Budget - Determines Deck Size and Materials
Calculating a construction budget is an equation with three variables:
1) Cost
2) Square Footage
3) Quality of Materials.
You can control two of these variables which will produce the third, but you can’t control all three simultaneously. A deck project can be a substantial investment. Most decking materials range from $15 to $30 per square foot. That means a basic, 320-square-foot cedar deck will run about $5,250 for materials or about $10,500 if you plan on using composite materials.
If you are experiencing sticker shock right now, you have discovered a design limitation in your deck design. A bigger deck isn’t always the best solution even with an unlimited budget. An intelligent, aesthetically pleasing design will give you more bang for your buck. It is a good idea to set a cost range that you are prepared to spend before getting too far along in your design.
The cost of decking materials will vary depending on the type and quality of material you choose, where you live and what type of lumberyard you buy from. The price of decking is a commodity just like gasoline.
Pressure-treated wood is an economic material, which is ideal for people working within a tight budget, but it doesn't always hold up as well over time. You can expect to pay between $3 and $6 per square foot for 5/4x6 ACQ-treated decking from a big box store. You should sort through the lumber bins to find the best boards. Home Depot and Lowes usually only stock short lengths of decking less than 12', which will leave your deck with more seams. If you go to a local lumberyard for contractors, you will find higher-grade materials with longer available lengths at a slightly higher price. Routine staining will help protect your deck, but it is not uncommon for pressure-treated decking to split, crack, warp and turn gray in a few years.
Cedar and redwood decking prices range from about $7 to $15 per square foot. Redwood is commonly available on the West Coast but is scarce in the eastern United States.
With over 100 brands to choose from, there is a wide range of prices for vinyl, composite and aluminum decking. A variety of attractive colors and textures can be combined in interesting ways, such as borders and inlays. Low-maintenance decking products should offer at least a 15-year warranty.
Exotic hardwood decking materials, such as ipe, tigerwood and Braziilian redwood are usually the most expensive options. You can expect to pay between $7 to $10 per linear foot. Exotic hardwoods are only available at higher-end lumberyards and are usually a special-order item. Exotic hardwoods usually require side-mounted hidden fastener clips, which will add to the total cost.
Ready to browse materials? Find a retailer here for all your decking needs.
10 Tips For Designing A Great Deck
This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.
Maximize Your Space with These 8 Under Deck Ideas
If you have an elevated deck, maximize the empty space below it with our top under-deck design ideas, from storage to landscaping.
DIY Deck Remodel & Renovation Ideas
There are lots of reasons to remodel your deck and lots of ways to do it. If your worn-out wood decking needs replacing anyway, give low-maintenance composite deck boards a try.
IRC Code Requirements For Decks
Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!
How to Find & Choose a Deck Contractor
Finding a good contractor to build your deck doesn't have to be hard. Learn how to find a contractor and what to expect when working with one at Decks.com.
Residential PSF Deck Requirements
For a residential deck, the code requires it be designed to support a minimum 40-psf live load. Learn more about how much to put on a deck psf at Decks.com.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
10 Fence Ideas to Add Privacy and Style to Your Yard
10 Fence Ideas to Add Privacy and Style to Your Yard
From Swim to Sun: 5 Tips for Building a Deck Around Your In-Ground Pool
The pool-deck combo is the perfect outdoor layout for a relaxing, warm-weather hang. Check out these tips on how to design your space.
Leftover Deck Board Ideas
Have leftover deck boards after building your deck and don’t know what to do with them? Get inspired with 10 ideas for leftover decking from Decks.com.
Contractor Problems? How to Communicate with Contractors and Handle Disputes
When working on a large construction project, there are bound to be bumps in the road. Learn how to handle disputes with a contractor with Decks.com.
IRC Code Requirements For Decks
Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!
Questions To Ask Your Deck Contractor
The quest to find the right contractor to complete your decking project can feel overwhelming and stressful. Learn more about what questions you should ask before hiring a contractor on decks.com
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights