If you are asking what supplies do I need to build a deck, plan for more than deck boards. Most projects need footing materials, posts, beams, joists, structural connectors, fasteners, moisture protection, decking, fascia, stairs, railing,and finishing supplies. The exact sizes and quantities come from your deck plan. Before ordering structural materials, confirm the design and local permit requirements, then turn the plan into a complete material list.
For Denver-area homeowners, Mile High Deck Supply carries framing materials, wood and composite decking, fasteners, railings, lighting, and other deck building products. The company also works with homeowners and DIYers, so you can get help matching materials to the project before ordering.
What Supplies Do You Need to Build a Deck?
Most decks use the same main categories of materials, even though the exact sizes and quantities change from one project to another.
1. Footings and foundation materials
Depending on the approved plan, you may need concrete, footing forms, post bases or anchors, and related hardware.Footing size and depth depend on the design and local requirements, so do not copy those details from a generic internet checklist.
2. Posts, beams, joists, and framing
The frame usually includes posts, beams,joists, rim joists, blocking, and, on some attached decks, a ledger board. You also need the connectors that hold the frame together.
Mile High Deck Supply's Denver decking-supplies inventory includes pressure-treated lumber, steel framing options, joist hangers,specialty hardware, deck screws, and fasteners. Let the plan determinestructural member sizes and spacing.
3. Structural hardware and fasteners
Do not treat screws, bolts, hangers, post bases, and anchors as an afterthought. They are part of the deck's structural load path. Use hardware that is approved for the connection, lumber treatment,and environment shown in the plans or product instructions.
The American Wood Council's residential deck resources cover framing, connections, guard-post attachments, and other structural topics. AWC also notes that exterior deck framing is commonly treated as a wet-service condition because it can be exposed to rain and other moisture.
Choose Your Decking Boards: Wood or Composite?
Once the frame is planned, choose the surface material. This choice affects appearance, maintenance, fasteners,fascia, and total material cost.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking is made from wood fibers and polymers. It is designed to provide a wood-like appearance with less routine maintenance than natural wood. Mile High Deck Supply's composite decking selection includes Trex,TimberTech, and Deckorators products.
Composite systems may also need compatible hidden fasteners, fascia, railing pieces, and joist tape.
What about wood decking?
Wood works well for homeowners who want natural grain and do not mind periodic maintenance. Cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber differ in price, appearance, and upkeep.
Mile High Deck Supply's wood decking materials include framing lumber, galvanized and stainless fasteners, hidden fastening options, stains and sealants, post bases, anchors,railing, fascia, and trim.
How Much Are Deck Boards?
Deck-board prices change by material,product line, profile, length, and current supplier pricing. Borders, stairs,and angled layouts can also increase waste.
That is why the price of deck boards is only part of the budget. A complete order may also need framing lumber,concrete, structural connectors, fasteners, fascia, stairs, railing, joist tape, and finishing pieces.
If you have plans or dimensions, ask for a project-specific estimate instead of relying on a rough square-foot figure.Mile High Deck Supply provides a deck material quote request for homeowners and contractors.
Joist Tape, Flashing, Fascia, and Other Easy-to-Miss Supplies
Joist tape or flashing may be used to protect framing surfaces and connections from repeated moisture exposure.Fascia covers visible rim areas and gives the deck a finished edge. Some elevated decks also use under-deck drainage or waterproofing when the homeowner wants a drier space below.
Mile High Deck Supply lists joist tape,under-deck waterproofing, matching fascia, trim, posts, anchors, and hidden fasteners alongside its composite decking products.
Railings, Stairs, and Finishing Components
Your material deck list should continue past the walking surface. Depending on the design, you may need stair framing,treads, railing posts, rails, balusters or cable components, post caps,lighting, fascia, and trim.
Mile High Deck Supply carries deck railings and accessories, including wood,composite, metal, aluminum, cable, and stair-railing options. Guard, stair, and railing dimensions should come from the approved design and current local code.
What Supplies Do You Need to Stain a Deck?
For a wood deck, finishing supplies may include a cleaner or prep product, stain or sealer compatible with the wood,brushes or pads, and basic protective supplies. Follow the coating manufacturer's directions for preparation and application.
Composite decking is different. Do not stain or seal it like natural wood unless the board manufacturer specifically allows it.
Tools Are Different From Deck Building Materials
Check product instructions because some systems need specific bits or installation tools.
How to Turn Your Deck Plan Into a Shopping List
Step 1: Finalize the layout
Set the deck size, height, shape, stairs,railing, and attachment method before ordering. Late design changes can create waste or leave you short of important parts.
Step 2: Confirm Denver permit requirements
The City and County of Denver says permits are required for most construction, alteration, or repair work, and structural work does not fall under the basic quick-permit process. Denver's 2025 Building and Fire Code became effective December 31, 2025 and incorporates the 2024 I-codes. Check the city's current plan review and residential permitting information before ordering structural materials.
Step 3: Choose wood or composite decking
Your surface material can change the fastener system, fascia, railing options, and maintenance supplies you need.
Step 4: Build the structural takeoff
Work from the ground up: footings, anchors,posts, beams, joists, rim boards, blocking, ledger components when applicable,and structural hardware.
Step 5: Add visible and finishing materials
Then calculate deck boards, fascia, stairs,railing, fasteners, joist tape, lighting, and accessories. Check that the parts are compatible with the decking and framing system.
Step 6: Account for project-specific waste
Do not use one waste percentage for every deck. Board lengths, borders, stairs, diagonal layouts, and unusual angles all affect cut waste.
Step 7: Have the list checked before ordering
A second review can catch missing connectors, incompatible fasteners, too little fascia, or a railing component that never made it onto the list.
Colorado Deck Materials Need to Handle More Than Summer
Denver decks see strong sun, snow,moisture, dry air, and temperature swings. Mile High Deck Supply selects materials for Colorado conditions, and exterior wood framing needs to be chosen and detailed for repeated moisture exposure.
Choose materials that work together and fit the design, maintenance expectations, and local exposure.
Bring Your Deck Plan Before You Buy the Materials
Bring your plan, dimensions, house photos,preferred decking, railing ideas, and budget to a deck supplier before placing the order.
Mile High Deck Supply works with homeowners and DIY builders from its Denver location at 4501 Wynkoop Street. When you are ready, request a material quote or contact the Denver store before buying the project piece by piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies do you need to build a deck?
Most decks need foundation materials,framing, structural connectors, fasteners, decking boards, fascia, stairs,railing, and moisture-protection products. Wood decks may also need stain or sealer.
What materials are needed for a composite deck?
A composite deck still needs a structural frame. The project may also need compatible fasteners, fascia, railing, joist tape, posts, anchors, and stair components.
How do I know how many deck boards to buy?
Start with the deck dimensions and board direction, then account for board width, spacing, available lengths, borders,stairs, and cut waste. A material takeoff based on the actual plan is more reliable than a simple square-foot estimate.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Denver?
Many deck projects require permits or review because they involve structural work. Check current City and County of Denver requirements for your address and design before construction.