§ The DFW Fieldbook · Journal
Long-form notes on building decks in DFW.
Materials, permits, real pricing, and maintenance — written from quotes I’ve seen and contractors I’ve talked to. No affiliate links. No hidden upsells.
Composite vs pressure-treated for Dallas summers: a five-year cost breakdown
Which material actually costs less over five years in North Texas heat and humidity — and which one wins on resale.
- Permits
The 2026 DFW deck permit walkthrough
What Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and Frisco building departments actually want in a residential deck permit application, in plain English, with the costs and timelines you should expect.
11 min read · By Azlan Ahmad
- Pricing
What DFW contractors actually charge per square foot in 2026
Real installed-price ranges by city, by material, and by build complexity — collected from quotes seen across Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties.
8 min read · By Azlan Ahmad
- Buyer guide
Composite decking brands compared: Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon for North Texas
Capped composite is DFW's default upgrade material. Here's how the three brands you'll be quoted actually differ — and what to watch for in Texas heat.
12 min read · By Azlan Ahmad
- Maintenance
A maintenance schedule for a pressure-treated deck in North Texas
Pressure-treated still wins on first cost, but only if you actually maintain it. Here's the realistic month-by-month schedule that keeps a PT deck looking right for fifteen years in DFW.
7 min read · By Azlan Ahmad