Wooden Decks and Porches in Savannah, GA
A rotting board, a porch that sags at the corner, a deck that never quite got finished — these are the problems that bring Savannah homeowners to us, and wooden decks and porches in Savannah, GA are what we have been building and repairing since 1998. Savannah's heat, heavy rainfall, and very heavy termite pressure make wood selection and proper installation more important here than almost anywhere else in Georgia. We have spent 27 years figuring out what holds up in this climate, and we build accordingly.
Why Savannah's Climate Makes Deck Planning a Different Conversation
Savannah averages 45.9 inches of rain per year and sees high temperatures that regularly push past 88 degrees. Add in the area’s very heavy termite risk, and a wood deck that is built without the right materials and proper drainage details will start showing its age fast. The median home in Chatham County was built around 1984, which means a lot of Savannah porches and decks are approaching 40 years old. Many of those structures were not designed with today’s treatment standards or lumber grades in mind.
When we talk through a project with a Savannah homeowner, climate is always part of the conversation. We discuss:
- Wood species and treatment level for ground contact versus above-ground applications
- Joist spacing and ventilation details that reduce moisture trapping under the deck surface
- Fastener choices that resist corrosion in Savannah’s humid air
- Footing depth and design relative to your soil type and any drainage patterns on your lot
Getting these details right from the start is what separates a deck that looks great for 20 years from one that needs major repairs in five.
How We Walk Through a Deck or Porch Project With You
We start with a free in-home estimate. One of our own employees, not a subcontractor, comes to your property, looks at your lot, and listens to what you are trying to accomplish. That first conversation covers the basics: where you want the structure, how you plan to use it, and what your budget looks like. We bring experience to that meeting, not a sales script.
From there, we work through the design together. We build front porches, back porches, wrap-around porches, covered porches with gable, shed, or hip-style roofs, and freestanding decks. We also build porticos, which are covered entryways supported by decorative columns, a look that fits naturally with Savannah’s older architectural styles near the Historic District.
Once we agree on a design and materials, we pull any required permits and schedule your installation. Every crew member who shows up is an Eicher’s employee. That matters because accountability stays in-house from the first nail to the final walkthrough. Savannah’s wooden decks and porches need to be built by people who will still be here if a question comes up two years from now.
Your backyard is waiting. Let us show you what is possible.
What You Actually Choose When You Pick a Wood Deck
Wood is not one material. The choices you make about species, grade, and treatment affect how your deck looks, how it performs, and how much maintenance it requires. We walk every homeowner through those options clearly before anything gets ordered.
- Pressure-treated pine: The most common choice for structural framing. Modern treatment formulas have improved significantly and hold up well in Savannah’s soil conditions.
- Hardwood decking: Species like ipe or cumaru offer natural density and resistance to moisture and insects, which matters given the area’s very heavy termite risk.
- Cedar and redwood: Lighter weight, naturally resistant to decay, and popular for visible deck surfaces where appearance is a priority.
We also discuss railings, stairs, steps, and decorative columns during the material selection process, because those elements affect both the finished look and the structural integrity of the whole project. Savannah’s median home value sits around $214,900, and a well-built deck or porch is one of the few improvements that adds both usable square footage and measurable resale value in this market.
The Installation Process and What to Expect
After permits are in hand, our crew handles site preparation, footing installation, framing, decking, and any railing or roofing work included in your project. We do not hand off portions of the job to outside crews. Every stage is done by Eicher’s employees, which keeps the quality consistent and gives you one clear point of contact throughout.
Savannah’s average resident is 36.3 years old, which means a large share of homeowners here are at a life stage where outdoor living space genuinely matters for daily use, not just resale. We build with that in mind. A covered porch that handles 185 mosquito-season days with proper screening, good airflow, and solid construction is a structure you will actually use.
When the work is done, we back it with a 5-year workmanship warranty. If something is not right with how it was built, we come back and make it right. Manufacturer warranties on materials apply on top of that, depending on the products used in your project.
27 years of decks built right. Yours could be next.
Financing That Makes a Deck Happen This Year
Chatham County’s median household income is around $61,064, and we understand that a custom deck or covered porch is a significant investment for most families. That is why we offer 100% financing with no money down. Options include 5-year, 7-year, and 10-year plans, along with a 1-year same-as-cash option if you want to spread payments without carrying long-term interest.
We also offer discounts for military families and senior citizens. If you are not sure what a project will cost, that is exactly what the free estimate is for. There is no pressure and no obligation. We give you the numbers, you decide what makes sense for your household.
Homeownership in Savannah runs at about 56.5 percent across Chatham County’s roughly 132,000 housing units. For homeowners who want to invest in their property without draining savings, our financing options keep a wooden deck or porch in Savannah within reach for a wide range of budgets. We have been doing this since 1998, and we have helped a lot of families get a project done that they had been putting off for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wood deck installation typically take in Savannah once the project starts?
Most residential decks and porches take between three and seven business days on-site, depending on size and complexity. Covered porches with roofing work take longer than open decks. We give you a realistic timeline during the estimate visit, and because our own employees do the work, scheduling stays predictable. Permit timelines in Chatham County can add a week or two before construction begins, so we factor that in upfront.
What happens during the free estimate visit for a deck project?
An Eicher's employee comes to your home, looks at the space, and talks through what you want to build. We take measurements, discuss material options suited to Savannah's climate and termite risk, and go over any structural considerations specific to your lot. You leave the visit with a clear picture of what the project involves and what it will cost. There is no sales pressure and no obligation to move forward.
Do I need a permit to build a deck or porch in Savannah, and who handles that?
Most attached decks and covered porches in Chatham County require a building permit. We handle the permit application as part of the project process. Our crew does not start structural work until everything is properly permitted. This protects you during resale and ensures the work meets current Georgia building codes, which is especially important for covered structures with roof framing.
What warranty comes with a new wood deck or porch from Eicher's Pro Vinyl?
We back all of our installations with a 5-year workmanship warranty. If something is wrong with how the deck was built, we return and fix it at no charge. Materials carry manufacturer warranties that vary by product. We explain the specific coverage that applies to your project before you sign anything, so there are no surprises after the job is done.
Can Eicher's build a covered porch on a historic or older Savannah home?
Yes. We have worked on homes throughout Savannah and surrounding communities including Wilmington Island and Isle of Hope, including properties with older construction and non-standard framing. During the estimate visit, we assess the existing structure and discuss what attachment methods and design details are appropriate. If your home is in an area with historic overlay zoning, we can talk through those considerations as well so you know what to expect before the project begins.
Call Eicher's Pro Vinyl today at (912) 588-0061 to schedule your free in-home estimate, and let us build you a deck or porch that holds up to everything Savannah's summers can throw at it!
