Seven Pines Home Improvement
Seven Pines Home Improvement installs cedar decks in Shrewsbury, MA and across MetroWest for homeowners who want a natural wood deck built to code, with pricing that runs $30 to $55 per square foot installed in 2026 and a timeline of three days to four weeks depending on scope.
Cedar is the material of choice when a homeowner wants genuine wood character without the maintenance burden of most softwoods. It resists decay and insect damage naturally, holds fasteners cleanly, and takes a semi-transparent stain well once the boards have acclimated. We install cedar decks on Colonial Revivals, raised ranches, and Cape Cods across Shrewsbury and the surrounding MetroWest towns, handling permitting, footings, framing, decking, railings, and stairs from a single contract.
Seven Pines Home Improvement holds HIC #205267. Every cedar deck installation is backed by our 3-year workmanship warranty. This page covers the full range of cedar deck installation services we offer in Shrewsbury and the surrounding MetroWest communities.
Residential Cedar Deck Services
Seven Pines Home Improvement handles the full scope of cedar deck work in Shrewsbury and across MetroWest, from designing and building a new structure to replacing an aging deck with natural wood that is properly graded, gapped, and built to Massachusetts code.
Much of the single-family housing stock in Shrewsbury was built between 1970 and 1999. Those homes commonly came with pressure-treated wood decks that have now absorbed thirty or forty freeze-thaw cycles. Some of those structures are candidates for repair or resurfacing. Others have framing that has shifted beyond repair and need a full replacement built with a material matched to what Central Massachusetts actually does to exterior wood over decades.
Cedar is a natural fit for that replacement because its inherent oils resist fungal decay and insect damage without chemical treatment, and it holds fasteners cleanly while taking a semi-transparent stain well once the boards have acclimated. Choosing the right grade, Western red cedar or Eastern white cedar, and the right configuration, ground-level, elevated, or multi-level, depends on the condition of the existing substructure, how the deck attaches to the house, and what the homeowner needs the space to do for the next fifteen to twenty years. Marcony Araujo and Romero Araujo assess each project on-site before any scope is written. A free estimate is the starting point for every cedar deck project we take on in Shrewsbury.
Seven Pines Cedar Deck Services
From ground-level cedar builds and elevated decks with railing systems to cedar replacement over an existing substructure and multi-level wraparound decks with stairs, Seven Pines handles every phase of cedar deck installation across Shrewsbury and MetroWest.
New Decks
A ground-level cedar deck sits close to grade and requires simpler footings than an elevated structure, which keeps framing complexity and overall cost lower. It is the right starting point for homeowners who want natural wood character and easy yard access without the need for a full railing system. Cedar's natural oils make it well suited to the moisture exposure that comes with a deck close to grade in a New England climate.
Elevated Decks
An elevated cedar deck requires frost-depth footings, a through-bolted and flashed ledger board, and a code-compliant railing system on any section thirty inches or more above grade. Massachusetts building code sets railing height and baluster spacing requirements, and we pull the permit, meet the code, and leave the structure inspection-ready. Elevated builds on Shrewsbury's raised ranches and Colonials make full use of the back yard without altering the home's footprint.
Replacement
When an existing deck frame is structurally sound but the decking surface has deteriorated, replacing only the boards with new cedar is a cost-effective path. We inspect the existing substructure, sister or replace any compromised joists, and install fresh cedar decking with correct gapping and fastening. This scope avoids the cost of full demolition while delivering the look and performance of a new cedar surface.
Multi-Level
Multi-level and wraparound cedar decks involve more complex framing, additional railing runs, and built-in stair construction, which places them at the higher end of the project timeline and budget. They suit larger lots or homes where a single rectangular platform would leave part of the yard underused. Cedar's consistent grain and natural finish make it one of the best materials for a wraparound deck that needs to look cohesive across multiple faces of the house.
Deck Repair
Cedar deck repair addresses rotted boards, failing fasteners, compromised ledger attachments, or posts that have lost their base contact. Even naturally rot-resistant cedar degrades when surface sealant is neglected and end grain is left exposed to Central MA's freeze-thaw cycle. Catching a failing board or ledger connection early keeps repair costs well below full replacement and extends the life of an otherwise sound structure.
Wood Protection
Cedar deck staining and sealing protects the wood from moisture intrusion, UV damage, and the mold that follows a wet Worcester County autumn. A cedar-compatible semi-transparent stain and sealer applied after the boards have acclimated and dried is the correct sequence following a new installation. Periodic reapplication, typically every one to two years depending on sun exposure and foot traffic, is the single most important maintenance step a cedar deck owner can take.
Compare Your Options
The right cedar deck build depends on your yard layout, the condition of any existing structure, how high the deck sits above grade, and how much ongoing maintenance you want to take on. This table gives a straight read on when each configuration makes sense and what it typically costs in the Shrewsbury area.
Swipe sideways to view the full comparison table.
| Configuration | Best for | Holds up to central MA freeze-thaw | Typical range (2026) | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground-Level Cedar Deck | Yards with minimal grade change; simpler footings and no guardrail required | Strong when boards are properly gapped and sealed before the freeze cycle begins | $30 to $55 per sq ft installed | Deck Builder in Shrewsbury |
| Elevated Cedar Deck with Railing System | Decks 30"+ above grade requiring code-compliant guardrails and stairs | Strong with hot-dip galvanized or stainless fasteners and proper ledger flashing | $30 to $55 per sq ft installed | Deck Builder in Shrewsbury |
| Cedar Deck Replacement Over Existing Substructure | Sound pressure-treated frame with worn or damaged cedar decking boards | Good provided the existing framing passes inspection and flashing is refreshed | $30 to $55 per sq ft installed | Deck Repair in Shrewsbury |
| Multi-Level or Wraparound Cedar Deck with Built-In Stairs | Larger yards, split-level homes, or homeowners maximising outdoor living space | Strong when each level is framed independently with frost-depth footings and continuous flashing | $30 to $55 per sq ft installed | Deck Builder in Shrewsbury |
| Composite Deck Installation | Homeowners who want low annual maintenance and no staining cycle | Strong; engineered to resist moisture absorption and surface cracking | Varies by product line | Composite Deck Installation |
| Deck Staining and Sealing | Existing cedar decks with sound structure needing surface protection each season | Effective when prepped and applied correctly before the freeze cycle begins | $1,500 to $5,500 | Deck Staining and Sealing |
2026 Project Pricing
Cedar deck installation in Shrewsbury runs $30 to $55 per square foot installed, based on 2026 market rates. Total square footage, deck height, railing requirements, grade of cedar selected, footing complexity, removal of an existing structure, site accessibility, and local permit fees all move the number. The ranges below reflect actual project data for this service in the MetroWest area.
Grade of cedar, deck height, and site access all shape the final estimate
Swipe sideways to view the full pricing table.
| Service | Typical range in Shrewsbury (2026) | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-level cedar deck | $30 to $45 per sq ft installed | Square footage, cedar grade, sonotube footing count, board pattern selected |
| Elevated cedar deck with railing system | $38 to $55 per sq ft installed | Deck height, guardrail linear footage, baluster style, framing complexity |
| Cedar deck replacement over existing substructure | $30 to $50 per sq ft installed | Condition of existing framing, demolition and haul-away scope, ledger re-flashing required |
| Multi-level or wraparound cedar deck with stairs | $42 to $55 per sq ft installed | Number of levels, stair runs, helical vs. sonotube footings, overall structural complexity |
| Cedar railing and baluster installation | Priced per linear foot; included in full-build scope | Linear footage, baluster spacing, post anchoring method, post cap style |
| Permit, demolition, and haul-away | Variable; included in written estimate | Town permit fee schedule, size of existing structure removed, site access for dumpster placement |
Every project is quoted after an on-site assessment, contact us to schedule yours.
Hiring Guide
The ledger board, the piece that attaches your deck to the house, is where most structural failures and rot problems begin, and it is the one element that is easy to skip when a contractor is eager to move to visible work. Ask any candidate whether the ledger will be inspected and how it attaches: flashing type, bolt spacing, and the condition of the band joist behind it all matter, especially on homes built in the 1970s and 1980s when dimensional lumber has since shrunk. A properly flashed ledger directs water away from the house framing rather than trapping it. Know what you have before a single board goes down.
A proposal that says "cedar decking" without naming the species, the grade, and the fastener system is not a complete scope. Clear Western red cedar and No.2 Eastern white cedar behave differently, and their price difference is significant. Cedar boards require board gaps sized for seasonal wood movement, and hidden fastener clip systems handle that differently than face-screwed installations. The written estimate should name the material grade, the fastener method, and what happens if the subframe underneath is worse than it appears once demolition begins. Anything left unspecified becomes a change-order opportunity later.
Massachusetts requires a building permit under 780 CMR for any deck attached to the house or elevated above grade, and Shrewsbury processes applications through the Building Inspector's Office. The permit puts a licensed inspector between you and an undetected structural problem, and it protects your home's value at resale. A contractor who suggests skipping the permit to save time is telling you something about how they approach every other part of the job. Confirm that your contractor knows the local requirements, will handle the plan submission, and will pull the permit in their name rather than handing the paperwork to you.
A cedar deck is an exterior structure in a climate that swings from humid 90-degree summers to sub-zero January nights. Material warranties from the lumber supplier cover the product; workmanship warranties cover the installation. Ask every candidate what they stand behind and for how long, and get it on paper before work begins. A meaningful workmanship warranty covers structural connections, fastening, flashing, and framing, and it lasts long enough to see the deck through at least a few full Central MA freeze-thaw cycles before any obligation expires.
Service Area
Seven Pines Home Improvement is based on the Northside of Shrewsbury and installs cedar decks throughout Shrewsbury and the surrounding Worcester County towns, including Northborough, Grafton, Millis, Hopkinton, Holliston, and Marlborough. We also serve MetroWest communities to the east, including Newton, Needham, Weston, Westwood, Natick, Concord, Dover, Sherborn, Brookline, Acton, Boxborough, Medway, Medfield, Somerville, and Boston. If your property falls anywhere in that range and you are thinking about a cedar deck project, call us at (857) 247-4667 and we will confirm coverage and schedule your free estimate.
Helpful Information
Cedar deck installation in Shrewsbury runs $30 to $55 per square foot installed, based on 2026 market rates. Total square footage, deck height, railing requirements, grade of cedar selected, footing complexity, removal of an existing structure, site accessibility, and local permit fees all move the number. We provide a detailed written estimate after seeing the space. Contact us to Get a Quote.
Four configurations are available: a ground-level cedar deck, an elevated deck with a railing system, a cedar deck replacement over an existing substructure, and a multi-level or wraparound deck with built-in stairs. Ground-level builds cost less because they require simpler footings and no guardrails, while multi-level decks carry higher framing and structural complexity. We walk through the options during the design consultation.
We stand behind our workmanship with a 3-year warranty. If an issue is caused by our work, we'll return promptly to inspect it and make it right at no additional cost during the warranty period. Warranty coverage applies to structural connections, fastening, flashing, and framing. Homeowner-side maintenance such as annual re-staining is outside the scope of the warranty and remains the owner's responsibility.
Any cedar deck attached to the house or elevated above grade requires a building permit under 780 CMR, the Massachusetts State Building Code, with plans submitted to Shrewsbury's Building Inspector's Office online. We handle the permit application and plan submission as part of the standard project scope, so that step never falls to the homeowner to manage independently.
A ground-level cedar deck under 200 square feet takes roughly 3 to 5 days of construction. A mid-size deck between 200 and 400 square feet with railings and stairs runs 1 to 2 weeks, and a large or multi-level deck takes 2 to 4 weeks. Permitting and material delivery add lead time before any framing begins, and we account for both in the written project schedule.
Scope covers design consultation, permit application, demolition and haul-away of any existing structure, footings, framing, cedar decking boards, railings, stairs, and a final walkthrough. Annual re-staining, built-in lighting, pergolas, and hot tub structural upgrades fall outside the standard scope unless written into the estimate separately. We specify inclusions and exclusions in the written estimate before work begins.
The ledger is where most deck failures and rot problems originate. We through-bolt the ledger board and install flashing that directs water away from the house framing rather than trapping it behind the connection. Footings are set below the Massachusetts frost line, commonly 48 inches, and inspected before backfill so seasonal ground movement cannot shift the structure over time.
We install cedar decks across the full service area, including Newton, Weston, Needham, Westwood, Brookline, Natick, Concord, Acton, Hopkinton, Holliston, Marlborough, Northborough, Grafton, Medfield, Dover, Sherborn, Medway, Millis, Boxborough, Hingham, Boston, and Somerville, in addition to Shrewsbury. Get a Quote for your specific property by reaching out to schedule a site evaluation.
Start a Conversation
If you are still comparing cedar grades, deciding between a ground-level build and an elevated deck with railings, or simply figuring out where to start, that is exactly the right time to reach out. We will visit the property, assess the site, and provide a written estimate with no obligation and no pressure. Seven Pines Home Improvement has been building cedar decks in Shrewsbury and throughout MetroWest since 2016 and is registered under HIC #205267. Marcony Araujo and Romero Araujo are available to answer your questions before you commit to anything. You can learn more about our company and how we work on our about page.
Our Shrewsbury Base
Seven Pines Home Improvement is based at 14 Rice Avenue in Shrewsbury and installs herringbone and pattern wood floors across Worcester County and MetroWest, from Shrewsbury and Worcester out to Natick, Newton, Needham, Weston, Concord and Holliston.
Our herringbone and pattern floor installation crew works out of Shrewsbury and reaches most of our service area within a 40 minute drive, from Worcester, Northborough, and Grafton to the towns along Route 9 and Route 495.
We are based in Shrewsbury at 14 Rice Avenue, on the north side of town near the Northborough line. Most of the homes where we install herringbone and pattern wood floors sit inside a 40 minute drive of the shop, which is what makes it practical to return for a punch list item or a warranty call after a pattern floor project is complete.
Customer Reviews
Seven Pines holds a 5.0-star rating on Google across 9 reviews from homeowners in Shrewsbury and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
After water damage, Seven Pines rebuilt and painted the affected areas with impressive attention to detail. Marcony, Romero and the crew were professional, punctual and respectful of the home, taking care of small details without needing to be asked.
Seven Pines completed the original house project along with several additional requests. The team delivered great work and completed everything in about half the originally estimated time.
Marcony and the Seven Pines team delivered excellent results on a herringbone floor installation project. They were precise with every cut, arrived on time, and the finished pattern is exactly what we envisioned for our entryway.
