What is the Average Cost of a Deck?
You are probably researching how much it costs to build a deck for your home's outdoor living space. Or, you might be thinking about replacing an existing deck that is getting old. Planning and understanding pricing can help inform you of the right choice to make according to your budget.
As a remodeler with over 15 years of experience building and designing decks, we know all of the ins and outs of building and accurately pricing deck projects.
The Average price of a deck can range from $25,000 - $75,000 depending on the size of the deck and the features you want to add to it. It’s important to note that every deck design is different and your exact cost will vary.
We understand it can be difficult to get quick and accurate pricing for your exact deck project. However, what we can do is give you an average price for a normal deck build and discuss some of the pricing factors that are taken into account when we price a deck.
Factors That Will Influence the Cost
When you begin the process of designing a deck, you will find that there are things inside and outside of your control that will impact the cost. Examples of both include
Pricing Factors INSIDE of Your Control
Selection of deck material- Wood, treated lumber, or composite
- A larger deck will be more expensive
- The number of stairs will be determined by the distance to the ground
- Rectangle, Multi-level, curved, etc.
Pricing Factors OUTSIDE of Your Control
The height off the ground for desired deck location- Number of support Beams for the given deck area
- This includes the number of concrete footings that go under support beams
- Size and condition of the deck to be replaced may vary
- The angle of the slope below desired deck location
Average Deck Costs
Small-Sized Deck 14 ft x 20 ft (280 sq ft)
For a small-sized deck, the average price can range from $25,000-$50,000
Medium-Sized Deck 16 ft x 25 ft (400 sq ft)
For a medium-sized deck, the average price can range from $32,000 - $57,000
Large-Sized Deck 20 ft x 30 ft (600 sq ft)
For a large-sized deck, the average price can range from $45,000 - $75,000
Average Deck Labor Costs
Deck labor costs are a significant factor to consider when planning your deck project. On average, labor costs around $7.50 per square foot. This cost includes the skilled craftsmanship needed to bring your deck design to life, from the initial construction to the finishing touches.
While it's tempting to focus solely on material expenses, investing in skilled labor ensures that your deck is not only built correctly but also meets safety standards and provides a durable outdoor space for years to come.
What Kind of Deck am I Getting With These Average Prices?
For the average costs given, you are getting a professionally designed and installed deck with the following features:
Deck Material Options
- Your choice of either wood or composite
- Wood will be the least expensive option
- Composite will be a more expensive option
Set of Stairs
- Between 4-12 steps
- Distance to the ground will determine the number of steps
Permitting
- The price range used includes variances in permitting costs
Deck Railing Options
When it comes to enhancing both the safety and aesthetics of your deck, choosing the right railing option is crucial. Homeowners have a variety of railing choices, each with its own unique features and appeal. The cost of these railing options can vary based on the material and design you select. Here's a breakdown of average costs for different types of railings:
- Vinyl railings: Vinyl railings are low-maintenance and affordable, averaging around $20 to $40 per linear foot.
- Traditional wood railings: Wood railings are a classic choice, with costs averaging between $30 to $60 per linear foot, depending on the type of wood used.
- Composite railings: Composite railings combine the look of wood with the durability of synthetic materials, with costs averaging between $60 to $100 per linear foot.
- Glass railings: Glass railings provide an unobstructed view and typically cost between $150 to $600 per linear foot, depending on the thickness of the glass and the style of the railing.
Ultimately, the railing you choose will depend not only on your design preferences but also on your budget. It's important to consider both the initial cost and the long-term maintenance requirements when making your decision.
Distance to the ground 3 ft - 8 ft is used to price average decks
- Your deck may be further away from the ground
- A deck higher off the ground will be more expensive
Deck Fascia
- Gives the deck a finished appearance
Support Beam Structure
- Including concrete footings
- The area of the deck will determine the number of support beams
Using the Average Pricing Information (What can you do with this information?)
Understanding the average price and the factors that influence the cost of a deck is an important part of developing an accurate budget for your deck project. Knowing the average cost will give a clearer picture of what goes into the pricing for a deck.
Giving you clear pricing information is important to us! And, giving you a better picture of your cost helps you come up with an accurate budget for your deck project! Reach out to some deck builders in your area and use inspiration pictures to show building features you want for your deck. It gives the builder a better picture of what you want for your project and helps them give you an accurate price that’s within your budget.
If you’re planning to remodel your deck and are interested in having our team advise you on your project:
We’d be happy to discuss if we’re the right fit for you and your home remodeling needs.
To learn more about decks and outdoor living spaces, read the following articles on our blog:
