Why Trex, Decks.com and Deck Designer Plans Get Rejected for Permits (and How to Fix Them)
Deck designer PDFs from Trex, Decks.com, TimberTech and home-store deck planners are usually rejected for permits because they are design and material lists, not building plans. They typically show the deck's size, layout and decking, but leave out the footing size and depth, the ledger attachment to the house, guard and stair details, a site plan with setbacks and local code notes. Trex's own blueprint states that it is not a complete building plan. To get a permit, those missing pieces have to be added to the drawings, usually by a deck drafter or designer.
What deck designer tools are built for
Online deck designers are excellent for deciding on a size and shape, trying out decking colors and railings, and getting a shopping list. They are made by decking and retail companies to help you choose products. Their exports are not drawn for a specific lot, a specific house connection or a specific city's code, and most include a disclaimer saying so.
What a deck planner PDF usually leaves out
When a plan reviewer looks at a deck submittal, they are checking that it will stay up and keep people safe. Those checks depend on details that a design tool can't know without your site information:
- Footing size and depth below your local frost line
- How the ledger attaches to the house: fastener type and spacing, flashing and lateral load ties
- A site plan showing the deck's distance from property lines
- Guard height and baluster spacing, stair rise and run, handrails and landings
- Post size and post-to-beam and beam-to-footing connections
- Notes referencing your jurisdiction's adopted code (often the IRC with local amendments)
The composite decking joist spacing issue
Composite decking such as Trex usually requires joists at 16 inches on center, or 12 inches for diagonal patterns and some product lines. If the framing on your plan doesn't match the decking manufacturer's spacing, or the joist size isn't checked for that spacing and span, the reviewer will flag it. Your permit drawings should list the decking product and the joist size and spacing that suit it.
How to fix a rejected deck planner plan
You don't need to start over. Keep your deck planner layout and add a complete permit set around it:
- A site plan with property lines, setbacks and the deck footprint
- A framing plan with joist, beam and post sizes checked against the code span tables
- A footing plan with size and depth
- A ledger detail, plus guard and stair details
- A section through the deck and code notes for your city
Turn your deck planner PDF into a permit-ready set
Send us your Trex, Decks.com or other deck planner PDF, your address and a few photos, and we'll keep your layout and turn it into a permit-ready deck drawing set in 24 to 72 hours. For what inspectors check in the field, see deck and pergola structural details.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a deck permit with a Trex deck planner blueprint?
Usually not by itself. The blueprint states it is not a complete building plan and leaves footings and the ledger attachment to you and your local code authority. It's a good starting point for a full permit set.
Why was my Decks.com deck plan rejected?
Most often because it lacks footing details, the ledger connection, guard and stair details, a site plan with setbacks, or code notes for your city.
Do I need an engineer for a deck permit?
Many simple decks can be permitted using the IRC prescriptive tables without an engineer. Roofed decks, hot tubs, tall decks and decks on slopes often need engineering.
How long does it take to fix a rejected deck plan?
We usually deliver a permit-ready deck set in 24 to 72 hours after receiving your deck planner PDF, address and photos.
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