Bottom Line: What Does it Cost to Build a Deck?

About the Author

About the Author

Mike Mitchell

Mike Mitchell is an award-winning deck builder and designer who specializes in urban decking, transforming cityscapes with his creative constructions. He is a second-generation deck builder.

Table of Contents

Building a deck can help expand the living area of your home and increase the value of your property. A deck will also make your outdoor spaces more welcoming and enjoyable. The first question on most minds is understanding the cost to build a deck. Because a deck is a major home improvement investment and also completely customizable, there’s no direct answer.

If you’re trying to determine what your budget should be for your deck project, here’s what you need to know about pricing a new deck. That way, you can have realistic expectations for the features, finishes, and extras you’d like to include.

What Affects the Cost to Build a Deck?

The two main factors that determine the cost to build your deck: size in square feet and materials. Here is a quick breakdown of how these affect the price.

  1. Size. In most cases, deck builders start with a cost per square foot for the main structure of a new deck. The larger the deck is going to be, the more it will cost. The size of the deck will also determine how much material will be needed making that feature go hand-in-hand with size.
  2. Material Choice. There are a number of options when it comes to choosing the materials to build your deck. From standard pressure-treated lumber and popular composite decking materials to high-end redwood decking and more.
    Along with the cost to install the deck, different materials have different maintenance needs, and some will cost more over the lifetime of the deck to keep them looking their best while others are nearly maintenance-free.

When determining which material type you would like for your deck, be sure to balance the price with the size of the deck, along with the long-term costs associated with maintaining that type of material. In short, the material cost isn’t always reflective of the maintenance cost.

For example, a wood deck will need to be sealed and treated once per year to avoid splintering, rotting, and other deterioration. Some types of wood can also become home to pests such as ants and carpenter bees and drive up the maintenance cost even more. Keep in mind that some premium, expensive wood products like exotic hardwoods still need regular maintenance to stay in good condition.

The Fun Part: Extra Features

While checking out extra features to include in your deck project is definitely fun, it can also make a huge impact on the overall cost of the deck. When choosing extras, be sure to go in knowing what your priorities are.

For some, having an expansive deck with plenty of room for lots of guests is critical and foregoing extras or saving them for an add-on project at a later date is how to get there. For others, their dream deck for their Monee home is the ultimate goal, no matter the cost. Here are some of the most common additional features to consider.

  • Steps & Stairs. Stepping down to ground level from your deck is necessary, and the further the distance, the greater the cost. An extra step or two can raise the price a bit; raising a deck to the second floor will be considerably more expensive.
  • Deck Design. Laying the decking in a diagonal pattern or a more intricate layout will add some eye-catching interest to the look of the finished project. It will also add to the bottom line.
  • Lighting. All decks should include essential lighting for safety after dark, especially near the entryway to the home and where there are any steps or stairs. Beyond the simple overhead or flood-lighting models, there is an endless assortment of lighting options—from decorative string lighting to recessed and task lighting—to customize your space.
  • Pergolas & Privacy. Every deck will come with railings for safety, but adding extra features for privacy and beauty will help make the space your one. Some options include privacy fences, lattice coverings, and overhead covers and pergolas.

Bottom Line: How Much Will a New Deck Cost?

At the low end of our range, a simple rectangular deck on the first level of your home will range in price from $5,000 to $10,000. This deck will include low-maintenance composite decking and all of the vital safety features. This project will be completed by professional deck builders to produce a beautiful, long-lasting improvement to your home and your outdoor spaces.

In the middle of the pricing range, between $10,000 and $20,000, you’ll find longer decks that run the length of an average-sized home, wider decks with more room for seating, and a few extra features to make the deck more personalized. In this range, you’ll also find decks built to meet your above-ground pool with plenty of room for a couple of chairs and a locking gate for safety.

At the top of our range, the total cost is limited only by the imagination of the homeowner. From wraparound styles to multi-level decks, built-in cooking areas, customized lighting options, decorative deck railing, and more, the sky’s the limit.

To learn more about how much your dream deck will cost, or to have a pricing professional help you make the most of your budget, we’re here to help. We also have an assortment of example projects that we’ve completed so you can get a better idea of how far your budget will go. When you’re ready to get started, contact Mitchell Construction for an on-site consultation.