Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does a portable deck get delivered and installed?

    Portable decks are built completely in the shop, then delivered to your property using specialized equipment. The deck is placed and leveled exactly where you need it with minimal on-site disruption. At Level Up Portable Decks, we handle the entire process from build to final placement, making installation fast and convenient.

  • What's the difference between a pergola and a pavilion?

    A pergola offers partial shade and an open-air design, ideal for gardens and patios with decorative appeal. A pavilion provides full overhead coverage with a solid roof structure, better for weather protection and outdoor gatherings. Both are customizable, but pavilions offer more functionality for year-round use in Eastern Montana weather.

  • Why are portable decks built on skids?

    Skids make the deck self-supporting and allow it to be transported and placed without needing a permanent foundation. This design also makes it easier to move or relocate the deck if needed. At Level Up Portable Decks, skid construction ensures faster installation and flexibility for various property layouts.

  • Can you build a roofed deck that attaches to my home?

    Yes, roofed decks can be custom-designed to slide right up to your home and match your existing structure. They're built with treated lumber for durability and delivered ready to install. This approach extends your living space while protecting it from sun and weather throughout more of the year.

  • What materials are used for custom decking projects?

    Custom decks can be built with pressure-treated lumber or composite decking, depending on your preference and budget. Aluminum railings are also available for a low-maintenance, modern finish. At Level Up Portable Decks, we help you select materials that fit your design goals and withstand regional weather conditions.

  • How long do pressure-treated decks last in Montana?

    Pressure-treated decks are designed to handle Montana's varying weather conditions and typically last 15 to 20 years or more with proper maintenance. The treatment protects against moisture, rot, and insects common in the region. Regular cleaning and occasional sealing can extend the lifespan even further.

  • Do portable decks need to be anchored down?

    Portable decks are designed to be self-supporting on skids and do not typically require anchoring for stability. Proper leveling during placement ensures a solid, safe structure. In areas with extreme wind exposure, anchoring options can be discussed to add extra security if desired.

  • What's included in the deck placement service?

    Deck placement includes safe delivery, positioning the deck in your desired location, and leveling it to ensure stability and proper drainage. The service is designed to work with various property layouts and access points. At Level Up Portable Decks, we use specialized equipment to complete placement efficiently with minimal yard disruption.

  • Can I rent to own a deck instead of buying outright?

    Yes, rent-to-own options are available for the majority of portable decks, making it easier to upgrade your outdoor space without a large upfront cost. This flexible payment option allows you to enjoy your deck immediately while building toward ownership. It's a popular choice for homeowners in Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota.

  • What size ramp do I need for wheelchair access?

    Wheelchair ramps typically require a 1:12 slope ratio, meaning one foot of ramp length for every inch of rise. Custom sizing ensures the ramp fits your entryway and meets safety and accessibility standards. At Level Up Portable Decks, we build ramps tailored to your specific space and mobility needs.

  • How far will you deliver a deck in Montana?

    Free delivery is provided within 35 miles of Level Up Portable Decks' locations in Sidney, Circle, Glendive, and Miles City. Delivery is also available throughout Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota for a reasonable fee. The portable design allows efficient transport and placement even in remote or rural areas.

  • What's the benefit of a shop-built deck versus on-site construction?

    Shop-built decks are constructed in a controlled environment, ensuring consistent quality and faster completion without weather delays. Delivery and placement take just hours instead of days of on-site work, reducing disruption to your property. At Level Up Portable Decks, this process also allows for easier customization and better material handling.

  • Is the deck complete, or do I have to finish it myself?

    This is a completed deck. When we leave, you’re ready to break out the patio furniture and crack open a cold one

  • I have bad/no credit, what can I do?

    We offer rent-to-own for most of our decks, there is no credit check.

  • My last deck rotted and came apart, will my new one rot?

    No, All of our decks are  built with pressure treated lumber, and then treated with an extra penetrating oil based stain to help protect your new deck from UV rays, rain, and, snow. 

  • The ground in front of my house is off level, do I need to get it leveled?

    While that is helpful to us, it is not necessary. Unless your yard is off level by several feet, we have the tools needed to level it up for you.

  • Is a portable deck sturdy?

    Yes! Our decks have more structural framing in them than a traditional deck. Once we have everything leveled, your new deck will be as sound and sturdy as a traditional deck, if not stronger.

  • There is a fence in the way, can you still get it into my yard?

    There are always options to get your deck into place, If it is a concern for you, we can always do a site visit and come up with a workable solution to get your new deck where you need it.

  • How far do you deliver portable decks, and what is the installation timeline?

    We deliver throughout Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota. Most decks are built in our Sidney shop and placed within 1–2 weeks. Delivery and placement are included — we handle site prep and setup so you avoid months of on-site construction.

  • Can you build and deliver a standard portable deck to a home in Sidney, MT without requiring on-site construction?

    Yes. Our portable decks are built off-site at our Sidney shop and delivered ready to place. There is no lengthy on-site construction process — we prep the site and set the deck, so your project is complete in days, not months.

  • What makes a pavilion suitable for Montana weather?

    Our roofed pavilions are engineered for the high winds, heavy snow loads, and extreme temperature swings typical of Eastern Montana. We use durable framing and solid roofing so structures hold up through every season without costly repairs. Every pavilion is built to local codes and designed for long-term durability in the region.

  • Does Level Up Portable Decks build and install pavilions in Sidney, MT?

    Yes, we build and install pavilions in Sidney, MT and the surrounding Eastern Montana area. Our pavilions are roofed outdoor structures designed to extend your usable living space year-round, standing up to the region's demanding climate conditions.

  • What roofing and framing materials do you use to handle Eastern Montana's snow and wind loads?

    We use solid roofing materials and sturdy framing selected to handle the snow accumulation and high-wind conditions common across Eastern Montana. Structural choices prioritize load-bearing strength and weather resistance so your pavilion stays sound through harsh winters and unpredictable spring storms.

  • What is an ADA-compliant ramp slope and how do portable ramps meet accessibility standards?

    An ADA-compliant ramp uses a 1:12 slope ratio — one inch of rise for every 12 inches of run. Level Up Portable Decks builds shop-fabricated portable ramps to meet this standard, which reduces on-site disruption and keeps installation straightforward. Each ramp is constructed to local and ADA accessibility guidelines so your property is safe and code-appropriate.

  • Can a portable deck ramp be installed on my Sidney, MT property without major construction?

    Yes — portable ramps are shop-built off-site and delivered ready to position, so there is no major excavation or permanent foundation work required. This makes them ideal for homes, rentals, or businesses that need accessible entry without disrupting an existing deck or landscaping.