Deck Cost - Buyer Experiences and Price Information

My husband and I are interested in replacing our deck in our backyard (385 sq.ft.) and putting a deck in the front of our house (100sq.ft.) We are getting estimates of approx. 8000.00 with labor. Is this a good estimate???

Paul - thanks for the feedback. While I do have a full basement, the footings will be closer to 36" instead of 8'. Not sure why they would have to go that deep for a deck less than 3' tall. From what I have read 36" or so is about average for footings on a free standing deck. Unless you know of some code I have not heard of. Thanks!

$10,000 for a 400 plus sq ft with composite decking and railings (or vinyl) deck is extremely cheap. Especially being that you specify footings at the foundation instead of a ledger which means they have to be at least as deep as the house footings which is probably 8' if you have a full basement I couldn't/wouldn't build that deck for less than $18,000.

Wondering if this quote sounds reasonable. Includes permits, railings, steps, 4'4' landing, wrapping outside in composite trim board.
Using Timbertech tongue and groove material.

Curious if this seems like a reasonable quote. About 420 square feet (in a 'L' shape) design, no curves. Not connected to home but against it (my preference) so additional footings required along home instead of ledger. PT lumber frame, concrete footings. Deck will be about 30 inches above ground, all one level. Evergrain brand composite decking with about 58' of vinyl railings. Four composite steps to ground with vinyl railings. Also includes about 52' of vinyl lattice skirting. Does this seem fair? All input appreciated.

I have received estimates for a deck that will be 10 feet off the ground at the highest point, with a bump out for a grill, cut corners, a bench, and about 6 steps to the backyard (the land slopes).

The materials will be timber tech (with deckorator ballusters). Railings will be Timber Tech "radiance".

One estimate was for $21,000 (same company had another estimate of $15,000 if went with different type of Timber Tech material and different railing material).

The Timber Tech "Earthwood" material was the $21,000 and the floorizon material was $15,000.00. The railing system would be "ornamental" with the floorizon material.

The $21,000 estimate sounds really high -- is there really that much of a difference between floorizon and earthwood from Timber tech? Anyone know if that is in the ball park?

Looking at a 14 by 22 low level deck (28" off ground). Grilling/food prep area is 10 by 8 with an angled step off of the house with bench seating and grill pit. Step down to a 14 by 14 seating area with built in benches all around. One set of angled stairs off of grill area.
Price includes everything. Does this seem like a resonable price for this size of deck and material?

I was wondering whats a fair price for a 15 by 10 foot deck 8 foot off the ground with rails no stairs

HTD, the price sounds reasonable. 6x6 posts and vinyl railing are both fairly expensive as far as deck materials go. But the price sounds reasonable for a solidly constructed 2nd story deck.

KGB, Trex Decking is expensive with a price of around $2.90/LF vs PT coming in at about $.50
You are right to question a mere $1k difference.
A 400 sq ft deck has approximately 875 linear feet of decking making the difference in the cost of material around $2100. If they quoted Trex rail systems in addition to the decking, the difference is even greater.

I recently got a quote from a deck builder that have done a lot of works in my development. The simple rectangular deck is 9 ft off the ground and is supported by six 6x6 posts. The deck will be built using PT Southern pine and vinyl railing with a couple of benches around the corners. Is this a fair price for a deck of this size?

Thanks,
HTD

We received two quotes for a 20x20 deck plus stairs from upper level. One was about $6,000 for PT wood. The other was $20,000 for Treks (or $19K if PT wood). Quite a difference. Its hard to believe that switching to PT from Treks only drops the price $1K. We've decided to forego the deck for now.

Has anyone worked with aluminum decking? Are there any issues we should be aware of and how does the cost compare to composite or pressure treated decking? Thanks much

15 by 6 deck made out of composite material with stairs 6' wide. how much should this cost with materials included?

DECK WOULD BE ON THE ROUNDED SIDE OF POOL WHICH CONTRACTOR STATES IS MORE EXPENSIVE. LOOKING FOR AVG. PRICE OF DECKING SQ. FOOT SAME SIZE

When building a deck that is less than 4' above the ground, it can be built out of concrete pavers. It will last longer and in most areas there is no property tax paid on it because it is not attached to the house. A retaining wall is built and the it is filled with processed gravel and compacted in lifts.

16x20 Procell deck 10' high. Picture frame, clipped corners,hidden fastners,everything wrapped. All new construction, by a very reliable builder. Just wondering what some of you have to say. Thanks

I was looking at some of my comments...I sound like a real you know what some of the time! Thanks for seeing through the sarcasm to the fact that I really do want to help people. As far as your deck goes...My best advice is to call the the contacts you were given as referrals and see some of the work. $13,000 for a 600 sq ft deck (including everything) is a bargain (up here in CT anyway. Fastening the floor and railings with screws is the way to go. The vinyl rails are the tricky part...they really only look and feel good if they are a high quality product and installed by skilled carpenters. Some of the products re just so cheap! Some things to look for: copper flashing behind and over the ledger, 12" diameter x 42" deep piers, 4x6 or 6x6 posts, lateral bracing, etc. good luck!

I am having a 7'x14' PT wood deck build 4' off the ground. railings and steps. and a 8'x16 leanto roof made with PT wood and steel roofing.

there was some demo of the old steps

Mr Choate what do you think of this price, the deck and roof are very well built

Can't tell you how much I appreciate this posting site. I'm replacing and old PT wood deck. No frills. Basically a ground level, three section, rectangular deck along the back side of the house. First level is two feet high to meet back door; then drops to one foot; then drops to just about ground level. Decking is tongue and groove, attached with screws through the tongue. Three white vinyl railings will be placed at the two foot high level. No steps. Included in the price is a $600 fee for dimantling an removing the old deck. Mr. Choate, your comments are very instructive. I hope you will comment on this posting.

Hmmm...$1500 huh? A 408 square foot pressure treated deck here in CT would cost a minimum of $6,000 for materials.

Let me ask you this: what would you charge somebody to build that same deck?

We did the do it yourself thing with posts every 6 feet set in quickcreet(24 inches deep per post). I may be overkill but the appraiser said it's very well built.Less than 6 feet off the ground with 3 levels and rails, toprails, and stairs. Total project was about 1500, not thousand. We suggest to buy a book, plan the deck and just do it! We saved a bundle and the deck looks great!

Sounds like a price that I would feel comfortable with. Composites like TimberTech are very labor intensive. The dry space is a good system...I like it. As far as permits go...I don't like using existing concrete footings and usually install new ones. A permit may be required in this situation as 90% of the deck is new.

12X16 FT DECK MADE FROM TIMBERTECH - CEDAR COLOR TONGUE AND GROOVE HIDDEN FASTERNERS. CONTRACTOR PRICE $15,000.00 THIS INCLUDES REMOVING PRESENT DECK(BUT NOT POST, THEY WILL BE REUSED). TIMBERTECH DECKING / RAILINGS/ COVER EXISTING WOOD SUPPORT POST WITH MATCHING MATERIAL/ ALSO INSTALL DRY SPACE PRODUCT UNDER DECK. I AM IN PHILADELPHIA, WONDERING IF PERMIT IS REQUIRED SINCE SUPPORT POST ARE NOT BEING REMOVED ONLY JOIST/ DECK PLANKS / AND RAILING. IS $15,000 A GOOD PRICE? MY CONTRACTOR SAYS TIMBERTECH RAILING / DECKING IS LABOR INSTENSIVE. CAN YOU EMAIL ME ASAP.

What do you have in writing from the contractor? I recommend that you hire him on an hourly basis or day rate for his consulting. And also pay him an hourly or day rate for his carpentry skills. A flat rate and vague terms will only lead to trouble. Maybe establish a budget or get a flat rate for the plans, permits, and pier location. Then have him spend a full day with you on the first day of framing.

Doesn't sound like you have a written agreement with your contractor or a very good description of what he will be doing. "Lend a hand"? What does that mean? I would charge $65 per hour for consulting work, design, material lists, etc. and $52/hour for labor. I suggest get the plans, material lists, permits, etc from him for a flat fee and then hire him as a consultant or carpenter on an hourly basis. That way you can give yourself some kind of a budget to go by. The way you have it now, I have a feeling, will leave everyone with a bad taste in his mouth.

Paul Choate
ChoateBuilders.com

Looking to build a deck my self and ran across a contractor willing to, draw up plans,mark areas for piers,be there when we put framing in place and lend a hand where needed when needed but no be there the whole 3 or so weekends.

My question is he is looking for $4500.00 from me for the figuring the pricing of the materials,deck drawings/plans and what ever guidance I may need. Just seems a bit high to me. Maybe $1500.00 to 2000.00 but $4500.00 seems high and he won't budge. Any thoughts?

I am looking to find a square foot price, or estimate for a 16x30 deck with railings and stairs. Nail-down, Pre-treated wood, 4x4 stairs with concrete landing, railings. The Deck will be 3 to 4 ft. off the ground which is level. They want this to be free standing and not attached to the house. The home owner owns his own engineering business and will supply the material. If anyone could please help... I have heard prices from $16 to $22 per square foot. Seems high and believe those price quotes include materials.

Thank you for any help or support,
Mike

Thanks for your response on the $9450. Didn't mean to offend you. No lie though. I honestly had quotes from $10000-$25000 (seriously)Quaker State Construction. I didn't mention that included a rubber roof over the garage the deck is being built over. Even still the guy that quoted $10000 was only charging $1000 for the rubber roof. Your $9450 sounds about just right for a deck. Wish you were in my area. I just feel bad for people that don't get quotes. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that just get 1 or 2 quotes and go with it. The $10000 quote was one of my last so I'm glad I shopped around and did some research

Flooring was ripped off and replaced with Azek composite. Bolts were redone with 5/8 and 4X4 replaced with 6x6. 3 skylights and 3 electrical outlets. gutters/downspouts. Ezscreen system screen on 2 sides of 20x14 screened porch. Composite/wood railing B board ceiling. painted.
Composite clading on 6x6 and facia and skirting.