Top-Rated Deck & Fence Contractor in London, KY
Sturgill Handyman Services brings 30 years of practical outdoor construction to homes across Laurel County. As a family-run local business, we build custom decks and install strong boundary fences that handle local weather, fit your yard, and give you a solid outdoor space to enjoy.
Thirty years of outdoor building in Laurel County
For three decades, Sturgill Handyman Services has been turning backyards into practical, comfortable spaces across southeastern Kentucky. As a family-owned crew, we do not cut corners on framing, post depth, or hardware. Every yard presents different soil conditions and grade changes, which is why we take a close look at your property before writing up a proposal. You work directly with us from the first walkthrough to the final board, getting honest advice on whether pressure-treated timber, cedar, or composite decking fits your expectations and long-term plans.
What we build for local homeowners
From straightforward backyard deck extensions to multi-line privacy fencing and decorative entry gates, we handle the layout, post setting, and finishing work from start to finish.
New deck builds
We frame and build stable platforms tailored to how your family uses the yard. Whether that means a simple ground-level grill deck or a raised multi-tier platform off the back kitchen door, we make sure every ledger board is properly flashed, joists are correctly spaced, and posts are anchored securely below the frost line.
Pressure-treated lumber & cedar
Natural wood offers a classic look that fits well with regional home styles. We build using heavy-duty pressure-treated pine that resists ground moisture and insect damage, as well as Western red cedar for natural rot resistance and rich grain. Correct fastener selection keeps boards down flat and prevents premature splitting.
Composite decking options
If you want to spend your weekends relaxing rather than applying wood stain, composite boards are worth considering. Modern capped composite decking holds up against humidity and heavy rain without warping or splintering. We install hidden fastener systems that keep board surfaces smooth under foot.
Property line & privacy fencing
A good fence keeps dogs contained, children safe, and uninvited eyes out of your yard. We build perimeter fences designed to handle high winds and seasonal mud shifts without leaning or sagging over time.
Classic wood fences
Wood fencing offers solid sound reduction and complete privacy for backyards. We build custom board-on-board designs, traditional picket fences, and split-rail barriers using thick posts set deep in concrete. We set posts at appropriate depths so your fence line stays straight season after season.
Black aluminum fencing
Aluminum fence panels offer clean lines, strong perimeter security, and clear sightlines across your yard. They work exceptionally well around pool enclosures and garden boundaries where you want containment without closing off the view. The powder-coated surface will not rust or peel from exposure to rain and snow.
Low-maintenance vinyl
Vinyl fencing provides full visual privacy with zero need for paint or stain down the road. High-grade PVC panels withstand sun exposure without chalking or cracking, making them a great option for homeowners who want a clean, bright fence line with minimal upkeep.
Pergolas, steps, and outdoor carpentry
Small details often make the biggest difference in how a deck functions. We craft custom wooden pergolas for shade, wide stairs with safe rise-and-run spacing, built-in bench seating, and sturdy handrail systems that integrate naturally with your home's exterior.
Why local property owners hire Sturgill
Working with a local family business means dealing directly with the people doing the work. We bring decades of hands-on experience and straightforward communication to every build.
30 Years on the Job
Decades of real construction experience framing decks, digging post footings, and hanging gates.
Soil and Weather Knowledge
We know how deep to dig in local clay and rock so posts do not heave during winter freezes.
Built for Durability
Stronger structural framing, heavy hardware, and proper spacing to prevent water trapping and early rot.
Direct Communication
Clear pricing, dependable scheduling, and an owner who answers your questions on site.
How a typical project works
We keep our build process simple so you know what is happening on your property every step of the way.
On-Site Walkthrough
We visit your home to check property lines, measure slope drops, discuss material options, and provide a clear written estimate.
Material Delivery & Layout
We order high-grade lumber or composite materials, stake out post locations, and prep the ground area.
Framing & Installation
Our crew digs deep post holes, pours solid concrete footings, frames heavy structural joists, and fastens decking or fence panels.
Site Cleanup & Review
We pick up all scraps and hardware, sweep off the deck or fence line, and walk the finished structure with you.
Recent builds from around the area
Take a look at recent decks, privacy fences, and custom carpentry projects completed across local neighborhoods. Every picture reflects realistic builds designed for real yards.
What your neighbors say about our work
Read honest feedback from local homeowners who hired us for their deck builds, fence replacements, and custom outdoor projects.
"Noah and his crew put up about 200 feet of board-on-board privacy fence around our backyard in London. Posts are set deep in concrete, the line is dead straight, and they hauled off every scrap before they left. Fair price and no runaround."
"We replaced our worn-out wood deck with composite and couldn't be happier. Noah walked us through the material options without any pressure, showed up when he said he would, and the finished deck is rock solid. You can tell he's been doing this for 30 years."
"Had a deck near the lake that was sagging bad. Sturgill's re-framed the whole substructure and re-decked it in three days. Honest about what could be saved and what couldn't. Would hire them again in a heartbeat."
Where we travel
Sturgill Handyman Services builds across Laurel County and the surrounding regional communities, bringing experienced deck framing and fence installation right to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is composite really worth the extra cost over wood?
It comes down to long-term upkeep and personal preference. Natural wood costs less upfront for materials, but requires sealing or staining every two to three years to prevent moisture rot and sun graying. Composite decking costs more out of the gate, but it never needs sanding, staining, or painting. A quick wash with soap and water cleans it up, and it will not splinter or twist after years of hot summers and damp spring rains.
How long does it take to put up a fence?
Most standard residential fence jobs take between two and four days on site, depending on total length, line cleared, and ground hardness. The first day usually involves setting posts in concrete so they can cure properly overnight. Once posts are set rock-solid, we hang panels, set pickets, and construct gates over the following days.
Do you build decks directly in London?
Yes. We live and work right here in the area, framing custom decks and installing fences for homes throughout town and nearby communities. Give us a call, and we can set up a time to come out, inspect your site, and discuss ideas.
Can you fix my old deck framing without tearing it all down?
If your underlying support posts, band joists, and main frame are structurally sound and free from internal rot, we can often re-deck the frame with fresh wood or composite boards and swap out old railings. However, if the ground posts are sinking or joists are soft, building fresh framing is the only safe way forward. We will evaluate the structure thoroughly before offering a recommendation.
Which fence style is best for privacy and keeping pets in?
A six-foot wooden privacy fence or a solid vinyl panel fence provides complete visual barrier and keeps active dogs safely inside the yard. Board-on-board wood fencing is particularly effective because overlapping pickets eliminate gaps even as the wood shrinks and swells slightly with humidity shifts.
Will my project need a building permit?
It depends on where your property sits and how high the deck sits off the ground. Low ground-level decks and simple rear fences often have fewer structural permit triggers, while high elevated decks require strict adherence to local guardrail and footing depth codes. We help you check local guidelines so everything is built legally and safely.
How do I keep a natural wood deck looking good over time?
Keep leaf piles, dirt, and wet debris swept off the deck boards, especially in shaded corners. Once a newly installed pressure-treated wood deck dries out completely—usually a few months after installation—apply a breathable penetrating oil stain or water-repellent sealant to block moisture penetration.
What happens if my property has a steep grade?
We build on sloping ground regularly. For fencing on uneven terrain, we either rack the fence so panels follow the ground contour tightly—keeping pets inside—or step the panels down the hill in level sections for a balanced horizontal profile. For decks on slopes, we size posts appropriately and add cross-bracing to eliminate sway.
Ready to talk about your backyard?
Planning a new deck build or replacing a worn-out fence line? Sturgill Handyman Services is ready to help. We provide straight answers, direct project estimates, and reliable work schedules. Give us a call today at (606) 572-6378 or email us directly at noahgsturgill78@gmail.com to set up a site visit.