Established
1980
Franchise Units
110
Minimum Investment
$215,400
Franchise Fee
$59,500
Total Investment Range
$239,300
Home Based
No
Description
Archadeck Outdoor Living is the world’s largest designer and builder of custom outdoor living spaces, including decks, patios, screened porches, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and hardscapes. With more than $1 billion in completed projects for over 75,000 clients since 1980, Archadeck offers a proven path to success in a booming home improvement market.
Franchisees enjoy home-based operations with low overhead, high average ticket sales (~$43,935), and gross profit margins of 40.5%. The model requires no construction experience—owners focus on sales, project management, and customer service while leveraging Archadeck’s central drafting department, comprehensive training, national marketing systems, and robust franchise support.
With average franchise revenues of $2.27 million, Archadeck is ideal for driven entrepreneurs who want to lead a creative, scalable business in a high-demand, design-focused industry.
Why Invest in Archadeck?
Dominant Market Share: As the oldest and largest franchise of its kind, you enter the market with immediate brand authority and trust.
High Profit Margins: With an average gross profit margin of approximately 37.2%, the business model is designed for strong bottom-line performance.
Asset-Light Model: Archadeck is primarily a home-based business with low overhead. You don't need a showroom or heavy inventory; materials are typically ordered only after a client deposit is secured.
Diversified Revenue Streams: You aren't just "the deck company." Your portfolio includes patios, pergolas, fire pits, and seasonal rooms, allowing for year-round project flow.
Industry-Leading Warranties: Archadeck offers two levels of client protection warranties that are unmatched, giving you a massive competitive advantage when closing sales.
Background
Founded: 1980
Franchising Since: 2008
Active Units: 110+ locations across North America.
Ownership: Archadeck is a flagship brand under Empower Brands (formerly part of Outdoor Living Brands), a powerhouse franchisor specializing in home services.
Brand Journey: Started in Richmond, Virginia, Archadeck has spent over 45 years refining the construction-sales-service process. It has evolved from a local deck builder into a multi-million dollar national brand featured on HGTV and the DIY Network.
Franchisees: 61
Projected New Units - 2024: 13
Availability in Canada: No
Support Training
Financial Assistance Provided: No
Lending: Typically offered through a third-party provider
Third-Party Referrals: Available
Site Selection Assistance: N/A (home-based)
Note: Can start from home and later grow into a showroom or office — no site required
Lease Negotiation Assistance: N/A (home-based)
Cooperative Advertising: Yes
Additional Benefit: Co-marketing opportunities with other Empower Brands franchise concepts
Training
New franchisees attend a three-week classroom and field training program at the Richmond, Virginia Training Center.
Training covers:
- Marketing and advertising
- Sales methodology
- Project design
- Technology (SoftPlan CAD software, Business Manager pricing software, QuickBooks)
- Business and office administration systems
- Construction basics (includes field training)
- Production management
Ideal Candidate
Archadeck looks for business managers, not necessarily builders.
Professional Background: Candidates with experience in general management, sales, or corporate leadership thrive here. You should be comfortable managing people and a P&L.
The "Type A" Entrepreneur: The brand values driven individuals who are organized, communicative, and passionate about providing a "World-Class" customer experience.
Full-Time Commitment: This is not a passive investment. Archadeck requires an owner-operator who is actively involved in daily growth and client relations.
No Experience Required: While a construction background is helpful, it is not mandatory (except in specific states where a contractor’s license is required by law).
Financial Detail
Archadeck franchise fees for 2026:
- Cash Investment: $60,000
- Total Investment: $215,400 to $239,300
- Minimum Net Worth: $250,000
- Franchise Fee: $59,500
- Discounts: VetFran (15%) or $8,925 off; VetFran IFF = $50,575
- Royalty: 6.5% of gross sales with a sliding scale
- Ad Fee: 1.5% national advertising royalty on gross sales
- Average Number of Employees: 1 to 3
- Passive Ownership Allowed: No
- Earnings Claims: Yes, Item 19 available in the FDD