Hiring Your Deck Builder
Outstanding service means understanding your needs, sticking to the quoted price, showing up on time and finishing when promised. Choosing a specialist with a long record, and talking directly to the person who builds it, is how you get it.
Who can you trust in your back yard?
Have you called contractors who never called back, or met a salesperson who couldn’t answer a simple building question? Inviting someone to tear up your yard and build something your family will stand on is a big decision, and it’s hard to know who will do the job right.
Plenty of homeowners have been burned
Many homeowners have a story about the builder who disappeared halfway through, the bid that kept growing or the deck that started to fail after a few summers. Those experiences make anyone cautious, and they should.
What to look for, and what you’ll find here
Customers who check a builder’s record find the choice gets easier. Founded in 1990, J.R.’s Custom Decks specializes in outdoor construction and nothing else: decks, arbors, pergolas, gazebos, pool and spa decks and patio enclosures. There are no salespeople. J.R. answers the phone, visits your home, draws the plans, gives you a firm quote and is on site when your project is built. You’ll never pay more than quoted.
J.R. is a TrexPRO Platinum builder, fully insured and permit compliant, with years of customer-service awards earned from verified reviews. Browse the project galleries, read what customers say, and ask for references.
We build throughout San Antonio and Bexar County and out to New Braunfels, Bulverde, Spring Branch, Floresville and La Vernia.
More Questions About Hiring Your Builder
Do you use salespeople or is it direct contact with the owner?
We don't use salespeople. Jose personally handles all consultations and provides all estimates. This means you're getting expert advice from someone with 35+ years of hands-on experience, not a sales pitch from someone who doesn't build decks. It also means fewer miscommunications since the person planning your project is the same person overseeing construction.
What is your business philosophy?
We follow a three-phase approach: Plan to Enjoy (understanding how you want to use your outdoor space), Build it Right (selecting appropriate materials and using proper construction techniques), and Build on Schedule (completing projects on time with minimal disruption). This philosophy prioritizes long-term satisfaction over cutting corners.
Do you have references I can check?
Yes, we have hundreds of satisfied customers and maintain strong ratings on Google (4.9 stars), Angie's List, and Houzz. We're also happy to provide references from past customers with projects similar to yours—just ask during your consultation.
What is your Google rating?
Our Google reviews consistently highlight punctuality, quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and fair pricing. You can read them on our home page or on Google to see what working with us is like.
How do you handle customer communication?
We prioritize responsive, clear communication throughout every project. Jose is available by phone and responds quickly to questions. During construction, he's on-site daily and provides updates on progress. If any issues arise, we address them immediately rather than letting problems linger.
What is your approach to customer service?
Customer satisfaction drives everything we do. We listen carefully to understand how you want to use your outdoor space, provide honest recommendations (including telling you when a less expensive option makes more sense), and ensure you're happy with every aspect of your project. Our repeat customer rate and referral business reflect this commitment.
What areas does J.R.’s Custom Decks serve?
We serve San Antonio and surrounding communities including New Braunfels, Floresville, Lavernia, Bulverde, and Spring Branch. Our service area extends approximately 50 miles from San Antonio, covering much of the Texas Hill Country. If you're unsure whether we serve your area, contact us to confirm.
How far will you travel for a project?
We primarily serve areas within about 50 miles of San Antonio, which includes most of the surrounding Hill Country communities. For projects at the edge of our service area, we evaluate on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to confirm we can serve your location.
Ask the Right Questions
How long has J.R.’s Custom Decks been in business?
J.R.'s Custom Decks has been serving the San Antonio area since 1990, giving us over 35 years of experience in custom outdoor construction. During that time, we've built hundreds of decks, arbors, pergolas, and gazebos across San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country. That depth of experience means we've encountered virtually every design challenge, soil condition, and architectural style in the region.
Who is the owner of J.R.’s Custom Decks?
J.R. (Jose Reyna) is the owner and founder of J.R.'s Custom Decks. Unlike many contractors who send salespeople or project managers, Jose personally handles every consultation and estimate. He's also on-site daily during construction to ensure quality and answer questions. This hands-on approach has been central to our business since 1990.
Is J.R.’s Custom Decks a licensed contractor?
Yes. J.R.'s Custom Decks is fully insured and permit compliant, specializing in outdoor construction in the San Antonio area. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and pull the permits your project requires. We're happy to provide proof of insurance on request.
What certifications does J.R.’s Custom Decks have?
We are a TrexPRO Platinum Builder, which is the highest certification level awarded by Trex. This designation requires demonstrated expertise in composite deck installation, completion of specialized training, and a track record of quality installations. Fewer than 5% of deck builders achieve Platinum status. This certification means customers receive enhanced warranty coverage on Trex installations.
What awards has J.R.’s Custom Decks won?
Year after year, J.R.'s Custom Decks has earned awards that come from verified customer reviews, not paid placement, including the Angie's List Super Service Award and Best of Houzz for Service. See the full list on our awards page.
Does the owner personally work on projects?
Yes, Jose is personally involved in every project from start to finish. He conducts all initial consultations and estimates himself—we don't use salespeople. During construction, Jose visits the job site daily to oversee progress, ensure quality, and address any questions. This level of owner involvement is increasingly rare in the construction industry.
How can I contact J.R.’s Custom Decks?
Call or text Jose directly at (210) 789-5677. You can also send a request through the contact form on our website. Jose personally responds to all inquiries, typically within 24 hours.
