Decks, stairs, and repairs for Thomaston homes, from older houses near the center of town to newer homes on the hills above the Naugatuck River.
Decks in Thomaston
Thomaston grew up as a clock-making town along the Naugatuck River, and the center still has many older houses built close together on the valley sides. Outside the center, the town climbs into hills with ranches, capes, and colonials on wooded lots, and newer neighborhoods toward Plymouth and Watertown.
Hills are the main thing that shapes decks in Thomaston. Many houses have a walkout basement or a steep backyard, so the deck off the kitchen ends up well above the ground with a long set of stairs.
Deck jobs we see in Thomaston
- High decks with long stairs on hillside lots.
- Small decks and back porches on older houses near the center, often replacing tired wood with low-maintenance boards.
- Stair replacements. Long stair runs take a lot of water and wear, and rotted stringers are a common call.
- Railings on older decks that don’t meet today’s height and spacing rules.
Permits in Thomaston
New decks and rebuilds need a building permit from Thomaston’s Building Department, with footing and framing inspections. Zoning setbacks apply. Lots near the Naugatuck River, the Leadmine Brook, or wetlands may need an inland wetlands review.
Stairs done right
On a tall deck, the stairs are often the most important part of the job. A good set has even risers no taller than 7¾ inches, treads at least 10 inches deep, a graspable handrail, and a concrete pad at the bottom instead of dirt. A landing halfway down makes a long stair easier and safer, especially in snow. See railings and stairs.
Costs in Thomaston
Most complete decks run $35 to $55 per square foot in pressure-treated and $60 to $90 in composite. High decks and long stairs push the price up. See the deck cost guide.
Deck services in Thomaston
- New decks in Thomaston
- Deck replacement in Thomaston
- Deck repair in Thomaston
- Composite and PVC decking in Thomaston
- Railings and stairs in Thomaston
- Covered decks and porches in Thomaston
Nearby towns
We also take calls from Watertown, Harwinton, Litchfield, Torrington, and the rest of Litchfield County.
Common questions
Why are tall decks more expensive?
Longer posts, extra bracing, longer stairs, and more time on ladders and staging. They also need careful footing and beam design.
Do old deck railings have to be brought up to code?
When you replace a railing, the new one should meet current rules: 36 inches high on most decks with openings under 4 inches. Existing railings are usually allowed to stay until replaced, but a low or wide-spaced railing is worth upgrading.
Do you build decks on older houses near the center of town?
Yes. Older houses may need the rim joist checked before a ledger goes on, or a freestanding deck instead.
Tell us about your deck.
Size, what’s wrong with it now, or what you’d like to build. Photos help.