How Much Does It Really Cost to Build a Deck?

On average, homeowners will pay about $8,159 to have a deck professionally installed, though the cost can range from $4,348 to $12,482 depending on the materials, the size of the deck, the style of the deck, and several additional cost factors.

Learn more about the cost to build a deck.

Cost to Build a Deck

Type of Materials

Typically, you can expect to pay about $2 to $45 per square foot for materials, though this cost can vary depending on the type of deck material.

• Aluminum or stainless steel is a long-lasting, highly durable choice for a deck building project, but comes with a high price tag. Aluminum or stainless steel decking costs $15 to $20 per square foot.
• Bamboo is significantly more cost-effective than aluminum, at a price of $3 to $10 per square foot. This deck building material is strong and resistant to both mold and rot, but will require resealing every year and it does not hold up well in colder climates.
• Cedar is one of the more affordable choices for a deck building job at about $3 to $7 per square foot. Cedar is naturally resistant to bugs, moisture, and UV radiation, but will require frequent resealing to protect the wood.
• Composite decking material isn’t quite as expensive as premium-grade redwood, but it’s still considered one of the most costly material options available at about $12 to $22 per square foot. The benefit of composite decking is that it doesn’t require regular sealing and the material is often made of recycled goods, making it a sustainable choice.
• Ipe wood is known for having a high density and an excellent level of durability. This type of deck building material is long-lasting, though it can be difficult to work with, which may increase labor costs. Ipe wood costs about $10 to $20 per square foot.
• Mahogany is more expensive than cedar or pressure-treated wood, but less expensive than Ipe wood or aluminum at about $8 to $11 per square foot. This type of wood is appealing for it’s aesthetic beauty and also requires less maintenance than other wood decking materials.
• Pressure-treated wood is the least expensive option at about $2 to $5 per square foot. It’s a chemically treated construction material that is resistant to rot, weather damage, and pest infestations, though it will require regular resealing to keep the wood in good condition.
• Redwood has the widest price range for deck building materials. Cheaper red wood may cost as little as $5 per square foot, while premium red wood can cost as much as $35 per square foot. This material is naturally repellent to pests, but can be vulnerable to mold and UV damage if it’s not properly maintained.
• Tigerwood features a distinct striped pattern that will stand out in just about any yard. However, it can be difficult to install, which may increase labor costs, and the material costs $7 to $15 per square foot.

Deck Style

• Floating decks are not attached to the home or any other building, allowing them to be placed anywhere in the yard. This can be a good option for a pool deck or to install small deck deeper in the yard where the shade and sunlight are optimal. However, a floating deck will cost about three times as much as a ground deck, at about $20 to $60 per square foot.
• Ground decks are one of the more common options because they only cost about $10 to $20 per square foot. This is because ground decks sit directly on the ground, so they don’t require posts, stairs, or railings, cutting down both the material costs and labor costs.
• Multi-level decks can be an aesthetic choice that helps to break up the space, but they may also be a necessity if the home has a raised back door or side door. These decks cost about $30 to $75 per square foot, depending on the size, material, and complexity.

Labor

The labor costs for a deck building project can vary depending on the location, complexity of the design, size of the deck, and several other factors. Typically, homeowners will pay about $15 to $40 per square foot in labor costs, though other fees may be added to the overall cost.

For instance, permits, demolition of the current deck, and other factors can increase labor costs.

Framing

Depending on the size of the deck, the framework may need to be larger to accommodate the added weight, which can increase the overall cost. Similarly, more complex layouts will require more complex frameworks, leading to a higher material cost and labor cost for the job.

Size

The larger the deck, the more material it will require and the longer it will take, increasing the cost for both the materials and the labor. Additionally, larger deck building projects can take several weeks, turning the home into a temporary construction zone.

On average, smaller 10×10 decks will cost between $3,000 to $6,500. As the size increases to 12×12, the price increases to $4,500 to $9,000. Large decks that measure 14×20 use significantly more materials, leading to a cost range of $8,500 to $17,000, while a 20×20 deck will cost between $12,000 to $24,000, depending on the type of material and the layout of the deck.

Additional Deck Building Costs

Permits

A permit for a deck building project ranges from about $225 to $500, depending on the location. Some areas may not have a permit requirement for this type of project, so before starting a deck building job, check with the local permit office.

Demolition and Removal

If the home has an existing deck, you’ll either need to demolish and removal the old deck pay the pros to take care of this part of the job. Typically, it will cost about $5 to $15 per square foot to have the deck demolished and removed. This includes tearing up the old deck surface, removing the brackets and piling, hauling away the foundations, and local disposal fees.

Add-Ons

You can also choose from a wide range of add-ons to improve the look and functionality of the deck, including lighting, electrical outlets, furniture, flooring, heating, or even a hot tub.

• Bar: $175 to $1,800
• Deck furniture: $100 to $5,000
• Fire pit: $250 to $2,200
• Flooring: $750 to $1,600
• Heater: $100 to $375
• Hot tub: $4,500 to $10,000
• Misting system: $115 to $500
• Outdoor lighting: $1,670 to $3,000
• Planters: $100 to $375
• Wiring: $30 or more

Benefits of Building a Deck

There are many benefits to building a deck, though the most obvious is that you will be gaining a new place to barbecue, host parties, or simply lay out under the sun. Decks can also improve the aesthetic appearance of the yard, while reducing the amount of landscaping maintenance. A new deck can provide extra storage space under the deck without limiting the space on top of the deck.

A new deck is also a great choice if you already have an older deck that is in disrepair. Adding a deck to the yard can even increase the property value of the home and boost curb appeal for prospective buyers, though composite decks tend to have a slightly lower return on investment.

DIY vs. Professional Deck Installation

Building a deck is a relatively straightforward job, though it can take several days to several weeks to complete. With this in mind, building a deck as a DIY job can be a cost-effective way to update the yard. The cost to DIY install a deck ranges from about $2,000 to $4,000, or $14 to $28 per square foot, depending on the materials and layout.

Professional deck builders can help plan the layout, select materials, and complete the job more efficiently than a DIYer, though this comes at the cost of labor. Additionally, most deck building companies will offer a guarantee on the work, instead of trusting the structural integrity of the deck to your own hands.

How to Save on Deck Building Costs

DIYers can demolish and remove the old deck on their own to reduce the cost of the job. Or you can take over after the deck is built, instead of hiring the pros to sand and seal the deck. Planning the project for the offseason may help to reduce the labor rate, since the demand for this service will typically decline. Also, homeowners can save on deck building costs by shopping around for a deck installation company with reasonable rates.