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 |  | Pressure-Treated Wood Deck: $2,560-$16,000+ for 16'x20' |  | Redwood or Cedar Deck: $6,400-$24,000+ for 16'x20' |  | Composite Deck: $8,000-$22,400+ for 16'x20' |
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A deck provides room for outdoor entertaining or relaxing, and can create the feeling of more living space in a house. They're typically made of wood -- pressure-treated wood, cedar, redwood or hardwood -- or plastic composite materials designed to look like wood.
Typical costs: | - Hiring someone to construct a wood deck can cost $8-$75 or more a square foot for labor and materials, depending on whether it is built with pressure-treated wood ($8-$50 or more a square foot, or about $2,560-$16,000 for 16'x20'), cedar ( $20-$75 or more a square foot, or $6,400-$24,000 for 16'x20'), redwood ($30-$75 or more a square foot, or $9,600-$24,000 for 16'x20') or hardwood or ( $40-$80 or more a square foot, or $12,800-$25,600 for 16'x20'). Wood is the most traditional, common and easily available material for decks; it is typically easier to work with than composite materials.
- Composite deck installation can cost $25-$70 or more a square foot (8,000 -$22,400 for 16'x20"). Typically made of recycled plastic (about 30%-50%) and wood fibers, composite decking is advertised as a low-maintenance, long-lasting (30 years or more), splinter-free material that resists rot, insects and UV rays, but the dust from installation is not biodegradable and must be collected during installation and removed from the site. Most composites come with a 10-25 year warranty.
- Some of the factors affecting the total cost for any type of deck include the height; shape; number of levels; railing length, material and style; steps, staircases and landings; benches, lighting or other built-in features; and whether an old deck needs to be demolished and hauled away.
Related articles: Patio, Patio Door, Pergola, Gazebo, Landscape Design, Swimming Pool
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What should be included: | - Home Depot provides instructions for building a ground-level deck[1] (16-24 hours of work) and a multi-level deck[2] (116-132 hours).
Additional costs: | - Building a deck often requires a permit, depending on local regulations and the size and height of the structure. Most contractors will coordinate any permits and inspections, but the homeowner is usually responsible for paying the fees, which can be nominal or pricey, based on location.
- Depending on local regulations, after the project is complete the local tax assessor may calculate how much the property has increased in value; the exact amount of any tax increase varies significantly by location and the value of the addition.
- Once the deck is completed, contact your homeowners' insurance company ; tell them how much it cost to build the new deck, and they will determine the cost to add the deck to the existing policy.
- A deck should be AA home.costhelper.com/cleaning-deck.html>cleaned annually ($0.25-$1.50 or more a square foot) and a wood deck might require sealing ($1-$5 a square foot) or staining ($0.50-$7 a square foot) every 1-2 years, depending on the type of wood and the deck's exposure to sunlight and weather.
Shopping for a deck: | - The Lowe's Deck Designer[3] lets consumers pick sample decks or create a custom project, then print out a materials shopping list. Home Depot offers an index of decking materials[4] .
- A deck can be installed by a handyman( or do-it-yourselfer) with strong carpentry and design skills, a landscaping contractor, a general building contractor (who may sub it out to a specialist) or a decking contractor. Ask family, friends, neighbors or the staff at local hardware or home improvement centers for recommendations.
- Confirm that the company is properly insured and licensed.
- Ask for a detailed explanation of the work to be done and the materials that will be used. If there is an existing deck, make sure the bid includes demolition and debris removal. HGTVremodels.com lists questions to ask a decking professional[5] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: Hard working Girl in pilot rock, OR. | Posted: December 2nd, 2020 02:12PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 14' x 24' | Material: |
Had to pack up all material along side of house up hill into the back yard lumber, Gravel, Tools etc..(no other way to get everything up there, Had to dig lots of Dirt and move it for a level deck, , Pack up buckets of gravel for under the entire deck, plus the ground had hard rock and lots of it we had to dig into and move, carried all the concrete blocks up hill etc.. what would you charge for labor???? |
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| Posted by: happywithdeck in Austin, TX. | Posted: May 29th, 2020 06:05PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 16 x 26 | Material: Compostie |
| Contractor: AMAZING |
So in my materials cost my contractor is charging me for saw blades and drill bits... is that common for a contractor to include those item in his materials costs? If so, does he get to keep those? If yes, why? |
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| Posted by: edward the happy contractor in san jose, CA. | Posted: October 2nd, 2019 12:10AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: one | Material: two |
| Contractor: self |
as I was saying If the owner is happy pays you for the work you have done it does not matter what you estimated the job for how much you charge or how long it took to do the job all that matters is you completed the job made a owner happy and received your money for doing a good job so why would anybody give a ship what I spend it on what I buy or any thing that I do except if I do it well and I am fair honest and take pride in what I do so to all of you people who judge other people on what their pee brain thinks they have a problem, are emotionally unbalanced, jealous, or not living up to the kind of person their mother always told them they can be, as a long time construction worker people that can not adapt to life situations and are bitches, complainers, whinners, pain in the asses, or are the kind of person who finds problems with every thing in there life this is from me and all the people who feel if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem so phuc off |
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| Posted by: edward the happy contractor in san jose california, CA. | Posted: October 1st, 2019 11:10PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: one | Material: two |
| Contractor: self |
I have been a contractor for 45 yrs I have contracted work from dog houses to multi million dollar homes, when a contractor starts your job you pay him part of the job cost called a draw or retainer or as I call it enough to pay for material and labor to pay for work up until the next draw or on small jobs you pay the remainder of the cost of the job If the work is acceptable if it is not you do not pay the contractor until it is done right, If the contractor has a license is bonded and insured he better be doing good to great work or he is a moron as doing construction is no easy way to make a living as I pay for my career every day when I get out of bed, but I have never not been paid on a job or had a serious problem getting paid And I drive a 45k truck and I find it low class you guys think if you drive a nice vehicle that he is charging to much that shows the people that have a brain how ignorant you are if a person works does a good job the client is happy to be continued |
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| Posted by: NV Contractor in Reno, NV. | Posted: July 28th, 2019 07:07AM |
Unbelievable how some of you whine about pricing. Contractors make a living at what we do. You people that go out and build a deck for $5 a foot are hand to mouth. Make enough so you can take the family to Burger King.
Contractors have costs: tools, truck, trailer, employees, insurance(s), gas, etc. Not to mention my 20 years plus experience comes with a price. Pull your head out and get with the real world. |
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| Posted by: AndrewMacNeill in Ottawa, Canada, Other. | Posted: May 20th, 2019 01:05AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 225-250 | Material: PVC |
| Contractor: Corkdown Decking |
High quality PVC decking (added 3K to project) with trellis, night lighting and cedar rails. Took about 1.5 weeks. |
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| Posted by: Brian Dusold in Cincinnati, OH. | Posted: August 7th, 2018 12:08PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 264 | Material: composite |
| Contractor: n/a |
I had a couple quotes so far on a 22 x 12 foot composite deck with installation of the sliding door above the garage. One quote came in around 16,000 another around 11,000. Does this sound right? |
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| Posted by: Kelly Davidson in Lagro, IN. | Posted: July 17th, 2018 05:07AM |
Will only be halfway around the pool |
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| Posted by: Diversified in Southbury, CT. | Posted: May 20th, 2018 06:05PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: A LOT | Material: AZEK |
| Contractor: Platinum Certified |
Compare apples to apples and quality. Anyone can “build” a deck but product knowledge & detail are worth the money spent.
We fix a lot of decks that are just “built cheap” and its terrible to tell a customer that the 12k for materials alone are now useless due to a hack that used them. |
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| Posted by: mike101 in Falls church, VA. | Posted: July 16th, 2017 08:07PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 710 | Material: |
| Contractor: Loacl Contractor |
Curious to see if I overpaid for a deck in Northern Virginia. Trex Transcend deck and railing . About 8' off the ground with 4' wide stair case and 1 landing. |
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| Posted by: Higgpigg in Tampa, AZ. | Posted: September 7th, 2016 11:09PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 1000 | Material: PT |
| Contractor: ATW Inc. |
You all are scam artist. I install decks for $3.65 sq. ft, All of you are crooks! |
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| Posted by: Divorced on a budget in St. Charles,, MO. | Posted: August 11th, 2015 01:08AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 150 | Material: Pressure treated lumber |
| Contractor: Licensed |
I don't expect to pay someone's insurance. Or pay for tools or truck. If you are established, you've had these a while, and you can even claim that vehicle and office space, machines, etc. on taxes. Advertise the use of the tools or wear the hat, you might even get sponsor comps. I too am put off by your brand new truck that costs almost as much as my town home. As far as the work, aren't inspectors required to approve it? My city is anal about meeting every code, etc. my contractor has a truck worth more than $1,000. He does high quality work (just remodeled our Master bath) and his pricing is in the median range. If you are getting bids for a job, get 3-5. Then consider everything. Check references. Go look at finished projects. Don't rush. Pay what works for you after getting all information. I got several bids for a basic deck. The biggest came from a big remodeling company. $2,000-$3,000 more than the others. Personally, I think they bid high to avoid a small job. |
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| Posted by: George jones in salt lake, UT. | Posted: July 6th, 2015 03:07AM |
| Contractor: self |
the 12 grand I listed for amount spent... that's about what I figure I spent in tools so that I could start a business.... and that's just for remodels and side jobs. unlike "also irritated" I chose to purchase tools that will last more than one Deck. it has nothin to do with fancy name brands Jack, it has to do with a one time purchase you can rely on every time and have confidence it's not gonna wear out before the ink on the receipt starts to fade. because most of us on here aren't guys who built a deck with a buddy, we're guys who build decks, Oh yea and houses too... for a living. same reason professional drivers don't race sedans. it's the difference between a race car driver and a guy who gets drunk watching the race and has cones all over the kitchen so he can practice stumbling to the left every time he gets up to get his wife a beer. I helped a buddy fly a plane once,guess in your book I'm a pilot. |
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| Posted by: justahandyman in oak view, CA. | Posted: June 13th, 2015 07:06PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 360 raised | Material: PT/redwood |
| Contractor: handyman |
Continued:
Lets talk tools ya the noisy things that get the job done. Good tools are not cheap and do you whiners realize the tools used have parts that need to be replaced THAT COSTS MONEY welcome to overhead, and that is but a fraction of overhead costs. It is extremely clear all the whining I see is from people who have no clue what quality work is and what it costs to maintain that quality.
I am a small fry compared to some of the bigboys on here and even I know that some of the prices on here are dead on. Some are a bit outlandish but most are decent. I challenge ANY of you whining about prices to work 1 job and produce the same quality they can and I guarantee you will find a knew appreciation for quality work. DIYers well good for you but your not in a business your prices are mute at best.
I work alone because good work is hard to find.
Hands down to the pro's I'll try not to step on your toes. Good day and happy building. |
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| Posted by: justahandyman in oak view, CA. | Posted: June 13th, 2015 07:06PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 360 raised | Material: PT/redwood |
| Contractor: handyman |
OK just need to say I've read all the posts and WOW some of you ppl are just ridicules. I am rebuilding a deck but my price is very low due to I am unlicensed. I do know a thing or 2 about building codes and what not so my end result is ALWAYS top notch pics to prove if you like.
That being said first off if you are not a shady fly by night contractor as most are then get off your trip about a breakdown, you have nothing to hide and ultimately if you don't like the reaction then don't do the job it's that frigin simple. Next lets talk prices of materials and labor look people stuff costs money it just does, work is work no matter the time it takes. If you want good work pay for it, if you want crappy work your gonna pay for it but WAY more than you expected. What happens if the said worker gets hurt on YOUR property bet you did not EVEN consider that, that's why the pro's have insurance and it's not cheap.
I'm not done will continue |
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| Posted by: Ratchet in Pittsburgh, PA. | Posted: June 12th, 2015 06:06AM |
| Contractor: ? |
How much should I pay to construct and tear down the old deck for a 8 x 12 deck made of composite and vinyl railings with three steps. 4 feet off the ground |
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| Posted by: HJ Contracting in Grovetown, GA. | Posted: December 18th, 2014 03:12PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 320 | Material: PT Pine |
| Contractor: HJ Contracting |
Single level deck with a wrap around board and a wrap around single step down. |
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| Posted by: Tim the trim carpenter in Birmingham, AL. | Posted: September 11th, 2014 12:09PM |
| Contractor: Master Craftsman Inc. |
I can build an 8 by 8 deck with two sets of stairs for 25 a square foot usually you just need to go see how much a box of screws cost and 1 2x12x16 then tell me I'm to high and remember you don't pay cheap for a good doctor lawyer hair stylist an so on you get what you pay for remember your family's well being deck's do fall and kill |
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| Posted by: a user in Flemington, NJ. | Posted: August 30th, 2014 11:08AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 216 | Material: PVC |
Had one half of my deck (this part was approx. 12x18) rebuilt in 2013 to match the other part, which was an add-on of all PVC in 2001. After much research, stories, "battles", over this deck for years, I would like to share some observations which may help others:
First, anything/EVERYTHING in life comes with a price. Yes, even a heart operation is and should be a known cost (approx. $100,000 today). So a deck should certainly be something that you can research materials/labor cost and DECIDE for yourself whether you feel the item is worth what its price.
Put a bottom line on everything; if you don't it becomes too much of a subjective thing these days with contractors because they feel the pinch of the economic times and don't want to be told what their cost and profit s/be...
The 2013 deck rebuild is an example: 12x18, PVC, I bought the materials, contractor did good work AND it passed two inspections. Est. ranged $3,000 to $9,500. Did it for $3,200. For $6K or more - no way. |
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| Posted by: amiee in Philadelphia, PA. | Posted: July 13th, 2014 09:07PM |
| Contractor: license contractor |
I received a quote for a 14ft x 15ft second level deck in Philadelphia. The material being used is white pvc railing with solar lights without the caps and trex transcend composite material. Is the $5,800 a fair place? |
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| Posted by: Joey101 in Berlin, CT. | Posted: May 8th, 2014 04:05AM |
| Contractor: ? |
I have a second tier deck on a colonial home. I will be ripping it out so they can install a 24 by 16 deck since it's a second level deck instead I want stairs to have a landing instead of straight down. I'm looking for composite decking and plastic railings since it's second level. What do u think a deck would cost here in Connecticut thanks |
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| Posted by: LB in Lombard, IL. | Posted: March 16th, 2014 08:03AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 250 | Material: treated wood |
I was wondering if I paid to much for my 10X25 rectangle deck with treated wood? It has 3 stairs about 3 feet in width and 25 feet of railings. |
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| Posted by: Greenspot in apple valley, CA. | Posted: January 26th, 2014 09:01PM |
| Contractor: me |
The writer of this post has some real bad information. Lets start a list and see this persons lack of credit speak.
1. Red wood life span 20 years? Only if never taken care of. I have seen red wood decks pushing well over 50 years when maintained. Perhaps you are refering to installing it your self.
2. Virtually indestructible composits? Ovously you have never installed one of these in a desert region or had someone with a bbq call you to repair damaged planks.
3. You did not even mention the most important part of your deck, the flashing, paper and seal(s) between the ledger and your home. Sure your deck will last short of a decade but you will be calling your insurance company to repair the sudden leak in your wall a few years down the road.
4. What about load caculations? I bet your unlicensed cousin/brother beefed it up so oyu can put that spa on there too. I bet he couldn't tell you the difference between live and dead load without looking it up on google first. |
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| Posted by: Leo M. in Bloomingdale, NJ. | Posted: January 6th, 2014 09:01AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 1 | Material: PT |
| Contractor: Self |
January 6, 2014 I am puzzled by some of the comments and / or post on this site. I am also puzzled by the cost estimator article on this site.
I am a deck builder in the northern NJ area. I have been building decks as well as all other components of the home for over 20 years. I have a three man crew and we do everything with precise accuracy and professionalism. I just spent the past 20 minutes pricing the cost of a 12' x 12' wood deck with three steps too grade all ACQ material for deck hand-rails as well. I would like to challenge anyone on this site to correct me if I am wrong. Home Depot Cost of Materials today $1478.98 Lowes Cost of Materials today $1492.56 Local lumber supplier Cost of Materials today $1704.54 that comes out to $11.11 per square foot on an average cost of $1600.00 for materials. if it takes me and my three guys 2 1/2 - 3 days with footings. It will cost my company an additional $2100.00 labor +5% for overhead average cost $26.98 pr sf. |
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| Posted by: Jonny Builder in Anytown, WA. | Posted: December 23rd, 2013 02:12PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 1000 | Material: wood |
| Contractor: Good one |
Dear irritated: Go ahead and build decks with your buddy hauling around tools in the trunk of your car. Customers will love that. And charge enough to cover the case of beer you imply the deck labor is worth (forget about overhead as you probably think there isn't any). And as your new business grows let me know how your buddy's $1,000 truck is handling the 300 miles per week it takes to run the business. Now, when the bills start coming in and your P&L sheet is bright red go back to your other job and show a little more respect to professionals who know what they are doing. Any builder who actually takes the time on this blog to help others is probably a builder you think charges too much. Thus, this more than likely did not get through to you. |
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| Posted by: Also Irritated in Anywhere, IL. | Posted: August 30th, 2013 04:08AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 0 | Material: 0 |
| Contractor: 0 |
Funny, I didn't know it required a $30,000 truck to build a deck. I helped a buddy do it a few times and I would estimate his truck to be worth about $1k. Though I have to say i'm pretty sure the tools used would have fit in the trunk of a car. You probably need all the best name brand highest-end possible tools too. I'm sure that will really increase the justified price. Let's improve the math a little. The payment and insurance on said truck is maybe $850 a month. If it takes a week or two to build a deck and we assume the customer should shoulder the entire cost of the truck then it should add maybe $30 to 500 with gas. Don't get me wrong, your knowledge and labor has value, but, I reject the math you used to become "irritated". I am not going to be paying someone $3-7k a week for the knowledge and labor required to build a deck. |
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| Posted by: a user in schroon lake, NY. | Posted: August 1st, 2013 09:08AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 144 sq ft | Material: presure treated |
| Contractor: est. |
I have a 12x12 screened in porch that has to be replace . It has 2 walls the other 2 is the house . This porch has a shed roof ,2ft knee wall, then windows to the ceiling . It is 3 steps off the ground . I was told it has to have 3 footings . Is this a few price , I think it is very high . Thanks for your time |
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| Posted by: NO PURCHASE in Dumfries, VA. | Posted: July 31st, 2013 07:07PM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 10 by 12 | Material: TBD |
| Contractor: TBD |
Really folks...houses are devaluating in price and people are spending between $5k and and $38k for decks. The demand should be decreasing thus supply increasing - basic economic indicates cost of building decks should be going down not up. Good luck staying in business |
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| Posted by: jc92085 in pittsburgh, PA. | Posted: May 12th, 2013 11:05AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 289 | Material: composite/pt rails |
deck on ground level would have to rip out old deck. would like to have a composite base with PT wood for the rails. just wondering if anyone would know an estimate price? |
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| Posted by: a user in annapolis, MD. | Posted: April 23rd, 2013 09:04AM |
| Sq Ft of Deck: 450 | Material: Azek |
| Contractor: Local |
Just wondering if 20K was a fair price for a new construction PT framed Azek decking, azek Balusters & Railing. azek Lockable gate at top of stairs. Plus an azek built bench seat on the deck? Thanks |
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External Resources: | - www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=Building_Ground-level&stor...
- www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=Building_Multi-level&store...
- www.lowes.com/cd_Deck+Designer+Planner_733683095_?cm_cr=Decking-_-Web+Activity-_-D...
- www.homedepot.com/Lumber-Composites-Decking/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbqmg/h_d2/Navigation?cata...
- www.hgtvremodels.com/outdoors/hiring-a-decking-professional/index.html
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