{"id":21505,"date":"2021-01-28T17:30:28","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T01:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=21505"},"modified":"2024-03-14T11:11:03","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T18:11:03","slug":"cost-to-build-a-deck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/cost-to-build-a-deck\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Cost to Build a Deck as Outdoor Add-Ons Gain Popularity?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A deck addition has always been a wonderful way to boost the enjoyment of your home. Who doesn’t love a dedicated space to dine alfresco, watch the sunset, and get some fresh air? But as the pandemic encourages outdoor activities for safety and grounds Americans at home, deck builds have skyrocketed in popularity beyond their usual demand.<\/p>\n

As a result, the cost to build a deck is higher than it used to be. One report notes that prices for a 16-foot deckboard \u2014 often used for building home decks \u2014\u00a0rose from $18 pre-pandemic to a peak of $34 in the fall<\/a>. Prices have since leveled a bit but will still include a \u201ccoronavirus premium,\u201d so to speak, for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n

If your backyard space is longing for a deck, consult this pricing guide which includes several remodeling estimates from reputable home improvement sites and a full breakdown of the expenses you\u2019re likely to encounter. For additional insights, we gathered a sample deck quote estimate from a contractor who walked us through how costs for this project typically shake out.<\/p>\n

The deck of your dreams awaits! But first\u2026 it\u2019s time to budget.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Birgit Loit \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Low, high, and average deck costs: What\u2019s the big picture?<\/h2>\n

Just like any home improvement project, factors like the materials you select, the size of the addition, and which upgrades you opt for (such as built-in seating or sun shade) will impact the overall cost of your deck build. As a starting point, however, let\u2019s review some broad estimates for this project reported by some of the major home improvement brands:<\/p>\n

Source: <\/b>HomeAdvisor
\nAverage deck addition cost:<\/b> $7,682<\/a>
\nAverage cost per square foot:<\/b> $30-$60 per square foot
\nLow and high end deck addition range: <\/b>$4,152-$11,212
\nMethodology: <\/b>HomeAdvisor\u2019s estimates are based on the cost of 14,205 user-submitted projects.<\/p>\n

Source: <\/b>Fixr
\nAverage deck addition cost:<\/b> $12,000<\/a>
\nAverage cost per square foot: <\/b>$14-$44 per square foot
\nLow and high end deck addition range:<\/b> $2,000-$22,000
\nMethodology: <\/b>Fixr gathers data<\/a> from the latest cost studies, U.S. reports, specialty associations, vendor sites, and a 90,000+ local contractor network.<\/p>\n

Source: <\/b>HomeGuide
\nAverage deck addition cost:<\/b> $6,280<\/a>
\nAverage cost per square foot:<\/b> $15-$30 per square foot
\nLow and high end deck addition range: <\/b>$1,200-$14,000
\nMethodology:<\/b> HomeGuide tracks estimates across the country from its network of 30,000 local professionals with millions of project estimates.<\/p>\n

Based on these aggregate cost estimates, you can expect the cost of your deck to range anywhere from $2,000 for a simple addition to $22,000 for a larger, upscale version.<\/p>\n

Breaking down your deck expenses, line by line<\/h2>\n

Of all the expenses that will go into your deck addition, the three biggest factors likely to impact your final cost include labor, square footage, and your selected materials.<\/p>\n

Labor<\/h3>\n

According to HomeAdvisor, labor costs to build your deck typically account for about 50% of the budget<\/a>. You can attempt to cut down on labor costs by timing the project in the offseason or doing some of the work yourself. If you schedule construction in the offseason, you might be able to negotiate rates and a quicker project timeline<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to the National Association of Home Builders, completing the labor yourself can cut the average $31 per square foot costs of building a deck in half<\/a>. That might mean clearing the yard, digging the supports, or cutting some of the decking. But be forewarned that DIY projects take on average 3x longer<\/a> than professional installations.<\/p>\n

Size<\/h3>\n

The bigger you plan to build your deck, the more it\u2019ll cost you. Not only do you need more materials for a larger addition, but the design will become more complicated as square footage increases. Plus, there’s more labor involved. Here are a few ballpark estimates for some standard deck sizes:<\/p>\n

10×16<\/b>
\nPrice range: <\/b>$2,240 to $7,040<\/a>
\nTypical features, added costs: <\/b>a 10×16 deck can accommodate built-in benches and an eating area. This size deck can be a platform or raised.<\/p>\n

12×20<\/b>
\nPrice range: <\/b>$3,360 to $10,560<\/a>
\nTypical features, added costs: <\/b>A deck this size could support a second level or wrap around the home with both a dining and entertaining space.<\/p>\n

12×16<\/b>
\nPrice range: <\/b>$7,200 – $10,800<\/a>\u00a0<\/b>
\nTypical features, added costs:<\/b> A deck of this size is often raised, with a set of stairs leading to the rest of the yard.<\/p>\n

Materials<\/h3>\n

The material you choose to build your deck with will not only impact the upfront cost of the project \u2014\u00a0it could also affect how much you pay to maintain the deck for years to come. Here\u2019s how much you can expect to spend on materials, as well as their benefits and drawbacks:<\/p>\n

Pressure-treated wood<\/b> ($1.50-$2.50<\/a> per square foot)<\/h4>\n

Pros:<\/p>\n