Frequently Asked Questions

Most custom decks in Kansas City range from $8,000 to $45,000 depending on size, materials, and elevation.

• Standard pressure-treated deck (200 sq ft): $8,000–$15,000
• Cedar mid-size deck (300–400 sq ft): $15,000–$25,000
• Composite / multi-level / covered deck: $20,000–$45,000+

We provide free written estimates with itemized material and labor costs so there are no surprises. See our deck builder page for full pricing details.

Fence installation in Kansas City typically runs $2,500 to $15,000 for residential properties.

• Chain link: $15–$25 per linear foot
• Cedar privacy fence: $30–$55 per linear foot
• Composite or vinyl: $40–$70 per linear foot
• Ornamental metal/aluminum: $35–$60 per linear foot

Final pricing depends on linear footage, height, number of gates, terrain difficulty, and whether existing fencing needs removal. View our fence installation page for material options and pricing.

Custom pergolas in Kansas City range from $3,500 to $18,000.

• Basic 10x10 cedar pergola: $3,500–$6,000
• 12x16 or 14x18 freestanding pergola: $6,000–$10,000
• Covered pergola w/ roofing & lighting: $10,000–$18,000+

We provide itemized estimates including post hardware, lumber, finishing, and any electrical work. See our pergola page for design options.

No catch. Every estimate is 100% free and there is no pressure to commit. We come out, measure the space, discuss material options and your budget, and follow up with a written estimate within 24–48 hours. You can take the estimate, get other bids, or sit on it — whatever works for you.

Honest answer: there's a huge range in quality across Kansas City contractors. The cheapest bids often skip critical things like:

• Concrete-set posts (vs. dirt-packed)
• Pressure-treated framing lumber (vs. untreated)
• Proper joist spacing for the deck material
• Permits, insurance, and licensed labor

Higher-end quotes might include premium materials (Trex, Cedartone, Western Red Cedar) and longer warranties. We give you an itemized breakdown so you can see exactly what's in our quote and compare apples to apples.

Most deck projects take 1–4 weeks from start to finish:

• Simple ground-level deck: 7–10 days
• Elevated or multi-level deck: 2–3 weeks
• Covered deck with pergola/roof: 3–4 weeks

Weather and permit timing can affect the schedule. We keep you updated daily during the build.

Most fence installations take 3–14 days depending on linear footage, terrain, and style.

• Typical residential privacy fence (150–200 ft): 3–5 days
• Large property or sloped terrain: 7–10 days
• Custom designs (ornamental, mixed materials): up to 2 weeks

Post-setting concrete needs ~24 hours to cure before panels go up, so even short fences typically span at least 3 days.

Most pergolas are completed in 3–7 days:

• Standard freestanding cedar pergola: 3–5 days
• Attached pergola with lighting or fan: 5–7 days
• Covered pergola with roofing: 7–14 days

Lead times vary by season:

• Spring & early summer (peak): 4–8 weeks out
• Late summer / early fall: 2–4 weeks out
• Late fall & winter: often 1–3 weeks out

The fastest way to lock in a slot is to get your estimate scheduled early. Call (816) 665-6165 or request an estimate online.

Yes. We work year-round in the Kansas City metro. Winter is actually a great time to book because lead times are shorter and material costs sometimes drop. Concrete post-setting can be done in cold weather using winter-rated mix and admixtures. The only days we typically pause are during heavy snow, ice, or sustained sub-freezing rain.

Cedar is the most popular choice for Kansas City because it naturally resists rot, insects, and the region's freeze-thaw cycles. It also weathers to a beautiful silver-gray patina if left unstained.

Other great options:

• Pressure-treated pine: Best value for longevity (15–20 years)
• Composite/vinyl: Virtually zero maintenance, 30+ year lifespan, higher upfront cost
• Ornamental metal/aluminum: Excellent for HOA-restrictive neighborhoods and pool fences

We work with a full range of materials including:

• Pressure-treated pine
• Western Red Cedar
• Cedartone PTP (pressure-treated cedar tone)
• Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon)
• Vinyl fencing
• Ornamental metal and aluminum
• Chain link (galvanized and vinyl-coated)

We'll recommend the best option based on your budget, style preferences, and how long you want it to last.

Both are great choices — it comes down to budget and how much maintenance you're willing to do.

Composite (Trex, TimberTech):

• ✅ 25–50 year manufacturer warranty
• ✅ Virtually no maintenance — no staining or sealing
• ✅ Won't splinter, crack, or rot
• ❌ 2–3x the upfront cost of cedar

Cedar:

• ✅ Beautiful natural wood look
• ✅ Lower upfront cost
• ✅ Cooler underfoot than dark composites in summer
• ❌ Annual or biennial staining/sealing required
• ❌ 15–25 year lifespan vs. 30+ for composite

Rule of thumb: Composite is the best long-term value if you're staying in the home 10+ years. Cedar is the better pick if budget is tight or you love the natural wood aesthetic.

A properly installed Western Red Cedar fence typically lasts 15–25 years in Missouri, sometimes longer with regular sealing every 2–3 years. Pressure-treated pine lasts 10–20 years. Vinyl and composite fencing can last 30+ years with virtually no maintenance.

The biggest factor in cedar fence lifespan is how the posts are set. We always use concrete-set posts and treat the cut ends — cheap installers who dirt-pack posts often see fences fail in 7–10 years.

Yes — cedar contains natural oils that resist rot and insects. Left untreated, it will weather to an attractive silver-gray patina over 6–12 months. To preserve the original golden-brown color, apply a UV-protective stain or sealer every 2–3 years.

Most Kansas City and Saint Joseph municipalities require permits for:

• Fences over 6 feet tall
• Any deck attached to a structure
• Any deck over 30 inches above grade
• Decks with electrical, plumbing, or gas connections

HOA approval may also be needed even when a city permit isn't. Staunch Properties handles all permit research and pulls required permits for every project — you don't have to deal with city hall.

Yes. We have extensive experience with HOAs throughout the Kansas City metro — especially in Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, and Lee's Summit. We provide:

• Detailed drawings of the proposed structure
• Material specifications and sample swatches
• Plot survey markup showing setbacks
• Any documentation your HOA architectural committee requires

If your HOA needs changes, we revise and resubmit at no extra charge.

We always work off your property survey to ensure the fence is on your side of the line. If a survey isn't available, we recommend pulling a fresh one from a licensed surveyor (typically $400–$700) before installation. We can also build the fence offset 6–12 inches from the property line to avoid any future disputes.

We handle that for you. Before any post-setting work, we contact Missouri One Call (811) to mark all underground utilities. This is free and is required by law for any digging deeper than 12 inches. Locate marks are valid for 10 working days.

We serve the entire Kansas City metro and Saint Joseph, MO area. Primary service cities with dedicated pages:

• Saint Joseph, MO (HQ city)
• Kansas City, MO
• Overland Park, KS
• Lee's Summit, MO
• Liberty, MO

We also serve Olathe, Independence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Blue Springs, Prairie Village, Leawood, and surrounding communities. Call (816) 665-6165 to confirm service to your address.

For projects within our standard service radius (roughly 45 miles from either Saint Joseph or Kansas City), there is no travel charge. Projects further out may include a small mobilization fee for the crew — we'll disclose that clearly in the estimate.

Our headquarters is at 527 N 8th Street, Saint Joseph, MO 64501. We dispatch crews from there to projects across the Kansas City metro. View on Google Maps.

Yes — elevated and multi-level decks are some of our specialties. We build:

• Elevated decks (10+ feet off the ground)
• Multi-level decks with transitions and steps
• Second-story balconies
• Waterfront and sloped-terrain decks
• Wraparound decks
• Decks with integrated pergolas, lighting, and benches

Browse the gallery on our homepage for completed examples.

Yes. We handle full demolition and hauling of existing fences, decks, and outdoor structures as part of any new install. Removal of old materials, dumpster fees, and disposal are itemized in your written estimate so there are no surprise charges.

Both. New construction is our primary focus, but we also handle:

• Deck board replacement
• Fence section repair
• Post replacement (rotted or storm-damaged)
• Railing upgrades and code-compliance retrofits
• Structural restoration and reinforcement
• Re-staining and sealing

Send us photos and we'll let you know whether repair or replacement is the better value.

Yes. Beyond fences and decks we build:

• Custom cedar pergolas (freestanding and attached)
• Covered pergolas with metal or shingled roofing
• Gazebos and pavilions
• Privacy screens and outdoor room dividers
• Custom gates (ornamental metal, wood, mixed materials)
• Outdoor stairs and landings

We can integrate lighting, ceiling fans, outlets, and outdoor entertainment electrical — coordinated with a licensed electrician.

Yes. For repairs and expansions we match existing materials, board widths, stain colors, and post styles as closely as possible. For new builds adjacent to existing structures we can replicate the original design or design something that complements it.

Yes — we work with property managers, small businesses, restaurants (patio decks, outdoor seating), HOAs (community fencing), and rental property owners. Contact us for a commercial quote.

Three easy ways:

1. Click Project Estimate on any page of this site
2. Call us at (816) 665-6165
3. Email Brian@StaunchProperties.com

Most estimates are returned within 24–48 hours and include itemized material and labor costs.

We accept:

• Check
• Cash
• ACH bank transfer
• All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)

A signed estimate and deposit are required to schedule a project. The remaining balance is typically split into a progress payment and a final payment upon completion.

We don't offer financing in-house, but many homeowners use:

• Home equity loans / HELOCs
• Cash-out refinance
• Third-party home improvement financing (Hearth, Synchrony, GreenSky, Sunlight)

We're happy to provide written estimates that you can submit to any lender for approval.

Typical deposits are 25–33% of the project total, due once the estimate is signed and the start date is scheduled. The deposit covers materials ordering and crew scheduling. The remaining balance is paid in milestones (usually a progress payment at framing complete and a final payment at project completion).

Yes. Staunch Properties is fully licensed and carries:

• General liability insurance
• Workers' compensation insurance

Insurance certificates can be provided upon request before any work begins. This protects you, your property, and our crew if anything happens on the job.

Yes. Staunch Properties stands behind every project with a workmanship guarantee. Material warranties vary by product:

• Composite manufacturers (Trex, TimberTech): 25–50 year warranties
• Cedar & pressure-treated lumber: Limited manufacturer warranties
• Vinyl fencing: Lifetime limited warranty (most manufacturers)
• Ornamental metal: 10–20 year manufacturer warranty

Specific warranty terms are included in your written estimate.

Every Staunch Properties project is built by our own in-house crew — not subcontracted to whoever bid lowest. Owner Brian Imes is personally involved in every estimate and walks every project. You get one phone number, one point of accountability, and one team start to finish.

Staunch Properties is family-owned and operated by Brian Imes, headquartered in Saint Joseph, MO since 2016. Unlike national chains that:

• Send a salesperson, not the contractor
• Subcontract to whichever crew is available
• Use call-center scheduling with no local accountability
• Pad pricing for corporate overhead

...with Staunch Properties you get honest itemized pricing, real craftsmanship, local code expertise, and a workmanship guarantee — directly from the owner. Read more about Brian and the company »

Staunch Properties has been serving the Saint Joseph and Kansas City metro since 2016 — approaching a decade of fence, deck, and outdoor construction in the region.