How Much It Costs To Build a Deck
If you want a relaxing area to enjoy the fresh air or gather with friends and family, a deck can be a great option. The average cost to build a deck is $8,169, with most homeowners paying between $4,345 and $12,498 for a new deck. But it can be challenging to determine the exact cost right away since many variables affect how much you’ll pay.
We’ll walk you through the costs of building a deck, including deck financing options and factors that impact the price.
How much does it cost to build a deck?
Building a deck can cost between $30 and $60 per square foot, including labor and materials. The average cost of building a deck is around $8,000, but many variables can affect the price, including:
- Size. How large do you want your deck to be?
- Materials. What do you want your deck to be made of? Do you have additional features you want included in your deck, like lighting or a fire pit?
- Labor. Are you planning to build the deck yourself or hire professionals?
- Style. Do you want to build a ground-level, floating, or second-floor deck?
Generally, the larger the deck you want, the more it will cost.
Material costs for different deck types and features
Materials are one of the most significant costs of building a deck. The type of decking you choose, such as wood or composite, will impact how much you pay. Pressure-treated wood is typically the most affordable option. Composite decking and tropical hardwoods, including cedar and redwood, tend to cost a bit more.
Costs for common types of decking
Here are some of the most common types of decking and their costs per square foot:
| Decking | Cost range per square foot |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $2 to $5 |
| Composite | $15 to $36 (including railings, framework and hardware) |
| Redwood | $5 to $35 |
| Cedar | $3 to $7 |
| Mahogany | $8 to $11 |
| Bamboo | $3 to $10 |
| Aluminum | $15 to $20 |
Costs for custom deck features
If you’d like to add custom features to your deck, here’s what those costs may look like:
| Feature | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lighting | $8 to $30 each, plus installation |
| Deck staining | $550 to $1,050 |
| Stairs | $25 to $50 per stair |
| Railings | $35 to $210 per linear foot |
| Firepit | $100 to $2,000 |
| Awning | $1,200 to $3,700 |
| Deck roof | $3,000 to $10,000 |
Labor costs to build a deck per square foot
The labor cost for deck installation can run anywhere from $15 to $32 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor. Labor costs can vary depending on your location, the complexity of the deck design, materials and extra features you choose, such as built-in seating and lattice skirting.
Cost to build a deck yourself
Style costs to build a deck per square foot
The price for type of deck you choose can range from $15 to $45 per square foot. Ground-level decks are an average price of $15 per square foot and are the most common (and cheapest) option. Floating and second-floor decks average $40 and $45 per square foot, respectively.
The cost of building a deck can vary seasonally
Check if you need a permit
Before building a deck, you may need to apply for a local permit. If you’re hiring builders, they might be responsible for securing the permit, but it’s a good idea to double-check with them. A building permit for a new deck costs between $225 and $500, according to HomeAdvisor.
Ongoing deck costs: What to know
Ongoing costs of having a deck include property taxes, deck maintenance, repairs, and home insurance. These are important to consider and budget for before you invest in a new deck.
Property taxes
Building a new deck may increase your home’s value, which is good news in terms of selling your home. However, it can also increase your property taxes. Your local tax assessor can help you estimate how building a deck will impact your tax bill.
Maintenance and repairs
Performing deck maintenance is crucial to keep it in good shape and avoid expensive repairs or replacement costs. Regularly inspecting your deck for signs of rot, keeping it clean and applying a stain or sealant will help ensure you can enjoy your deck for years to come.
Read more about the best home improvement loans.
Homeowners insurance
Adding a deck to your property may require changes to your homeowners insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage. Depending on your policy, you may need to increase your dwelling or “other structures” coverage to protect your deck.
Learn more about how to get the cheapest home insurance quotes.How to pay for a deck
- Cash: Paying for a deck out of pocket can help save you money in interest and fees. If you need to save up the cash, use an online deck cost calculator to estimate the price, depending on the size, materials and features you want. Based on that number, save a certain amount of money each month until you reach your goal.
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC): HELOCs are secured by your home’s value and provide you with a revolving credit line. Similar to credit cards, you can borrow, repay and borrow again. Many people use HELOCs to finance large purchases, such as home repairs or improvements.
- Home equity loan: A home equity loan is another way to pull from your home’s equity without selling the property. Home equity loan funds are generally given in a lump sum that you must repay over a set number of years. Home equity loan rates depend on several factors, including your credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.
- Cash-out refinance: A cash-out refinance lets you borrow more money than you owe on your existing mortgage and keep the difference. You can use the extra money to pay for a deck or other expenses, typically at lower rates than credit cards or unsecured personal loans.
- Fixer-upper loan: Fixer-upper loans are a type of mortgage that rolls the cost of financing the home and renovations into a single loan. They work best for people who have multiple home improvement projects they want to complete at the same time. It’s important to compare different programs, understand the types of renovations each loan covers and the minimum borrower requirements.
Frequently asked questions
You can generally expect to pay $16,000 to $24,000 for a 400-square-foot, 20×20 deck. However, the exact amount you’ll pay depends on the deck type, materials and features you choose.
You may receive up to a 70% return on investment (ROI) on a deck when you sell your home, according to HomeAdvisor. That’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, however, because many factors affect a home’s value, and every property is different.
Building a deck is typically not a tax write-off. If the deck increases your home’s value, though, you can add it to the cost basis of your home, which may lower your capital gain taxes when you sell the property.
A professional deck-building company can typically complete a project in one to three weeks. However, larger decks, decks with complex designs and decks made with certain materials can take longer. The amount of time to build a deck can also vary based on the professional’s skill level and experience.