How Much Does It Cost To Build a Deck?

Building a deck can be a great way to add value to your business or home and create additional outdoor living space, but how much does it cost to build a deck? The cost of building a deck can vary widely depending on several factors, including the materials you use, the size of your deck, and any special features you include.

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the factors that can affect the total cost of building a deck to get an idea of what you should expect to pay.

How Much Does It Cost To Build a Deck?

The deck installation cost can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on various factors. Here's a breakdown of the average cost of deck installation:

Decking Costs by Type of Deck

The most basic deck design — those made of pressure-treated lumber with a concrete footing and featuring just a few steps and a railing — tend to be the least expensive, while decks with multiple levels, built-in benches, elaborate railings, and other features can be significantly more expensive. A wraparound deck or foot deck with unusual shapes or angles can also be on average from 50 to 100 percent more than a basic design.

Decking Costs by Material

The cost per square foot of building a deck will depend on the decking materials you choose. The most common materials used for decks are pressure-treated wood, plastic, and composite.

Pressure-treated wood is the most economical choice coming in at around $15 to $20 per square feet, while plastic and composite are slightly more expensive at $30 to $40 per square feet. 

Overall, composite materials are the most expensive option, but they require the least amount of upkeep and will last the longest. The cost of average deck materials that you choose will also affect the labor costs associated with installation.

Decking Costs by Size of Deck

The cost for a new deck varies depending on the size of the deck. A small deck may only cost a few thousand dollars, while a large deck can cost tens of thousands of dollars, as the smaller deck naturally uses fewer materials and is quicker to build. For example, businesses and homeowners can expect to pay in the region of $15 to $35 per square foot for a 20x20 deck.

Ultimately, the best way to get an accurate estimate for your project is to consult with a deck manufacturer like Bison IP.

How Much Does It Cost To Build a Rooftop Deck?

The average cost to install a rooftop deck with labor and materials is $38 per square foot. The minimum cost is $25 per square foot, and the maximum cost is $50 per square foot. The average price for labor is $25 per hour. The materials costs can vary greatly, from $0.9 for faux grass to $40 per square foot for composites or porcelain decking.

A rooftop deck can be installed in about a month for very small projects and in four to five months for medium-sized projects. Larger, more complicated projects can take eight to nine months, or even a year to finish, to complete (as they will have to adhere to various building codes).

How Much Does It Cost To Build a Deck With Add-Ons?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much to install a deck with add-ons, as there are thousands of combinations of add-ons that can be chosen. Below is a list of some popular add-ons so you can gauge their price to value ratio for your upcoming projects:

• Adding stairs can increase the cost by around $1,000-$2,000.
• Installing synthetic turf to a deck will cost around $12.33 per square foot.
• Building an outdoor kitchen onto the deck can add another $5,000-$12,000 to the total.
• Adding a fire pit or other type of feature can increase the cost by $300-$1,400.
• Creating a lounge area with furniture and other amenities like a hot tub can add $4,150-$11,185 or more to the total cost.
• Building an outdoor theater or another type of entertainment space can add $550 or more to the project.

What Happens Before Getting To the Cost of a Deck?

Before you even start on the cost for a new deck, there are a few things you need to do in order to make the process as smooth as possible. Here are five steps to take before building your deck:

1. Decide what you want. The first step is to figure out what kind of deck you want. Do you want one that's big and spacious or one that's smaller and more intimate? Do you want a traditional wood deck or something made from composite materials?
2. Look for reviews. Once you've decided on the type of deck you want, it's important to do some research on the best products and materials to use. Luckily, there are plenty of online reviews from people who have already built decks, so you can get a good sense of what works and what doesn't.
3. Get your finances in order. Building a deck can be expensive, so it's important to budget accordingly. There are a lot of variables to consider, such as the size of the deck, the materials used, and any additional features or amenities you want.
4. Determine your future needs. While it's tempting to build a deck that can hold a lot of people, sometimes it's better to plan for future expansion. Make sure to leave some room for future additions, and remember that you can always work on the expansion of an existing deck if needed.
5. Analyze various products. Once you've decided on all the particulars, it's time to start shopping for materials. Make sure to compare prices and quality and choose a supplier who has a good reputation. Bison IP is one of the leading providers of rooftop deck systems in the country, so they're a great place to browse through their deck gallery.