Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Really Cost to Build a Deck?

Building a deck is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living space, increase your home’s value, and create an inviting area for relaxation and entertainment. However, one of the most common questions homeowners have before embarking on this project is, “How much does it really cost to build a deck?” Understanding the total costs involved can help you budget effectively and ensure you’re making the best investment for your home. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key factors that influence deck building costs, providing you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

Ballpark Cost Breakdown of Building a Deck

The overall cost to build a deck varies based on several factors, with size and material being a major determinant. Here’s a ballpark estimate for different deck sizes, comparing traditional cedar decks, composite decking, and advanced PVC decking. These ballpark estimates below compare ground level decks without accessory items like railing, stairs, lighting, etc.:

Small Deck (12 x 12 feet):

Traditional Cedar Deck: For a smaller deck of around 144 square feet, you can expect to spend between $8,000 and $11,000. This cost includes materials, labor, permits, and additional features.
Composite Decking: The cost for a composite deck of the same size ranges from $12,000 to $15,000.
Advanced PVC Decking: For advanced PVC decking, the cost typically falls between $14,000 and $17,000.

Medium Deck (20 x 20 feet):

Traditional Cedar Deck: For a medium-sized deck of approximately 400 square feet, the cost typically ranges from $23,000 to $26,000.
Composite Decking: The cost for a composite deck of this size ranges from $29,000 to $32,000.
Advanced PVC Decking: For advanced PVC decking, the price can range from $32,000 to $35,000.

Large Deck (30 x 40 feet):

Traditional Cedar Deck: For a larger deck of about 1,200 square feet, the price can range from $62,000 to $65,000.
Composite Decking: The cost for a composite deck of this size ranges from $78,000 to $81,000.
Advanced PVC Decking: For advanced PVC decking, the price can range from $85,000 to $88,000 or more.

Factors That Can Increase Deck Costs

While a basic deck can be quite affordable, several factors can significantly increase the overall cost. Understanding these factors can help you budget more accurately and make informed decisions about your deck project. Here are some elements that can add to the cost:

1. Elevated Deck vs. Ground Level Deck

Ground Level Deck:

Simpler Construction: A ground level deck typically requires fewer structural components, making it less expensive to build.
Cost Savings: Ground level decks are generally more affordable, but they still need to be properly designed to prevent moisture issues and ensure longevity.

Elevated Deck:

Structural Requirements: An elevated deck requires additional structural support, such as posts, beams, and joists, to ensure stability and safety.
Additional Labor: Building an elevated deck involves more labor, including excavation for footings and installation of support structures.
Cost Impact: An elevated deck can increase the overall cost by 20% to 50%, depending on the height and complexity of the structure.

2. Railings

Types of Railings:

Wood Railings: Traditional wood railings are the most cost-effective option, typically costing between $20 and $40 per linear foot.
Composite or Metal Railings: These options offer greater durability and require less maintenance but come at a higher cost, ranging from $100 to $250 per linear foot.
Glass Railings: For a modern and unobstructed view, glass railings are an option but are the most expensive, ranging from $250 to $350 per linear foot.

3. Steps

Basic Steps:

Cedar: Basic cedar steps are necessary for most decks and typically add a modest cost, usually ranging from $300 to $500 per step, depending on materials and design.
Composite: Composite steps offer premium durability and low maintenance, and they usually range from $600 to $800 per step.
Advanced PVC: Lastly Advanced PVC steps offer the highest level of quality and durability, and are maintenance free. These steps will run $950 to $1,150 per step.

Complex Staircases:

Custom Designs: More complex staircases with landings, railings, or curved designs can significantly increase costs.
Cost Impact: Complex staircases can add $5,000 to $10,000 or more to the overall project cost, depending on the complexity and materials used.

4. Complex Designs (Angled Cuts and Curves)

Angled Cuts:

Labor Intensive: Angled cuts require precise measurements and additional labor, increasing the complexity of the project.
Cost Impact: Including angled cuts can increase the overall cost by 10% to 20%, depending on the extent of the angles and the design.

Curves:

Advanced Techniques: Curved designs are more challenging to construct and often require specialized materials and techniques.
Cost Impact: Curved deck designs can add 20% to 30% to the project cost due to the increased labor and materials required.

5. Lighting Accessories

Types of Lighting:

Basic Deck Lighting: Simple lighting solutions, such as solar lights or basic fixtures, are relatively inexpensive, typically costing $30 to $50 per fixture.
Integrated Lighting: More advanced lighting options, such as integrated LED systems, stair lighting, or under-rail lighting, can add significant cost.

Cost Impact:

Installation and Materials: The cost of lighting accessories can range from a few hundred dollars for basic setups to several thousand dollars for comprehensive lighting systems, adding 5% to 15% to the overall project cost.

Other Factors Influencing Deck Costs

Size and Design Complexity

The size and complexity of your deck design will significantly influence the total cost. A larger deck requires more materials and labor, while intricate designs with multiple levels, custom railings, or built-in features can increase the price.

Materials

Choosing the right materials for your deck is crucial for both durability and aesthetics. Here’s a comparison of different decking materials:

Traditional Cedar: Cedar is a popular choice for its natural beauty and affordability. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent weathering and damage.
Composite Decking: Composite materials, such as those from TimberTech, offer durability and low maintenance. They are resistant to weather, insects, and rot.
Advanced PVC Decking: Advanced PVC decking provides superior durability and low maintenance, with a higher resistance to moisture, fading, and staining. Advanced PVC is also 30% cooler to the touch than a Composite deck, making it the desirable choice for those with small children or pets.

Labor

Labor is a significant component of the overall cost to build a deck. This cost includes the expertise and effort required to construct a safe, high-quality deck. Your contractor will provide an all-inclusive quote that factors in labor costs, ensuring there are no surprises.

Permits and Inspections

Before starting your deck project, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits. Permit costs and required inspections are typically included in your contractor’s estimate.

Cost-Saving Tips

Building a deck can be a significant investment, but there are ways to manage costs effectively:

Choose Cost-Effective Materials: Opt for materials that balance cost and durability.
Simple Designs: Keep the design simple to reduce overall costs.
DIY Elements: If you’re handy, consider handling some aspects of the project yourself, such as staining or installing basic fixtures.

Understanding the total cost of building a deck can help you plan and budget for this exciting home improvement project. Whether you choose traditional cedar, composite, or advanced PVC decking, knowing the factors that influence costs will ensure you’re making an informed decision.

Meet Skyview Detroit

Live out your vision. Your dreams. Your next stage. Skyview Detroit is ready to make it possible. We are your single source for premium outdoor living solutions in Southeast Michigan, specializing in StruXure louvered pergolas, TimberTech Decks, and MagnaTrack motorized screens for residential and commercial projects. But we are more than our solutions. All of our work is built on a more human approach, the guarantee of precision, and the spirit of innovation.

We take pride in using trusted solutions to complete projects across our state. Valued industry partnerships include StruXure, MagnaTrack Screens, TimberTech, Solar Innovations, Lumon, and Unilock. When you choose Skyview Detroit, you are choosing a proven product — matched only by a premium customer experience.