Added the Labor Costs to Build a Deck section plus subsections on building a covered deck, pergolas on decks, and decks with roofs as well as Trex decking. Added the Cost to Build a Deck by Size section with a table and subsections. Added the Cost to Build Deck Stairs section. Added the Cost to Install Deck Railing section. Added the Cost to Install Deck Skirting section. Added the Deck Design Cost section.
Added the Deck Replacement Cost section with subsections on replacing the decking, stairs, and footings. Added the Cost to Build a Deck Yourself section. Added the Cost to Stain a Deck section. Added the Deck vs Patio section. Added the Porch vs Deck section. Updated the Enhancement and Improvement Costs section with new information and costs on covers and the addition of hot tubs. Updated the Additional Considerations and Costs section with information on location out of the wind and how the design of the deck impacts costs.
Updated all the costs in the FAQ to match the new guide, and added two new questions and answers. This cost guide has been completely remade, giving a more detailed description of the project.
New information regarding the cost factors, the design, and the types have been added. There is also a section comparing the deck versus a porch or patio, and a section explaining the labor and materials. There is now a section dedicated to enhancement and improvement costs, and another that contains additional considerations, like how to maintain it, if permits are needed or not, and DIY options.
Whether it is attached to your home or a freestanding structure, a deck can enhance your use and enjoyment of your property. Decks come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. They can be used for eating, entertaining, or relaxing, and they can have any combination of built-in benches, bars, tables, and other accessories.
With the sizes and materials available for decks today, there is a wide range of costs associated with building them. Decks have a range of building costs per square foot.
This is because it can be made out of many materials. Various materials have different costs, and some materials can be more difficult to work with than others.
This can make the cost to build a deck cost more in labor. Costs can be higher for complex builds and materials or lower for simple platform decks. Decks can be built in a vast range of sizes. Sometimes, the size of deck that you choose will be dictated by the amount of area you have.
Because decks are often priced per square foot, the larger the deck that you build, the higher your total costs will be, regardless of style or material. The following is a list of average cost ranges for some of the most common deck sizes:. At the lowest end, this assumes either a platform deck or a very simple raised deck made of pressure-treated wood.
At the highest end, this assumes a deck made of either metal or very high-end exotic hardwood 2 with a roof. Decks this size are small enough to be added nearly anywhere on a house or in a yard. These prices include a range of different styles. This may mean a simple platform deck at the lowest end and an aluminum raised deck at the upper cost range. Costs also vary depending on the location, deck shape and style, and materials used. This includes different deck styles and materials.
At this size, a deck is large enough to include built-in 5 benches or an eating area, increasing total costs through different decking layouts and designs. These can also be platforms or raised decks and may have roofs as well.
Decks that reach these dimensions may be two or multi-story, or they can be an oversized platform or freestanding deck. This size has many possibilities for adding areas like hot tubs and entertainment areas to the deck, which may require reinforcing the decking. You can also use a range of materials and building styles, which accounts for the varying costs. These decks are large enough to wrap around the side of a building, have two or more levels 16, or be a large platform-style deck that encompasses a large part of a yard.
These decks often fit entertainment areas and handle different decking patterns to define separate areas. These can include simple decks built from metal and more elaborate decks built from wood. These decks have varying levels 16 or wrap around the side of the house.
At this size, it is common to have at least part of the deck covered or roofed for shade, such as in eating or entertaining areas. You may need to have larger footings 7 to hold the weight, particularly if you have many built-in 5 areas or include entertainment options like a hot tub. The costs range depending on the material and style. These decks can be configured to have separate areas for relaxing, eating, and entertaining. Because of this, it is common for decks of this size to have at least partial covers or roofs, as well as to be raised or have two or more levels They are most commonly made of wood or composites at this size, but they can be metal as well.
At this size, if the deck is raised, it may need reinforcing or to have additional footers 7 put in for stability. If you plan on adding a hot tub, you need additional reinforcement. Platform decks of this size can be good options for housing an outdoor kitchen or living area. There are many materials to use for a deck. Many people opt for wood or composite, but there is a wide range of materials that fall into those two categories. You can also use other materials, such as metals. Each material has costs and attributes influencing the appearance and long-term performance:.
Pressure-treated wood is one of the least expensive materials used to build a deck. The wood is usually pine but can be other softwoods. The wood is soaked in a preservative - usually CCA carbon copper arsenate - and put under pressure, driving the chemicals inside and preventing wood rot. Pressure-treated wood requires galvanized screws and fasteners to prevent rusting. The wood may have a greenish tone to it from the treatment. It needs to be painted or sealed during installation.
Steel is not as common as wood but can create modern-looking decks. Steel tends to be hot underfoot, which can make it uncomfortable on sunny days. It can also be difficult to work with, and you need to find a steel deck specialist. While the cost of steel decking is relatively low, you may find that you need to pay much higher costs for installation because of the increased labor. The cost of steel is volatile, so get the project priced out before you build to get the most accurate costs.
Redwood is uncommon for decking, but if you do not want pressure-treated wood, redwood is a good option. Redwood is rot, insect, and water-resistant , so it does not require chemicals to make it last for years. It ranges in color, durability, and price, depending on if you use sapwood or heartwood and where the redwood is coming from.
The farther the material needs to be shipped to you from the forest, the more it costs. Redwood in California costs much less than redwood in New Jersey. Ipe is a popular exotic hardwood for decks. It has a rich, dark color and is so dense that it resists burning nearly as well as concrete. Ipe is prized for its longevity. It can last for years with little maintenance and show no signs of wear.
Because it is so incredibly hard and dense, however, it can be very difficult to work with. Installers are more likely to charge twice for the installation labor of ipe than for pressure-treated wood. Fiberglass decking is a subtype of composite decking. The decking is a blend or composite of materials. Sometimes, the materials are used throughout the plank. At other times, the core is made of a wood-pulp blend, while the exterior wrapper is something more durable. Fiberglass decking contains fiberglass particles in the outer wrapper or core.
Fiberglass decking is considered low-maintenance and durable. It may get hot underfoot, depending on the manufacturer. Composite decking refers to any blend of materials that may include plastic, wood, wood pulp, fiber cement, or vinyl in a deck plank or railing.
Composite decking is a popular alternative to wood , as it looks like wood decking but does not require the same level of upkeep, and can hold up well under harsh weather.
Some composites are water-resistant, while others may swell when not installed properly. Some get very hot underfoot, while others stay cool. But most composite decking is easy to install and can last for years with little-to-no maintenance. Vinyl or PVC decking is a subtype of composite decking. Vinyl decking usually has a vinyl exterior around the standard composite interior, but some decking planks may use one material throughout.
Vinyl decking is very low-maintenance, water-resistant, and does not need painting. It does not get hot underfoot, making it good for sunny decks. Mahogany is another hardwood that gets good results on decks. Mahogany is a dense, durable hardwood with a rich color that holds up well long term.
This is another material that can increase the labor cost significantly because it is dense and difficult to work with. Cutting, nailing, and fastening mahogany takes longer than other woods, so the cost of installation reflects that. For those who want a metal deck that does not get as hot in the sun as steel, aluminum is a good choice. Aluminum is a lightweight metal that can create a contemporary-looking deck.
It is easier to work with and install, but it can be very noisy. It makes echoing and pinging noises when walked on and struck, and it dents easily. But it is flame and insect-resistant and does not rot. Cedar is naturally rot and insect-resistant, and it is easier to work with than most hardwoods.
Compare prices from deck builders near you Compare Quotes. Decks can be built in many styles. Most people install their deck attached to their homes, but this is not the only way. Decks can be installed at ground level, raised, covered, or have multiple levels. Because of the many types of decks, they range in costs.
While the average size of a standard attached deck is around sq. Below are the average cost ranges to build each style of deck per square foot.
Platform decks are built on the ground without raised pillars or footings. They are raised up, about the height of a single step, to increase the elevation and area definition, but they do not attach directly to the home. Platform decks are a nice alternative to a patio and are ideal for holding hot tubs and entertaining. They can be made of any decking material but are most often built of wood or composites. Freestanding decks or floating decks are a type of platform deck.
They are not attached to the house and are often slightly away from the home. While some platform decks are in the patio area, a freestanding deck is usually located farther away. They may have a path or no link to the home at all. A raised deck is the most familiar deck. It is raised up to the second story on pillars and is attached to the house.
This type of deck usually has concrete footings beneath the pillars for support. The deck is also physically secured to the house, usually with support brackets. This makes this deck style more complicated than a platform deck. Two-story decks are uncommon, but they can be beneficial for those who host often. A two-story deck may start at ground level with a platform or one story up like a traditional raised deck.
The stairs connecting the two levels are usually on the exterior or one side of the deck. There is usually an entrance to the deck at each level directly from the house. Multi-level decks are also less common and can include two or three-story decks.
They usually follow the same basic styles and designs as a two-story. Each level you raise the deck increases the amount of supports needed and cost. So, there is a wider range of associated costs. There are many ways to add shade or rain protection to your deck, including a cover or roof. Decks can be topped with a pergola , which adds dimension, definition, and varying degrees of shade, or you can build a full roof with various roofing materials.
If you build a full roof, you can also finish the underside like you would a porch or leave it bare. With all these variations and options, the cost to build a covered deck has a wide range of costs.
The part of the deck that you stand on is the decking. Decking can be made of many materials, but it is usually sold and installed in planks. These planks can be laid out in straight lines running lengthwise or horizontally across your deck, and in some cases, laid out in a mix. There are several other patterns to lay your decking in as well. This is because you need additional decking material to complete any pattern, and it takes your installer longer to lay the decking, resulting in higher labor and material costs.
A parallel pattern lays decking planks in straight parallel lines. They can be laid to start at the house and move away or run parallel to the house. The direction is influenced by two things.
First, it costs less when using full planks in one direction without relying on cut and pieced planks. Second, if you have a very thin deck, run the planks horizontally to make it appear wider. There is no increase in installation costs for this pattern. Diagonal deck patterns run at a roughly degree angle across the deck. This can be a good way of making thinner decks look wider because it draws the eye outward, pushing the deck visually. It is also a more decorative way to lay your planking than in simple straight lines.
Diagonal decking patterns can also highlight certain areas. For example, if you have an eating area, you can switch the pattern in this section to separate it. A true parquet is a group of planks fitted into a square and installed one square at a time. There is no singular parquet pattern. The squares in a parquet can make up many patterns, including chevrons, diagonal squares with straight planks, or planks run in two directions within one square.
If you want to give your deck the look of a parquet floor, cut the planks into inch lengths and arrange them into squares. This can be a time-consuming pattern to create, depending on the final arrangement. Herringbone and chevron deck patterns are decorative ways to dress up your deck and give it a more formal appearance. In a herringbone or chevron pattern, the planks are laid at angles to one another to create a repeating pattern.
This type of decking has a heavy visual movement. Like the diagonal pattern, it is a fun way to create a visual break in the deck, such as laying it in the bar or eating area.
You can also lay the pattern over the entirety. Any parquet pattern or countless others can be considered a custom pattern. With a custom pattern, you must work with your installer to find out what their comfort level is. Ask if they have done patterns before, and request to see a portfolio of images.
They may design custom patterns for individual decks or work with you to create your own. You can also show them images if you find a pattern that works for you. This includes inlaying different woods, such as mahogany to create a darker area, and creating a series of boxes that shrink toward the center using thinner planks.
No matter which deck type you have, you need a foundation that supports the structure. There are many different deck foundations, known as footings, and they have different uses and costs. Rather than setting equipment or storage bins on uneven ground where moisture can seep in, a flat deck provides a stable surface to keep extra items in an orderly manner. You might even keep your lawn mower on the deck to avoid having to build a storage shed. With more yard space taken up by a beautiful deck, homeowners can worry less about landscaping and yard maintenance.
Composite decks are low maintenance compared to mowing and weeding a yard. A primary benefit of building a new deck is the additional space available for entertaining friends and family for summer barbecues and birthday parties. For homes with a smaller kitchen and dining area, adding a large deck off the kitchen entry can quickly expand the footprint needed for large gatherings.
Another factor to consider when determining how much it costs to build a deck is whether to complete the project on your own or not. DIY enthusiasts might jump at the opportunity to tackle a more complicated project like building a deck. Installing a deck on your own would cost approximately 65 percent of the total price if done by a decking company, so there are some cost savings to consider. However, most decks will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks to complete on your own, including preparing the ground and footings, purchasing materials, and building it.
Obtaining your own permit, if necessary, could take longer than if a contractor were to do it. Any permanent or detached structure designed to hold significant weight needs to be properly designed with a solid foundation.
Some common problems with DIY decks are exposed nails or screws, uneven boards, a bowed foundation that could collapse, unstable stairs or railings, and more.
These safety hazards increase with the complexity of second-story or multilevel decks. The benefits of having a pro install your backyard deck help eliminate most of these safety problems since they are qualified to identify the best foundation for your yard and deck design, and they are well versed in building a strong foundation for evenly laid deck planking to avoid any trips or falls.
A deck contractor can help advise how to design a deck safely for your particular space, explain where money can be saved, and handle the logistics of ordering the correct materials. A professional company usually has a qualified electrician they employ or work with if the job requires power to be run to multiple outlets on the deck. For added peace of mind, decking professionals are licensed and insured and may offer warranties to cover their work.
Installing a new deck can feel like a big, expensive decision, but the benefits far outweigh the costs—increased property value for starters. Now that you have an understanding of how size, materials, and design affect the overall cost of the deck, you can identify potential areas to reduce costs.
Consider these ideas for how to save money when building a deck. Identifying the right deck installer for your home can take some time if you live in a region with a short building season due to weather, so plan ahead to get on their schedule. Consider having your basic concept ready when you talk to a pro about what to expect when asking how much it costs to build a deck. The following questions can help you choose a qualified deck contractor and understand the estimated costs based on your preferences for a customized deck.
Understanding how much it costs to build a deck can be a complicated process since decks are so customizable. Here are some frequently asked questions to help explain deck building costs for most homeowners. This is dependent on the material choice, deck patterns, number of stairs, and other contributing factors.
In terms of up-front costs, yes, it is cheaper to build your own deck. New decks add immediate property value to a home. Homeowners who install a new deck can experience up to an 80 percent return on their investment. Composite materials are fabricated, last longer, and resist weathering, which makes them more expensive.
Common wood selections are the cheapest material for installing a new deck. Simply enter the desired width and depth for your deck below. Your results will show you the estimated cost for materials, allow you to compare pricing based on your preferred species of wood or composite, and give you options to download our free design plans that you can use to build your own deck.
Design the deck of your dreams with our new deck design software. Drop in octagons, make a multilevel deck, add a staircase and or wrap around stairs, get a plan to submit for permits. See your deck in 3D then get a plan and suggested material list for your project. You will be designing in no time.
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