks require a permit and inspection, which we handle.
How long does a deck take?
Most deck remodels take 1–2 weeks depending on size and whether footings are rebuilt.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes — call (781) 731-5303 or request one online.
Free estimates in Salem
Remodel your Salem deck the right way
Send us photos of your deck and we’ll come look at the structure.
No-pressure estimate · we pull the permits in our name · one contractor, start to finish.
AB Mendez Masonry & Landscaping · Licensed & Insured · Serving Salem & the North Shore