Residential License # 890459
Commercial License # 3667
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Residential License # 890459
Commercial License # 3667
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Harahan’s established neighborhoods offer excellent opportunities for deck additions that expand your living space outdoors. Whether you choose composite or pressure-treated wood, building a deck in this Jefferson Parish community requires careful attention to Louisiana’s humidity, flood zone elevation requirements, and long-term material performance.
Harahan is one of those communities where the homes have character and the lots have history. Situated along the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish, the city is made up largely of mid-century ranch homes, raised cottages, and brick residences that were built before outdoor living became a design priority. Many of these homes have small concrete stoops or aging wooden steps where a proper deck could transform the entire relationship between the house and the yard. At TurnKey Patio, we work with Harahan homeowners to design and build decks that match the character of these established neighborhoods while meeting modern building standards.
The typical Harahan lot is wider and deeper than what you find in denser parts of the metro, like Uptown New Orleans or Old Metairie. Most homes sit on lots ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet, with backyards that have room for a meaningful outdoor structure. Many of these backyards are underutilized, serving as little more than grass, a storage shed, and maybe a portable grill. A well-designed deck changes that equation entirely.
A deck creates a level, finished surface that extends your indoor living area directly into the outdoors. Unlike a ground-level patio slab, a deck can be built at door-sill height, creating a seamless transition from the kitchen or living room to an outdoor dining or lounging space. For Harahan’s raised homes, particularly the older cottages and ranch-style houses elevated on piers or blocks, a deck brings the outdoor surface up to the living level instead of forcing you to walk down steps every time you go outside.
TurnKey Patio’s deck building services cover every step of the process, from initial design and material selection through permitting, construction, and final inspection. We build decks that fit the scale and style of Harahan’s residential neighborhoods, whether that means a compact 12-by-16-foot platform off the back door or a wraparound deck with multiple levels and built-in seating.
Material selection is the decision that will affect your deck’s appearance, maintenance requirements, and lifespan more than any other factor. In Harahan’s climate, where humidity regularly exceeds 80 percent and summer temperatures stay above 90 degrees for months, the choice between composite and wood deserves serious consideration.
Pressure-treated pine is the traditional decking material in Louisiana. It is affordable, widely available, and naturally resistant to rot and insect damage when properly treated. However, pressure-treated wood requires regular maintenance. You will need to power wash, stain, and seal the deck every one to two years to prevent graying, splintering, and moisture damage. In Harahan’s climate, skipping a maintenance cycle can lead to visible deterioration within a single season.
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic polymers, creating a board that resists moisture absorption, does not splinter, and never needs staining or sealing. Modern composite boards have improved dramatically over early generations. Today’s products offer realistic wood grain textures, consistent color that does not fade significantly, and surface treatments that resist mold and mildew growth. The tradeoff is cost. Composite decking typically runs two to three times the price of pressure-treated pine per square foot for materials alone.
For Harahan homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term, composite often makes financial sense despite the higher upfront cost. Over a 15-year period, the savings on stain, sealant, and maintenance labor can offset the initial price difference. For homeowners on a tighter budget or those planning to sell within a few years, pressure-treated pine delivers a solid deck at a lower entry point.
Harahan sits in Jefferson Parish, and portions of the city fall within FEMA-designated flood zones. If your property is in a flood zone, any new construction, including a deck, must comply with floodplain management regulations. This typically means the lowest floor of a habitable structure must be built at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for your zone.
For decks, the rules are somewhat different than for enclosed structures. An open deck (no walls, no roof) is generally not classified as habitable space, which gives you more flexibility on elevation requirements. However, the deck’s substructure must be designed to allow floodwaters to pass through without creating an obstruction. This means using open-spaced joists, avoiding solid skirting around the deck base, and ensuring that any electrical or plumbing connections are above the BFE.
TurnKey Patio builds elevated decks throughout Harahan and Jefferson Parish, and our team is familiar with the local permitting requirements for flood zone construction. We design substructures that meet parish code while still providing a stable, attractive platform for your outdoor space. If your home is already elevated on piers, a deck at the same height creates a natural extension of your living area without the need for separate stairs.
A deck is more than a platform. It is an outdoor room, and the design should reflect how you plan to use it. In Harahan, where neighbors know each other and backyard gatherings are a regular occurrence, decks often serve as the primary entertaining space from spring through fall.
Consider the layout carefully. A single-level deck works well for smaller lots or simpler use cases like a dining area and a couple of lounge chairs. Multi-level decks create distinct zones, maybe a cooking area at one level, a dining platform at another, and a lower seating area closer to the yard. Built-in benches and planters reduce the need for standalone furniture and give the deck a more integrated, finished look.
Once your deck is built, furnishing it completes the transformation. Browse our selection of outdoor patio furniture designed to hold up in Louisiana’s heat and humidity. Powder-coated aluminum frames, all-weather wicker, and marine-grade cushion fabrics are all smart choices for a Harahan deck that stays outdoors year-round.
Railing systems are another design decision with both aesthetic and practical implications. Cable railings offer a modern, open look that preserves sightlines across your yard. Traditional wood or composite balusters provide a more classic appearance that fits the style of Harahan’s older homes. Building code in Jefferson Parish requires railings on any deck surface 30 inches or more above grade, so this is not optional for elevated decks.
Visit our Harahan home improvement page to learn more about the services we offer in your community. To start planning your deck project, call TurnKey Patio at (504) 285-2824 or request your free deck consultation online. We will visit your property, assess the site conditions, and help you choose the materials and design that make the most sense for your home, your lot, and your budget.
Composite decking performs better in Harahan’s high-humidity environment because it resists moisture absorption, mold growth, and splintering without requiring annual sealing or staining. Pressure-treated pine is a more affordable option but needs regular maintenance every one to two years to prevent weather damage in Louisiana’s climate.
Yes. Jefferson Parish requires building permits for deck construction. The permit process includes plan review for structural integrity, setback compliance, and flood zone requirements if applicable. TurnKey Patio manages the entire permitting process as part of every deck project.
Yes, but the deck must comply with Jefferson Parish floodplain management regulations. Open decks without walls or roofing have more flexibility than enclosed structures, but the substructure must allow floodwaters to pass through freely. TurnKey Patio designs elevated deck substructures that meet all local flood zone requirements.
Most residential deck installations take one to two weeks from the start of construction, depending on the deck size, complexity, and material choice. The full project timeline, including design, permitting, and construction, typically runs four to six weeks. Weather delays during Louisiana’s rainy season may extend the schedule.
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