Build Outdoor Spaces That Last Seasons

Dickerson Basements & More designs and builds custom decks and patios throughout the greater Harrisburg area for year-round use.

Your backyard in Carlisle, Hershey, Dillsburg or the surrounding areas sees heavy snow in January and humid heat in July, and the outdoor space you build needs to handle both without warping, splitting, or losing its finish. When you work with Dickerson Basements & More, you get a deck or patio designed around how Central Pennsylvania weather behaves and how you plan to use the space, whether that means grilling with family, lounging by the pool, or hosting neighbors on a covered patio.


The service includes site evaluation, material selection based on durability and maintenance requirements, structural framing that accounts for temperature swings and moisture exposure, and integration with existing features such as pools, gardens, or home entrances. Materials are chosen to resist fading, cracking, and seasonal movement, and the layout is planned to suit how you move between your home and yard. Dickerson Basements & More builds decks and patios that connect indoor and outdoor living without requiring constant upkeep or early replacement.


If you are ready to plan an outdoor project in the greater Harrisburg area, reach out to discuss your property and what you want the space to do.

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54+

Years Of Experience

Materials and layout chosen for how you use the space

Dickerson Basements & More begins by walking your property in the greater Harrisburg area to assess grade, drainage, sun exposure, and how the new structure will connect to your home or yard. You discuss preferred materials, whether composite, treated lumber, or stone, and the team explains how each performs under local conditions. Framing is built to code with attention to joist spacing, post placement, and ledger attachment to prevent sagging or movement over time.


After the work is finished, you will notice level walking surfaces, secure railings, and a structure that does not shift when you walk across it. The deck or patio will drain water properly, resist staining from leaves or pollen, and require only occasional cleaning rather than yearly refinishing. You gain usable square footage that extends your living area and increases your property value without adding indoor square footage.


The project includes permits, inspections, and coordination with any related work such as lighting, steps, or landscaping. If your project involves a pool or an addition, the outdoor structure is planned to match timing and access needs. Dickerson Basements & More does not provide landscaping or irrigation, but the build accounts for plantings, grading, and drainage so everything works together once the project is complete.

Questions homeowners ask before starting outdoor builds

Homeowners in the greater Harrisburg area often want to know how long the project takes, what materials hold up best, and whether the structure will need regular maintenance or repairs. These questions help clarify what to prepare for and what the finished space will require.

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What materials work best for decks in Central Pennsylvania?
Composite decking resists moisture and temperature swings without needing stain or sealant, while treated lumber costs less upfront but requires periodic maintenance. Dickerson Basements & More walks you through both options based on your budget and how much upkeep you want to manage.
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How long does it take to build a deck or patio?
Most projects take one to three weeks depending on size, materials, and whether the work includes steps, railings, or built-in seating. Permitting and inspections add time before construction starts, and weather can delay outdoor work during winter months.
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Can you integrate a deck with an existing pool or patio?
Yes, Dickerson Basements & More designs decks to connect with pools, patios, and existing structures so transitions are level and visually consistent. The team accounts for drainage, access points, and how foot traffic will move between spaces.
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What happens if the ground is uneven or slopes toward the house?
The team adjusts post height and framing to create a level surface and ensures drainage moves water away from your foundation. Grading issues are addressed during site prep so the finished structure does not collect water or shift over time.
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Do you handle permits and inspections?
Yes, Dickerson Basements & More pulls the necessary permits and schedules inspections in Carlisle so the project meets local building codes. You do not need to contact the municipality or coordinate with inspectors yourself.

If you are planning an outdoor project in Carlisle and want a deck or patio built to handle the weather and how you use your yard, contact Dickerson Basements & More to walk through your property and talk through materials, layout, and timing.