Premier Deck Builder in University Place, WA.

University Place

Jason Russell has been building decks in University Place since before most homeowners here owned their first home. Dr.Decks has completed over 1000 projects throughout the community, from Chambers Bay waterfront properties to quiet family neighborhoods. As a deck builder, Jason knows this area, and Dr.Decks has built a reputation here one satisfied homeowner at a time.

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Complete Deck Building Services

  • Residential and Commercial Decking

    [01]

    University Place homes, businesses, waterfront properties. Dr.Decks builds for all of them. Jason works with premium PVC, composite, and exotic wood materials selected for coastal conditions.

  • Deck Railing

    [02]

    A railing that does not match the deck brings down the whole project. Jason installs, replants, and rerails systems that satisfy code and look like they were meant to be there from day one.

  • Deck Bending

    [03]

    This is where Jason Russell leaves most deck builders behind. Jason bends decking into curves. Sweeping radius edges, flowing boards, designs that most contractors will not touch. Dr.Decks has built a specialty reputation on this.

  • Deck Lighting

    [04]

    Jason handles all wiring himself. Every Dr.Decks lighting installation is automation-ready from the start, so homeowners can upgrade later without ripping anything out.

  • Deck Automation

    [05]

    Lighting, audio, and climate controls that actually work together. Jason sets these up to be simple to operate, because complicated outdoor tech defeats the purpose.

  • Pergolas, Cabanas and Carports

    [06]

    Struxure and Hideaway systems built for coastal weather. Dr.Decks turns exposed yards into covered, livable outdoor rooms that handle the marine climate.

  • Porches and Patios

    [07]

    Jason designs covered porches and patios that flow out of the house naturally. The transition should feel seamless, not like an awkward bolt-on addition.

  • Privacy Screens

    [08]

    Screen walls, aluminum frames, standalone privacy panels. Jason builds these to create real seclusion without blocking the water views that make University Place worth living in.

  • Outdoor Living

    [09]

    Pavilions, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens built to actually get used. Dr.Decks creates complete outdoor environments for homeowners who want to spend time outside every week.

  • Gazebos

    [10]

    Victorian, traditional, or modern. Jason builds gazebos that anchor a yard and give guests somewhere to gather.

  • 3D Modeling and Rendering

    [11]

    You see exactly what is being built before construction starts. Jason provides 3D designs and renderings, 2D floorplans, 3D printed models, and full drawings and documentation for permits.

Quality Materials for Coastal Conditions

University Place sits on the water, and that salt air is beautiful and unforgiving. Jason selects materials for every Dr.Decks project that resist moisture, corrosion, and dimensional change while holding their appearance year after year.

  • 2132370 orig

    Wood

  • Sk tmb pvc boardwalk composite railing decking

    Composite Decking

  • Sk tmb pvc weathered teak vintage seattle decking

    PVC Decking

What Makes Dr.Decks Different

  • Jason Russell has 35 years behind him, and Dr.Decks has over 1000 completions to prove it. Every project is fully licensed and bonded. A 1-year workmanship warranty extends to 5 years. When you hire a deck builder from Dr.Decks, you get someone who has already solved the problem you are bringing to the table.

Awards and Recognition

Dr.Decks has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Professional Deck Builder Magazine, and Deck Specialist Magazine. Jason earned TimberTech Contractor of the Quarter in 2011 alongside Rockford Fosgate. Dr.Decks won a silver medal at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in February 2013. In 2025, NADRA named Dr.Decks the overall winner of the National+ Deck Awards for the Kiki project. Every one of Jason’s 35 years went into that build.

University Place's Outdoor Living Advantages

  • Waterfront Community Character

    Chambers Bay, Puget Sound, and water access define University Place. Quality decking service helps homeowners turn those waterfront advantages into outdoor spaces they actually use every day.

    Family-Oriented Neighborhoods

    Strong schools, safe streets, families who invest in their homes. Jason builds deck construction that fits that mindset: spaces that support active family life and neighborhood connections.

    Mild Marine Climate

    Year-round outdoor weather in University Place, WA is genuinely usable. Jason designs decks that take advantage of that, whether it is morning coffee in February or evening dinners in October.

    Established Residential Character

    Mid-century ranches, contemporary builds, everything in between. Jason adapts every design to match what is already there while adding the modern outdoor functionality homeowners expect today.

    Fun Fact

    University Place was Tacoma’s first planned suburb back in the 1950s and now hosts Chambers Bay Golf Course, which drew the world to the 2015 U.S. Open. Homeowners here know the value of a well-designed outdoor space.

What Our Clients Say

Hundreds of custom decks built since 1991.

Write a Review

We worked with Dr. Decks when Jason was first getting his business off the ground. We chose him over a larger competitor at the time because of his passion, creativity, and attention to detail. It seemed like it was just a job for the other company, but an opportunity to create a work of art to Jason. We were blown away by the experience and the quality of the deck he built for us. It has been over 10 years, and the deck still looks brand new. We have never had a single issue with the quality. He is truly a master of his craft, and I give his company my strongest recommendation.

Avatar dean d
Dean D.
5 (Outstanding)

Jason and his crew have built two decks for me. Both times the communication, quality, and execution have been top notch. He does what is needed to produce the best possible result, even if what is needed is beyond building the deck itself.

Avatar bruce j
Bruce J.
5 (Outstanding)

Dr Decks did a full rebuild of our 2,300 sq ft deck which is elevated 15 feet of the ground. He listened to our needs, educated us about materials, and designed some incredibly beautiful elements that absolutely thrilled us. He is an artist, an engineer, a perfectionist, and a really nice guy. He installed very cool lighting throughout the deck and even installed it in our landscaping! It was a pleasure to have his team on sight. I recommend Dr Decks to all my friends and family.

Avatar stacey o
Stacey O.
5 (Outstanding)

Working with the Dr @DrDecks has been a great experience over the past two projects. When I originally presented him with my first project ideas on a roughly sketched drawing of what I was imagining he was like sure. No hesitation whatsoever. He took some pictures and measurements and went back to his creative station and sent me over his drawings. I must say I couldn’t have been more than happy. Once we got started on the project some additional creative moments occured, let’s just call them enhancements. The ending results of the whole project was spectacular. Fast forward 10yrs and we coordinated on yet another project. Although this one wasn’t as big it was still fabulous. I didn’t want stairs that was a straight run…nothing direct for me nope. Dr Decks came up with a plan and of course as usual made it happen. Jason makes even a simple rectangular deck fabulous 🤩. Its a sight to be seen for sure and though this deck doesn’t over look anything special it holds its own in design and function. Its a peaceful place to hang out and relax. Its a second living space outdoors. The cover is awesome and the lights on the rails just makes the cover glow at night – super cool. We will have to wait and see if we have an opportunity again in the future for more creative interactions.

Avatar kathaleen w
Kathaleen W.
5 (Outstanding)

We chose Dr.Decks for our deck and staircase rebuild on the basis of their recommendation of advanced materials that would provide substantial longevity, and therefore value to our home.

We agreed to removal of more than may have been necessary of the wood joist structure in the deck, to further enhance that longevity, and improve the accuracy to which the entire finished product would be built to.

We knew going in that this would be an extended timeframe project, requiring several months, but when we saw the methods and detail with which the project was accomplished, it was very understandable.

Dr.Decks kept us well appraised of progress, and any delays, and as advertised, were on the job full time until completion. The impact on our lives of the equipment and materials was very reasonable.

The quality of the finish work with which Dr.Decks provided us even exceeded what we thought possible, but came to appreciate as time progressed. The value added to our home over the original construction is exceptional. The photographs show how materials were selected to complement existing colors and textures, and also of note how we added a weather cover between the back staircase and the adjacent shop building for outdoor cooking. Highly recommend Dr.Decks for your project.

Avatar brian s
Brian S.
5 (Outstanding)

Dr Decks built our deck five years ago and every time I step on it I’m thankful for his hard work. Hiring anyone else for it would have been a big mistake because of the unique shape and multiple levels. He’s done two decks for us now and the design and craftsmanship is unmatched. We couldn’t recommend him more.

Avatar lance l
Lance L
5 (Outstanding)

We had a great experience with Dr. Decks! Jason helped us match our vision to our budget and worked carefully with our existing structure and site constraints. From permit to clean up, this team did an amazing job.

The finished covered deck truly feels like an extension of our living space, and our family uses it every day, no matter what the weather is. The quality and attention to detail is obvious. They seem to get along well and were a pleasure to work with and the whole process was smooth and easy. I highly recommend Jason and his team!

Avatar ic
IC
5 (Outstanding)

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question?

Why hire a local deck builder in University Place?

A local deck builder knows coastal building requirements, has relationships with local inspectors, and understands the marine climate challenges that come with waterfront living.

What deck construction styles are trending in University Place?

Multi-level designs that maximize water views, integrated outdoor kitchens, and covered structures for rain protection. Composite materials and advanced lighting systems are increasingly popular.

Do deck contractors in University Place offer composite decking services?

Yes, skilled deck contractors install composite and PVC decking systems. These materials perform extremely well in coastal conditions, resisting moisture with minimal maintenance required.

How does a deck company in University Place ensure durability?

A professional deck company uses marine-grade fasteners, proper drainage engineering, and weather-resistant materials. This ensures long-term durability, structural integrity, and protection against moisture-related damage.

Reach Out to University Place's Leading Deck Builder

  • University Place homeowners deserve outdoor spaces built for waterfront living and coastal conditions. Dr.Decks and Jason Russell bring 35 years of construction expertise and over 1000 completed builds to every project. One call to get started.

    • Explore our work: drdecks.com | instagram.com/drdecks
    • Learn deck building: drdecks.com/store/p1/masterclass.html
    • Watch our podcast: youtube.com/@drdeckspodcast
    • Exclusive content: patreon.com/DrDecks

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