New decks, replacements, and repairs across New Milford, from neighborhoods near the village center to lake houses on the steep banks of Candlewood Lake.
Decks in New Milford
New Milford is the largest town in Connecticut by area, and the deck work here is just as spread out. Near the village center and along Route 7 there are neighborhoods of colonials, capes, and split-levels from the 1960s through the 1990s. Gaylordsville and the northern end of town have farmhouses and rural lots. The west side of town runs along Candlewood Lake, with year-round homes and summer cottages built close together on steep slopes.
Lake houses drive a lot of New Milford’s deck work. A house on a hillside facing the water often has a deck on the main floor and another below it, with long stairs down toward the shore. Those decks take the full force of sun, wind, and moisture off the lake.
Deck jobs we see in New Milford
- Multi-level lake decks. Upper and lower decks connected by stairs, built on slopes, with railings that keep the view open.
- Replacing older lake decks. Many Candlewood decks were built decades ago. Posts on shallow footings and unflashed ledgers are common.
- Composite and PVC. Sun and water are hard on wood near the lake, and owners don’t want to spend summer weekends staining.
- Family decks in subdivisions. Larger decks off the kitchen of 1980s and 1990s colonials, often replacing the original builder deck.
- Screened porches for evenings when the bugs come out near the water.
Permits and lakefront rules
New decks and rebuilds need a building permit from New Milford’s Building Department. Zoning setbacks apply, including setbacks from the lake on many waterfront lots, and lots near Candlewood Lake, the Housatonic River, or wetlands may need an inland wetlands review.
Candlewood Lake is also a hydroelectric reservoir, and its shoreline below a certain elevation is managed by the power company that runs it. That mainly affects docks and anything built at the water’s edge, but it’s worth asking about if your deck project comes down toward the shore. Your builder should sort out what reviews apply before the start date.
Building on slopes
Steep lots mean tall posts, and tall posts need bracing and properly sized footings. Ledge is common, and footings that hit rock may need to be pinned to it or moved. Some builders use helical piles on lake lots where an excavator can’t reach. Getting materials down to a lake deck can also take more time than the building, which shows up in the price.
Costs in New Milford
Simple decks start around $35 to $55 per square foot in pressure-treated pine. Lake decks on slopes, with composite boards and cable or aluminum railings, usually land at the higher end of the $60 to $100 range. See the deck cost guide.
Deck services in New Milford
- New decks in New Milford
- Deck replacement in New Milford
- Deck repair in New Milford
- Composite and PVC decking in New Milford
- Railings and stairs in New Milford
- Covered decks and porches in New Milford
Nearby towns
We also take calls from Washington, Kent, Woodbury, and the rest of Litchfield County.
Common questions
Do I need extra permits for a deck on Candlewood Lake?
Often. Beyond the building permit, waterfront lots may need zoning and wetlands review. Projects at the shoreline itself can involve the power company that manages the lake. The builder or the town can tell you what applies to your lot.
What’s the best decking for a lake house?
Capped composite or PVC. It doesn’t need staining, resists moisture, and holds up in full sun. Lighter colors stay cooler on south- and west-facing decks.
Can you build a deck where a machine can’t get in?
Yes. Footings can be dug by hand or with small equipment, and helical piles are another option on tight or steep lots.
Tell us about your deck.
Size, what’s wrong with it now, or what you’d like to build. Photos help.