How a Deck Gets Built in Virginia Beach: Animated Step-by-Step Guide

Animated Guide

How a Deck Gets Built in Virginia Beach

From city permit to final inspection — scroll to watch a coastal composite deck come together, stage by stage, the way we build it at B&B Decks. Based on our Virginia Beach Deck Building Guide.

  1. 1

    Permit Filed With the City

    Every new deck in Virginia Beach needs a building permit — no matter the size or height. We prepare the application, site plan, and through-wall section drawing and submit through the city portal.

    Coastal detail: initial online review usually takes about 3 business days.

  2. 2

    Site Plan, Setbacks & CBPA Check

    Before anything is dug, the layout is staked against zoning setbacks — and we confirm whether your lot sits in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area or a Resource Protection Area buffer.

    Coastal detail: waterfront and RPA lots may need buffer review or the Wetlands Board.

  3. 3

    Footings Dug for Sandy Soil

    Footing holes go below the frost line and onto soil that can carry the load. Virginia Beach’s sandy, high-water-table soils often mean wider or deeper footings than an inland lot.

    Coastal detail: loose sand has lower bearing capacity — we oversize footings to prevent settling.

  4. 4

    Setback / Footing Inspection & Pour

    A city inspector verifies the deck location and footing depth before any concrete is placed. Only after sign-off do we pour.

    Coastal detail: this is the first of the city’s required inspections — it can’t be skipped.

  5. 5

    Posts & Beams Set

    The structural skeleton goes up: posts on corrosion-resistant bases, sized beams, and approved connectors — never toe-nails.

    Coastal detail: hot-dipped galvanized or stainless hardware stands up to salt air.

  6. 6

    Ledger, Flashing & Joists

    The ledger — a pressure-treated 2×8 minimum — is through-bolted to the band joist and flashed so water can’t reach the house. Joists are hung, taped, and tied.

    Coastal detail: most deck failures start at the ledger; hurricane ties resist wind uplift.

  7. 7

    Framing Inspection

    The city checks the ledger attachment, fasteners, joist hangers, and connections while everything is still visible.

    Coastal detail: inspectors look hardest at the connections wind and moisture attack first.

  8. 8

    Composite Boards & Railing

    Capped composite or PVC decking goes down with hidden fasteners and a picture-frame border. Guardrails are set at 36" with balusters a 4" sphere can’t pass.

    Coastal detail: composite resists salt, UV, and humidity far better than wood.

  9. 9

    Final Inspection — Deck Approved

    The deck can’t be used until the final inspection passes. Then it’s yours: built to Virginia code, ready for storm season, backed by our 5-year warranty.

    Coastal detail: an approved final protects your home sale and insurance down the road.

Want this done for you — permits, inspections, and all?

B&B Decks handles the whole process. Read the full Virginia Beach Deck Building Guide, try the Permit & HOA Checker, or get a free estimate — (757) 676-0863.