Together We Build in Oklahoma City: Custom Deck Design and Installation from Concept to Completion

Together We Build is a full-service deck and railing contractor operating across the Oklahoma City metro that handles residential design, permitting, and installation for wood, composite, and pressure-treated decks ranging from 200 to 1,200 square feet.

What Together We Build Actually Is

Together We Build operates as a design-build firm rather than a framing-only shop. The company takes on the full scope: initial site assessment, structural plans, Oklahoma City building code compliance, material sourcing, and installation. Most deck contractors in the area either specialize in installation alone or offer design as an upsell; Together We Build bundles these into a single estimate and project timeline. They work with residential homeowners in Oklahoma City proper, Edmond, Norman, and surrounding suburbs, and do not take commercial or spec-build work.

Services and Pricing Structure

Together We Build offers three material tiers that directly affect cost and maintenance demands. Pressure-treated Southern pine decks run approximately $25 to $35 per square foot installed, including basic railing. Cedar or composite decks cost $40 to $60 per square foot, depending on brand and finish specifications. High-end composite with aluminum railing systems reach $65 to $85 per square foot. These figures assume a standard rectangular deck; multi-level, curved, or heavily detailed designs add 15 to 25 percent to the base estimate.

The permitting process in Oklahoma City requires structural plans for any deck over 30 inches off grade. Together We Build includes plan preparation and the permit application fee (currently $75 to $150 for residential decks, depending on size) in their upfront quote. This separates them from contractors who quote labor and materials alone and surprise homeowners with permit costs later.

Railing options include pressure-treated 2x4 balusters, composite balusters with aluminum top and bottom rails, or aluminum slat systems. Railing adds $8 to $18 per linear foot depending on material. A 40-foot perimeter deck with standard railing runs approximately $320 to $720 in railing costs alone.

The company requires a 50 percent deposit at contract signing and the remainder upon completion. Lead time typically runs four to six weeks from signed contract to installation, longer during April through September.

How It Compares to Other Oklahoma City Deck Contractors

The Oklahoma City deck market splits roughly three ways: national franchise chains (primarily Mr. Handyman and local branches of bigger names), independent installation crews, and design-build firms. National franchises charge $35 to $50 per square foot for pressure-treated decks and handle permitting as a separate line item; they excel at quick turnarounds on small repairs and replacements but rarely include detailed design consultation. Independent crews often undercut price (sometimes $18 to $28 per square foot) but frequently do not pull permits, shifting compliance risk to the homeowner, and rarely provide written structural plans.

Together We Build sits in the middle on price but higher on compliance and long-term clarity. A homeowner choosing them trades faster scheduling for thorough planning; a homeowner choosing a franchise trades detailed design input for faster installation. Independent crews attract budget-conscious owners willing to manage permitting themselves.

For composite decks specifically, Together We Build typically sources Trex or Fiberon products. Local competitors like Cozad Decks and Patios (serving OKC since 1998) also carry Trex but charge $55 to $70 per square foot for composite installation, putting them 10 to 15 percent above Together We Build's estimate for the same material. Cozad offers slightly faster scheduling during shoulder seasons but requires longer lead times during peak summer.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

Together We Build suits homeowners planning a deck as a 15- to 20-year investment, those with complex yard layouts or permitting questions, and anyone uncomfortable managing contractors across design and installation separately. It also fits second homes or rental properties where the owner wants a single point of contact and written documentation of structural compliance.

The company does not suit homeowners needing a deck in under three weeks, those repairing or replacing an existing small platform, or those set on the cheapest possible option. It also typically declines jobs under 150 square feet as unprofitable.

What the First Visit Involves

Initial consultation is free and includes a site walkthrough, discussion of material preferences, measurement, and a preliminary assessment of soil conditions and shade patterns. Together We Build provides a written estimate within five to seven business days. The estimate includes a materials list, railing specifications, estimated timeline, and a breakdown of labor and material costs. Some contractors provide only a single line-item price; Together We Build's itemization lets homeowners understand where money goes and swap materials if needed (trading cedar for composite, for example, without renegotiating the whole bid).

After contract signing, the company submits permit paperwork within two weeks. The Oklahoma City Building Department typically approves residential deck permits within 10 to 15 business days.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Together We Build operates Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with calls and estimates available year-round. The company is based at a small warehouse in south Oklahoma City but works mobile; the owner arrives at your home for the consultation and hands off to install crews on the scheduled date. No parking is required on site. Deck installation typically runs two to five days depending on size and complexity.

Why Together We Build Earns Its Place in Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma City building department has become stricter about deck compliance in recent years, particularly following the 2023 revision to the residential code. Together We Build's inclusion of permitting and structural plans in the standard quote removes a common pain point for homeowners. The company's open material pricing and transparent timeline make it easy to compare against competitors without hunting for hidden charges.