Deck Cost - Buyer Experiences and Price Information

In the late 80's I used to build custom homes and we usually built decks and privacy fences on those homes as well. Now I build decks on the side for people. Back then we figured decks at 3.60 sq. ft. and steps were 7.00 a step. So on a 10x12 deck it would run around $432 plus the steps. Back then this was roughly the cost of materials as well. I see some of these prices and I cant believe how high they are even in todays standards. Building codes are more strict, permits do cost more. Like any other buisness you have other laborers to pay, insurance, taxes and such. Some of the prices are reasonable for today, many are not.
I recently remodeled a 12x14 deck into a 14x35, 8' above grade with a wrap around stairway out of 2x6 treated wood, 300 aluminum spindles railing. Materials was about 1,700. I charged 1,400 labor. I built it on my own time by myself a couple days a week for 6 weeks. Its all extra $$ to me. The customer understands this, they buy the materials that I order to deliver and I build it. If I were licensed and insured and had a crew to pay it would be considerably more. I understand I am a rarity, using my skills on the side to suppliment my income. I can build any deck with any building codes with the highest of quality. Tight/flush joints, flush screws heads, deck is square, level and plumb. I am probably on the cheaper side for labor, but the customers are not getting a deck built in a few days either. A good average to me would be labor at 1 to 1.5 times cost of materials. If your installing more expensive material like cedar or composites than labor is figured the same way for me. Cedar is soft and delicate so more care is needed when working with it.
Builders usually get a 10% material discount from their suppliers but typically add that 10% back on to the customer. I dont do that either because my customers pay for the materials I order. The labor is my profit. It covers my time, fuel, and equipment depreciation.

You get what you pay for. 650sf Ipe decking w/hidden fasteners, ele.9 ft. 2x10 framing w/6x10 beams 6x6 posts. Wrap around Staircase.150lf tempered shater resistant glass panels with aluminum posts and rails. 32sq ft Pergola for bbq. 2 privacy glass panels (6'x8'), Demo/Haul existing deck. All supported with 24"x24"x12" conc pads. All material carried in via hand 200'.

Two handymen are replacing my 10x12 foot second floor deck floor with composite (veranda from HD) and installing a decorative gate at the top of the deck stairs. They quoted $500 fixed price for labor, and estimated $650 for supplies, which I bought based on their list (one of them goes along with me). They had already done the stair treads for me as a separate project, so I could split the cost over time. They do any additional repairs that are part of the project within that price, such as touch up painting, full clean up, putting all the patio furniture back, etc.

Notes: I buy them lunch while here but never tip unless they do extra repairs unrelated to the quote. They only do this on weekends as supplement to their full time work, and they fully clean up between weekends and at the end of projects so I am not living in any mess. (To be honest I help with clean up and taking out the trash if I am home.) They have satisfactorily done well over a dozen jobs for me (both indoor and outdoor), and one big basement remodel spread out over time.

Mr. Choate: I believe Osprey Builders was referring to the author of the article at the top of the page. One of the bullet points states that "Pressure-treated wood and other materials for a small, 10-x-12-foot do-it-yourself single-level rectangular deck average $500-$1,000".

The estimate started in the $7K range, but I added some benches, a custom made garbage can bin and 16 foot long stairway (only 18 inches to ground). Is this reasonable?

To Osprey Builders: Who should be ashamed? What post do you find false and misleading?

You should be ashamed to have written such an false and misleading article. I am a deck contractor. Jurisdictional codes vary widely so as to make deck costs do the same. For a 10 x 12 wood deck in with moderate codes the cost of the material from Lowes for the deck only (no railing or stairs) is over $1100 (the lower grade of material at that). As a contractor, I must have at minimun 10% mark up on the material. There is also delivery unless you care to pick up the material yourself(still a cost associated). You most also over order on material so culling can be done, so there is another expense in returning boards.
On a wood deck a 12' board costs $8, you get $8 worth of installation.
On a PVC deck a 12' board costs around $36, if you pay for $8 worth of installation you will be severely diappointed. Make sure the installer is certified by the manufacturer.
In my area labor runs $5-8/sqft for deck framing, $1.00-3.50/sqft for deck surface, $6.00-9.00/lft on railing, $10.00-16.00/sqft on stairs

I've said this quite a few times on this blog and from all of the recent posts I think I should say it again: A deck price can not be given based on size and material alone. It is impossible to tell you whether or a not a price is reasonable based on just a small amount of information. There are way too many things to consider when pricing a project to just casually tell someone whether or not they are paying a fair price. Some things to consider are: Is there another deck that needs to be removed? What is the elevation of the deck? Do you want it built to the minum state/town building code or do you prefer a better built deck? Do we need to install new footings and if so what size and how many? What kind of railing do you want: simple, traditional, fancy? What kind of floor: low maint, pt wood, etc.? How do you want it fastened? Would you prefer an "economical" vinyl low maint. railing or a high end PVC railing? Do you want a contractor with a license, liabilty insurance, workers compensation and do you want all of his subs to have the same coverage as well...or do you simply want a carpenter witha hammer and a few friends of his working on and in your home? Do you need a design or do you already have plans? If you need a design are you willing to pay for them? Who is taking care of the permits? Who is disposing of the construction debris? What kind of framing lumber will be used: #1 or #2 grade? Will the deck be flashed...and will it be flashed correctly?
Only a viist to your jobsite along with a budget, plans, and detailed specs can a price be determined. Find a builder with at least five years under his belt of building decks AND running his/her own business who has at least 25 references. And if you find a builder who doesn't charge at least a small fee to provide all the details in writing then that builder doesn't place any value on his time and will likely not place much value on your project when he is building it.

This is a one level deck with a set of steps going down about 3 feet to the yard, and simple but custom railings. It won't be fancy but it will be big - does this price sound fair? About 4500 for materials and 4000 for labor.

For a square 16X16 deck using treated lumber with steps all around the deck and no railing I was quoted $3787 for labor with material est $3,104. Is this a good deal?
The quote was for cedar deck with pressure treated framing and posts:
Cedar deck top facia and stairs
plastic and pea gravel ground cover
4X$ pressure treated posts 42" deep and 60# of ready mix
Pressure treated lumber for beams and joist all at 11.00 per sq. foot
100 square foot of wrap around stairs at 13.00 per sq. foot

I bought my materials from both Lowe's and Home Depot. I used 12 2x12x10's for the base and joist,and used 1x10x10 for the decking,and used 9 4X$ posts with a gate. One thing I found helpful with my rails, Lowe's had pre-notched Rails that I attached to the posts, then all I had to do was cut my 2x2's to length and slide them in the notches then screw them tight. I did not use nails only screws. I actually had fun building it as I am a novice and had no idea how it would turn out, but I have to say it turned out very well. It cost me $960 and that includes the solar lights that fit over the top of the 9 4X4 posts. Before you hire some one to do it for you, check out doing it yourself if possible. My wife loves it, and that's the most important thing, Right Guys?

I was just quoted $14,500 for 425 sq/ft of odd shaped transend deck (undermount) on a slope with highest point 7 ft off ground with 1 set of stairs including deluxe vinyl railing. Totally turn-key, permits and all. is this a good price?

We received a quote to come in and replace our old deck and build a new one. It would be 20x20 feet with stairs (and is approximately 9 feet off the ground). Does this seem high to anyone else?

Decks Unlimited was more reasonably priced than our other estimates.

To Treated Southern Pine in Exton, PA.,
If you decide to use the existing frame (floor joists and beams) I highly recommend you cover the tops of the old lumber with vycor deck flashing (or equivalent) prior to installing the decking. If the framing lumber is in good shape and the construction methods were good then using the existing frame will likely be okay. If you expand the deck there are things you will have to be aware of though.

i was just quoted $19000 for a new azek deck. the deck will be 335 sq feet, have two sets of stairs, and will be about 5 feet off the ground. is this a good price.

How much does a 460 sf deck 8 feet off the ground attached to house made of PT decking with white vnyl rails cost?

I am removing 20 year old cedar laid over top of pressure treated Southern Pine beams. I have replaced a dozen cedar 5/4's x 16' over the last few years and will need another dozen or so before this summer. Decided to pull up the cedar and put down a new deck and rails (cedar or pressure treated, have yet to decide). The pressure treated lumber looks good from underneath but I want to see it from above once the decking is removed. Deck is about 4 feet above ground. Any opinions on whether I should reuse the support structure sight unseen by you, the reader? Am I being foolish by not replacing everything simply based on the age of the structure. Opinions welcomed. Thx

The DECK has been said to the most dangerous of the home. This is a job that should be left to the professional. More than 1/2 of the 40 Million Decks estimated in the USA are in need of retrofitting, due to improper construction. Every project in the home improvement field has a range of value. There is a certain number that a professional has to get for their skill. I am talking about their expertise, and the legitimate operating costs of the business. A professional will take the entire project form start to finish for a homeowner including, layout, permits, ordering materials, and final cleanup. A smooth and seamless process with no if's, ands, or buts. A PT deck in the Northern New Jersey is worth about $25-$30, a composite deck project is worth $45-$50 a sq foot. Too many homeowners value the project on price. You get what you pay for, plain and simple. There is big difference in the quality of work performed by real carpenters vs a handyman or jack of all trades. Inexperience and low ball prices produce low quality results, regardless of the material. What the homeowner needs to be aware of is that the quality of work is important to the home's value. In these times all homeowners should strive to retain or add the most improved value as they can. Don't decide on price alone. Go look at completed jobs look especially look at the workmanship, check references, talk to their past customers. By hiring a professional you will get the highest return for your dollars spent.

Just priced up 14x20 2 level deck with 10 footings, PT frame, trex transcend decking and rails w 6 steps staircase Material quotes ranged from 7800 -8300 from 3 lumber yards Thats about $30/sq/ft just for materials. 20 years in this trade and still shocks me at how much things cost. Final cost L&M be around 14-15K w/ permits and debris removal Decks are a lot of work and not all weekend warriors and handymen are capable of doing them. I have seen decks fall or pull right off the house because of this. Dont discount years of experience, quality and safety in place of saving a few bucks. Find me on Builders Pro if you like

Sanity check: $9500 seems high for the following (with no demolition required):
- 14.5 ft wide x 12 ft deep and ~4' high.
- Understructure to be all pressure treated lumber with 6 x 6 posts and 2 x 10 joist beams and perimeter beams.
- Topside to be AZEK composite 2 x 6 decking boards with hidden screws.
- One set of stairs to have AZEK deck treads and AZEK white back plates.
- White AZEK perimeter banding to be used as well.
- Posts set in concrete 3' below ground surface.
That's almost $55/sf-- what seems reasonable to you?
Thanks~

To Orville32 in Santa Barabra, CA: You asked how much is a fair bid for a materials and labor for a roof top deck. I'd like to answer that with a question: How much is a fair price for a car? You see where I'm going with this? A price can not be given without a set of specifications and a GOOD set of concept plans at the very least (working blueprints would be better). You'll get dozens of different prices with dozens of different specifications by asking a blanket question like how much does a rooftop deck cost...unless specs are given, with a plan and a budget you will get prices from $1,000 to $100,000.

With all the recent snow/ice/rain, our 14' x 19' deck pulled out from the house and collapsed. After a visit from the insurance adjuster, we were given an estimate of about $7k for the replacement. This includes demo/dumpster and one set of stairs. The estimate works out to about $25/sq ft. Based on other posts, this seems a bit low. I was figuring somewhere north of $35/sq ft. I would appreciate any advice on handling next steps with contractor and/or adjuster. Many thanks!

I'm getting bids for building a roof-top deck on top of a 1-story beach house. How much is a fair bid for materials and labor, including trex railings?

The contracter was the builder. He was there everyday and really paid attention to detail. Look for a salesmen that builds aswell. Our previous deck was sold by one guy and built by a wacky crew that didnt care what i thought. This new deck had no stairs with Radiance Rails.

The best quote I have read on this blog so far is, "The guy at Lowes told me...".

Location is central New Jersey, built it myself, 420 square foot 36" height, 2 stairs down and one additional with a 4'x4' platform for a total drop of 12' or so. Cost is materials only includes concrete for footings, rental fees (for equipment), debris hauling, hardware, railings, gates (have to small kids), decking and framing (and a new circular saw). Decking is Azek, railings are Tamrail vinyl composite. Probably overbuilt the framing - doubled 2x12 beams on 4x6 posts with 2x8 joists on 12" centers. Built evenings during summer 2010.

Working on my deck myself. So far all materials cost me under 8,000. Got everything in Lowes. The guy at Lowes told me I would have paid $25,000 to $30,000 for this kind of deck installed for me.

We hired Rzonca Construction because of his knowledge on the AZEK decking material. He is very thorough and not pushy at all, when it comes to him spending time with you. He actually met with us, showed us some nice color designs that he designed for us and then went out for a ride with him, to check on some azek decks he did in the neighborhood that have been up for a few years. He was recommended by another happy customer.He came Highley Recommended. They were correct. We've interviewed 3 other contractors that we didn't feel comfortable with, especially when they started rushing us into signing something we didn't even have an estimate for...You can't go wrong hiring Mr. Rzonca and his team of trade professionals.

thank god i live in the Redwoods 375 sq ft deck work done by me