All Access Builders LLC has served Buffalo homeowners since 2003, building, replacing, expanding, and repairing decks and porches across Erie County. We work in both pressure-treated wood and composite materials, with every design built to handle Western New York’s snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles.
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As a family-owned general contractor, we manage your project from the first site visit through final walkthrough, backed by written estimates and a documented workmanship warranty. Whether you’re adding a new deck, rebuilding an aging porch, or expanding your current outdoor space, our crews handle the structural work, permits, and finish details so your project holds up for years.
Buffalo homeowners need more than a crew with a nail gun. Outdoor structures face snow loads, moisture, and frost heave every winter, so the contractor you choose matters as much as the material. Here’s what sets our approach apart.
Matt Kulhanek founded All Access Builders in 2003 as a Buffalo-based, family-owned construction company. Over two decades, our crews have worked on homes throughout Erie County, giving us direct familiarity with the region's housing styles, lot sizes, and seasonal building conditions. That local experience shapes every deck and porch we design, from footing depth to material selection.
Every project starts with a written estimate outlining materials, scope of work, and pricing, so there are no surprises once construction begins. All Access Builders carries general liability insurance and provides a documented workmanship warranty on completed projects. We also oversee day-to-day site coordination directly, rather than handing your project off to subcontractors without supervision.
From a small front porch repair to a full backyard deck build, we handle the complete range of outdoor construction work. Here’s a breakdown of our core services, so you can find the one that matches your project.
We design and build custom decks sized and laid out to match your home and yard, whether that's a ground-level deck off a walkout basement or an elevated deck attached to a second-floor patio door. Our team works with you on material selection, between pressure-treated lumber and composite decking, along with layout details like stairs, built-in seating, and access points. Every new deck project starts with a custom deck design consultation to map out your specific goals.
Porches serve a different purpose than open decks, often functioning as an entryway, a sheltered sitting area, or a transition space between indoor and outdoor living. We build front porches, back porches, and covered porches that integrate with your home's existing siding, roofline, and foundation. For covered designs, we coordinate the porch roof structure with your home's existing roofing system to maintain a consistent, weathertight connection.
Not every aging deck or porch needs a full teardown. We inspect existing structures for soft or rotting boards, loose railings, sagging framing, and signs of moisture damage, then recommend repair or full replacement based on what we find. Some structures can be restored with new decking and railings over a sound frame, while others require a complete rebuild. We'll give you a straight answer after inspecting the structure, not before.
If your current deck feels too small or outdated, we can expand it with additional square footage, updated composite railings, or new stair configurations. Available upgrades, including outdoor lighting, pergolas, or privacy screens, depend on the scope of your specific project. These enhancements work well alongside other exterior improvements, like our home addition and siding services.
Repair or replace? We'll inspect it and tell you straight.
Material choice affects how your deck or porch handles Buffalo’s snow, moisture, and temperature swings. Here’s how the main options compare on cost, maintenance, and long-term performance.
Pressure-treated lumber remains a practical, widely available decking option with a lower upfront cost than composite or PVC alternatives. It requires regular maintenance, including periodic staining and sealing, to resist moisture and prevent warping. Proper fastening and drainage during installation go a long way toward extending its lifespan through Buffalo winters.
Composite decking, made from a wood-plastic blend, resists rot and requires far less upkeep than natural wood. Capped composite boards with hidden fasteners offer a cleaner finished look and better resistance to moisture. Some boards expand and contract with temperature swings, so proper installation spacing matters. Manufacturers like Trex and TimberTech back their composite products with material warranties worth reviewing before you choose a brand.
Cellular PVC and vinyl decking resist water better than wood or composite, making them a strong fit for covered porches and areas with limited drainage. Tongue-and-groove porch flooring systems create a tight, finished surface suited to sheltered locations, while capped polymer boards handle direct sun and moisture exposure on open decks. Thermal movement should be factored into installation on larger runs.
Each material trades upfront cost against long-term maintenance. Wood costs less initially but needs ongoing care; composite and PVC cost more but require far less upkeep over time.
| Material | Upfront Cost | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | Lower | Annual staining/sealing | Budget-conscious projects |
| Composite | Higher | Occasional cleaning | Low-maintenance open decks |
| PVC/Vinyl | Highest | Minimal | Covered porches, wet areas |
Your home’s layout and lot size usually point toward the right design. Here’s how we approach some of the most common porch and deck styles we build.
Covered porches provide shade and rain protection, while screened-in porches add insect protection for warmer months. Wraparound porches suit homes with the architectural footprint to support them, often requiring additional framing and roof structure. We only promote screened-in porch construction when it's confirmed as part of your project scope, since not every home layout supports it.
Freestanding, ground-level decks work well for smaller urban yards common throughout Buffalo neighborhoods. Raised or elevated decks suit homes with walkout basements or sloped lots, while multi-level designs help bridge significant grade changes between a house and yard. Each configuration affects stair placement and the overall footing layout.
Lake-effect snow and freeze-thaw cycles put real stress on outdoor structures. Here’s how we build decks and porches to hold up through Western New York winters.
Properly placed footings and support framing determine how well a deck or porch holds up over time. We size concrete piers, support posts, and joist spacing based on site conditions and the applicable building code, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Frost protection requirements vary by location and jurisdiction, so we confirm the correct specifications with the authority having jurisdiction before construction begins.
Where a deck or porch connects to your house, proper flashing and drainage prevent water intrusion that leads to rot and structural damage over time. We factor in the applicable design snow loads for the structure and use corrosion-resistant fasteners throughout. Covered porches need additional attention to roof loads and the connection point between the porch roof and the home's existing roofline.
Guardrails, handrails, and stairs need to meet applicable code requirements for your specific structure and classification. We build railings and stairs with safe, compliant dimensions and coordinate inspections with the City of Buffalo's Department of Permit and Inspection Services throughout construction. We confirm current spacing and height requirements for each project rather than relying on outdated specifications.
Want a deck or porch built for Buffalo winters?
We’ve completed a range of deck and porch projects across Buffalo and the surrounding area, each shaped by the home’s layout, material preferences, and existing site conditions.
Recent deck projects have included backyard installations where homeowners wanted additional outdoor living space off an existing patio door. These projects typically involve removing an old structure, installing new footings, and finishing with either pressure-treated or composite decking based on the homeowner's maintenance preferences.
Porch projects often combine carpentry with roofing and siding work, particularly on covered entries that tie into the home's existing exterior. These rebuilds typically address structural issues first, then move into finish work that matches the surrounding siding and trim.
Homeowners across Buffalo and Erie County have shared how our crews handled their deck and porch projects, from the first site visit and written estimate to the final walkthrough. Here’s what they have to say.
Deck and porch costs vary based on size, material, and site conditions. Rather than quoting a single number that won’t apply to your project, we walk through the key cost factors and provide a written estimate specific to your home.
Square footage and material choice drive most of the cost difference between projects, with composite and PVC decking costing more upfront than pressure-treated wood. Covered porches typically cost more than open decks due to added roof framing and structural requirements. Other factors include demolition of an existing structure, foundation work, permit fees, stair configuration, and railing systems.
| Cost Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Square footage | Scales directly with material and labor |
| Material type | Wood costs less upfront; composite/PVC cost more |
| Covered vs. open | Roofed porches add framing and labor cost |
| Site conditions | Demolition, grading, or foundation repair adds cost |
| Permits | Fees vary by municipality and project scope |
Your estimate includes a site assessment, material recommendations, and a written scope of work outlining labor, materials, and any required permits. This is not a final contract price; unforeseen conditions discovered during construction, such as hidden rot or unstable soil, may require a written change order before work continues.
Want a written estimate for your deck or porch?
We follow a consistent process on every project, so you know what to expect from the first phone call to the final walkthrough.
Step 1
We start with an on-site visit to discuss your goals, measure the space, and assess existing conditions, including access and any current structure that needs removal.
Step 2
Next, we finalize the layout, material selection, and any optional features, then provide a written proposal with pricing, scope, and an estimated schedule.
Step 3
We handle permit coordination, protect your site during demolition and construction, and build the footings, framing, and decking while scheduling required inspections along the way.
Step 4
Once construction wraps up, we complete a final inspection, address any punch list items, and review your workmanship warranty and maintenance guidance before we consider the job done.
Permit requirements depend on your specific jurisdiction, project design, and scope. Buffalo’s Department of Permit and Inspection Services oversees construction activity within city limits, while surrounding Erie County municipalities handle their own review processes.
New decks, attached structures, and covered porches commonly require municipal review, including a site plan and framing details. Zoning review and setback requirements may also apply depending on your lot. We confirm the specific exemptions and procedures that apply to your address before construction begins.
We manage the permit application process on your behalf, including coordinating with the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services for footing and final inspections. Some projects may require professionally prepared construction drawings depending on size and structural complexity. You can confirm permit status directly with the city's permit office at any point.
Buffalo is our home market, and we’ve built our business serving homeowners throughout the city and the surrounding Erie County communities. Our crews are familiar with the lot sizes, housing styles, and seasonal conditions found across this part of Western New York.
We build and repair decks and porches throughout North Buffalo neighborhoods including North Park, Parkside, Riverside, Black Rock, and University Heights, as well as Central and West Buffalo areas like Elmwood Village, Allentown, the West Side, and Hamlin Park. On the East and South sides, we serve Lovejoy, Kaisertown, South Buffalo, and the First Ward. Our coverage spans ZIP codes including 14201, 14206, 14207, 14208, 14209, 14210, 14212, 14213, 14214, 14215, 14216, 14220, and 14222, with service availability confirmed at the time of your estimate.
Beyond city limits, we serve homeowners throughout Erie County, including Amherst, Cheektowaga, Hamburg, West Seneca, Lancaster, Orchard Park, Tonawanda, and Clarence. Our broader coverage area also extends to Elma, Sloan, Lackawanna, Depew, Snyder, Kenmore, Blasdell, East Aurora, and Williamsville. If you’re unsure whether your town falls within our service area, reach out and we’ll confirm coverage for your specific address.
All Access Builders
Here are answers to common questions homeowners ask before starting a deck or porch project.
Cost depends on square footage, material choice, and site conditions like demolition or footing work. Pressure-treated wood costs less upfront than composite or PVC decking. We provide a written estimate specific to your project after an on-site assessment.
Most new decks and covered porches require a permit from the City of Buffalo or your local municipality. Requirements vary by project scope and jurisdiction, so we confirm the specifics for your address before construction begins.
There’s no single best material for every homeowner. Pressure-treated wood costs less but needs regular maintenance; composite and PVC cost more upfront but resist moisture and require less upkeep. The right choice depends on your budget and maintenance preferences.
Timeline depends on permit approval, material availability, and project complexity. Permit review alone can take one to three weeks, separate from on-site construction time. We provide a project-specific schedule as part of your written proposal.
It depends on the condition of the existing footings, joists, and support structure. We inspect the current frame first to determine whether it meets today’s requirements before deciding what can be reused versus replaced.
Yes, we build covered porches and can discuss screened-in options depending on your home’s layout and roof structure. We’ll confirm what’s feasible for your specific project, including permit requirements and roof integration, during your consultation.
Winter planning and active construction are different. Frozen ground and concrete work can affect scheduling for footings, while framing and finish work can often proceed with proper precautions. We’ll walk you through realistic timing during your consultation.
Yes. We provide free, no-pressure consultations and written estimates for deck and porch projects throughout Buffalo and Erie County. Request an assessment through our contact form or call us directly to schedule a site visit.
Whether you’re planning a new deck, replacing a worn-out porch, or repairing storm damage, All Access Builders is ready to walk through your project with you. We provide clear, written proposals, manage permits and inspections, and stand behind our work with a documented warranty. Our crews have served Buffalo and Erie County since 2003, and we bring that same local experience to every outdoor construction project we take on. Reach out today to schedule your free, no-obligation estimate.
