Deck Cost - Buyer Experiences and Price Information

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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!

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.

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~

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

Decks Unlimited was more reasonably priced than our other estimates.

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?

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?

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?

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

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.