A deck is more than just a wooden platform. For families across South Jersey, a well-built deck is where summer barbecues happen, kids play after school, and evenings end with a sunset and a glass of wine. Whether you live in Cherry Hill, Mt. Laurel, or Mullica Hill, the right deck adds beauty, value, and usable space to your home. At Cousins Garden Design, we have been building custom decks for homeowners across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties since 1989.
In this guide, we will cover the most popular deck materials, design options for every yard size, what to expect in cost, and how to choose the right builder for your project.
Composite vs. Wood: Choosing the Right Deck Material
Material choice is the biggest decision you will make. Each option has real strengths, so the right pick depends on your budget, style, and how much maintenance you want to handle.
Pressure-treated wood remains the most affordable choice. A wood deck can last 15 to 20 years with regular sealing and stain treatments. However, the upkeep adds up over time. For families in older neighborhoods across Burlington County who love a classic look, wood is still a strong option.
Composite decks have taken over the market in the last decade, and for good reason. Brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon offer the look of wood with almost no maintenance. Just sweep, rinse, and enjoy. Composite decks resist fading, staining, and splintering. They typically last 25 to 30 years and come with strong manufacturer warranties.
PVC decking is the highest-end synthetic option. Fully waterproof and lightweight, PVC decks work especially well for second-story builds in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, and Haddonfield where weight matters.
For most clients we work with across Camden County, a composite deck offers the best balance of looks, durability, and value over time.
Design Options for Custom Decks
Once you pick a material, the fun begins. Modern decks come in many shapes, levels, and styles. Here are the most popular designs we build for outdoor living spaces across Gloucester County and beyond.
Single-level decks are the simplest and most affordable option. They work well for ranch homes and one-story properties where the deck flows directly from a back door.
Multi-level decks add visual interest and break a large space into zones. You might have a dining area on the upper level and a lounge or fire pit area below. We see lots of multi-level builds in Moorestown, Medford, and Washington Township where larger lots support the extra footprint.
Wrap-around decks offer access from multiple rooms inside the home. These work especially well for homes with kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms that all face the backyard.
Screened-in decks and porches are perfect for South Jersey summers. With our heavy mosquito season, a screened space lets you enjoy the outdoors without the bites. Many of our screened decks pair with a pergola or pavilion roof, which you can read about on our pergola page.
For pools, low-profile decks with paver borders are a popular request across Cinnaminson, Marlton, and Mullica Hill.
Custom Decks and Outdoor Living Integration
The best decks do not stand alone. They tie into the rest of your outdoor living space. We build many of our custom decks alongside paver patios, retaining walls, and stone steps.
Imagine a wood deck off your back door that flows down to a paver patio with a fire pit. Or a composite deck wrapped by a low retaining wall planted with flowers. These combinations make your yard feel cohesive instead of broken into pieces. Learn more about our complementary hardscaping services.
Lighting also matters. Built-in deck lights along stairs and railings keep your family safe at night and create a warm glow for evening entertaining. We offer full landscape lighting design through our nightscaping services.
Cost of Building Custom Decks in South Jersey
Cost depends on size, material, height, and features. Here are general ranges based on projects we complete across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties.
A basic pressure-treated wood deck of around 200 square feet typically runs $7,000 to $12,000. The same size deck in composite jumps to $14,000 to $22,000. Larger multi-level decks with railings, lighting, and built-in benches can reach $40,000 to $70,000 or more.
For most South Jersey families, the sweet spot lands between $18,000 and $35,000. Right now, we are offering $500 off any deck project of $4,999 or more. The savings make this a great time to start.
Maintenance Tips for Custom Decks
A good deck deserves good care. The amount of maintenance depends largely on the material, but every deck needs some attention to stay safe and looking great. Here is what we recommend for clients across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties.
For wood decks, plan on a deep clean every spring. Use a deck cleaner designed for your wood type, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse thoroughly. Every two to three years, apply a fresh coat of stain or sealer. This protects against UV fading, water damage, and the freeze-thaw cycles common in South Jersey winters.
Composite decks are far easier. A simple soap-and-water wash twice a year handles most cleaning. Use a soft brush rather than a pressure washer at full strength. Too much pressure can damage the surface of even the best composite boards.
Check railings, posts, and stairs once a year. Wood structures can develop loose fasteners over time. Tighten any wobbling rails immediately. Composite decks rarely have this issue but inspecting the substructure is still a smart yearly task.
Watch for mildew and moss in shaded areas. Decks under heavy tree cover in older Moorestown, Haddonfield, or Mullica Hill neighborhoods often see more growth. A diluted cleaning solution clears this up quickly.
Finally, keep the area between deck boards clear. Leaves, dirt, and debris trapped between boards hold moisture and accelerate rot in wood decks. A regular sweep with a putty knife or specialty deck cleaning tool keeps the gaps clear and the air flowing.
With proper care, a custom deck from Cousins Garden Design will provide decades of enjoyment for your family.
Choosing the Right Builder for Custom Decks
The builder matters as much as the materials. A bad install can ruin even the best decking product. Look for these signs of a quality custom decks contractor.
First, check for proper licensing and insurance in New Jersey. Second, ask to see recent projects, ideally in your area. Third, get the warranty in writing, both for materials and for the labor. Finally, make sure the company handles permits, inspections, and any HOA approvals.
Family owned and operated since 1989, Cousins Garden Design has built thousands of custom decks across South Jersey. Our team handles every step from concept to final inspection. We proudly serve homeowners across Gloucester County, Burlington County, and Camden County.
View our project gallery or browse our full range of deck and fencing services. Ready to start? Contact us today for your free design consultation.
Let us help you build the deck you have been dreaming about.Share