Is it cheaper to build a deck yourself?
The average deck cost per square foot is around $30 to $60, including labor and materials, according to HomeAdvisor. If you hire a professional installer or choose high-end materials, your costs may be on the pricier end of this range. But if you decide to DIY or opt for cheaper wood, you'll pay less.
What is the most inexpensive way to build a deck?
Wood decks
Pressure-treated wood is generally the most affordable lumber option, while premium varieties like redwood and composite decking (made of recycled plastics and wood byproducts) can be more expensive. Wood decks typically cost between $3 and $20 per square foot, not accounting for labor expenses.
How much should a 20x20 deck cost?
In general, it costs less to build a patio than a deck, according to Bob Vila. "Building a patio is often the more cost-effective option due to a variety of factors.
Is it cheaper to build a deck or a patio?
So, why are decks so expensive? Labor, building materials, and extra fees like removal, permits, and demolition all add up to create a price that maybe you did not expect.
Why is it so expensive to build a deck?
The average cost to build a deck is $7,320, and most homeowners pay $3,920 – $10,540. Expect to pay about $21 per square foot for a deck.
How much should I budget for a deck?
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Deck Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor? For basic deck designs using the least expensive lumber, the cost to build a deck yourself is about $8 to $10 per square foot (depending on the material) if you do the work yourself. You'll pay about $30 per square foot if professionally installed.
How much does a DIY deck cost?
Generally yes, but if it's a high 2nd story deck I would leave it to the professionals. Same for a cantilevered deck. If it's a simple deck that is only a few feet off the ground, you can probably handle it with some research and attention to detail.
Is it easy to DIY a deck?
You can typically expect a deck to last 10-30 years for untreated wood and 50 or more years for treated wood and composite. However, the lifespan of a deck also depends heavily on its materials and how you maintain and seal it over the years.
What can I build instead of a deck?
While the affordability of decking may be slightly more than some patio paving slabs on the market, both patios and composite decking could potentially add value to your property. This is especially so if they add or extend the living area of a building.
How long do decks last?
Once they give the okay, the total time to build a deck can be as short as a few days, to 3 or 4 weeks for large, intricate decks. It all depends on the design, size, materials, and upgrades you've opted for. On average, it usually takes about 1.5 to 2 weeks to build a new deck.
Is it cheaper to deck or slab?
A concrete patio costs only $4 per square foot, while a deck costs roughly $6 per square foot for lower-cost pressure treated lumber. Typically, a patio is just a single slab, while a deck can be a simple, elevated one-level deck or have a more elaborate, multi-level construction.
How many hours does it take to build a deck?
In most cases, pouring concrete over your outdoor area as flooring is cheaper than building a decking. As with decking, however, the total cost depends on many factors.
Is building a deck cheaper than concrete?
Defining decks and patios
A deck is an open outdoor porch or platform without a roof that extends from a house. On the other hand, a patio is a paved area situated directly on the ground, which can either be attached or detached from a house.
Is it cheaper to concrete or build a deck?
Generally, yes — a high-quality deck can increase your property value. It also improves the look and enjoyment of your property for years to come. How much value a deck adds depends on the design, materials used, and quality of your build.
What is a patio vs deck?
Building a 12'x12' deck costs $3,600 to $7,200 on average. A 20'x20' deck installation costs $10,000 to $20,000. Deck material prices are $14 to $28 per square foot for pressure-treated pine. The labor cost to build a new deck is $11 to $22 per square foot.
Is deck worth the money?
Pressure-Treated Lumber Costs
It's the most common and least expensive type of decking. Although pressure-treated wood requires yearly washing, sanding, and sealing, when finished with a clear sealant, it will last up to 30 years if maintained properly.
How much is a 12x12 deck cost?
12'0″ wide by 12'0″ deep is the most cost-effective size for a deck. The largest deck area that still complies with IRC standards and produces the least amount of material waste.
What is the cheapest material to build a deck?
The Bottom Line
Just keep in mind that while a DIY deck project might be a great option for some, it's not the solution for everyone. A professional deck builder will build a deck better and faster.
How much does a 10x10 deck cost?
Laying decking is an easier job than you might have first thought. The more planning you do and the more you understand the steps, the easier the job will be. There are several ways you can lay decking but we're going to talk you through building a raised deck and how to lay decking on grass.
What is the most cost effective deck size?
Designing and planning the deck project can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. When construction is ready to begin, that can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the various factors we're going to discuss. You may find on Google that the deck-building process can take 1-3 weeks.
How much does a 16x16 deck cost?
Concrete is versatile and you can make a variety of designs from it. Unlike other decking materials, concrete decking can be custom made to fit any design and to look like stone pavers, concrete pavers and even ceramic pavers. The fluid nature of concrete before it cures allows it to be formed into any shape.
Is a deck a good DIY project?
A floating deck is a freestanding deck that isn't attached to a building, giving it the illusion that it's “floating.” These types of decks are typically low to the ground and don't require deck railings or even stairs, in most cases, making it a worthy outdoor deck idea to add to your DIY-project list.
Can I build my own decking?
Compared with what has been discussed already, some cheaper alternatives to wooden decking boards include rubber mats, wood chippings and pallet decking. These more budget-friendly options may not have the same aesthetic appeal as timber, composite or PVC decking - but they do come with their benefits.
How long does it take to build a deck DIY?
Pressured Treated Wood
This economical wooden decking is typically made from pine and is widely available. It is the most economical and least expensive out of decking materials with a lifespan of an average of 15 years but with proper maintenance can last decades. Proper maintenance can average annual costs of $450.
Can a deck be made of concrete?
Stone patios and gravel patios are extremely durable and require little care. They can last for decades while needing minimal cleaning. It's also good to know that if you are considering a move in the future, a deck will provide a higher return on investment than a patio and can lead to a higher resale value.
What is a floating deck?
Pressure treated lumber can give you many years of use and enjoyment of your deck. Often made from southern pine, a wood variety known for its load-bearing strength and durability, pressure treated materials can be the best wood for decking in high-traffic spaces.
What is the cheapest alternative to a deck?
Painting your deck has several advantages, including: Long-lasting protection: Paint creates a barrier that protects wood from the elements, including rain, sun, and wind. This means that a painted deck will last longer than a stained deck.
What is the cheapest type of deck?
However, choosing not to stain or paint the deck is simply a preference of the homeowner. The effects that can occur due to a lack of treatment are aesthetic in nature. After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver.
Is it better to build a deck or patio?
Decks and patios both add value to your home and to your life. But, generally speaking the patio adds more value over its life than a deck. Decks are built in the air and they weather and get dirty and break down from all directions at once.
What is the best deck material?
A deck made from untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, and one from treated wood – up to 50 years! That's basically a lifetime! In the world of wooden decks, the natural wood is the most demanding.
Do painted decks last longer?
If you love the look and warmth of natural wood and don't mind the extra maintenance involved in its upkeep, then a deck is the clear choice. If you want a low-maintenance material that offers unlimited colors, patterns, and finishes and can be formed into any shape, a concrete patio has no substitute.
Can I leave my deck untreated?
In most cases a full body stain or acrylic deck finish will be dry to touch within an hour in dry, hot weather. After two hours you could take a chance and walk on it with shoes, though I'd recommend barefoot. After about 4 hours you should be able to safely walk on your deck.
What adds more value a deck or patio?
For instance, planting beds, flower pots, or similar elements can enhance the look and feel of your deck. With that in mind, starting your project during the fall or winter means you'll be ready for the coming season. Starting during summer may be too late for planting.
Is wooden decking a good idea?
A common recommendation is to build a deck that's no larger than 20% of your home's square footage to ensure a balanced look. Here are some guidelines comparing popular deck dimensions and comparable house sizes that fit the 20% maximum guidance, so you can consider what works for your home's size.
Is a concrete patio better than a deck?
So, why are decks so expensive? Labor, building materials, and extra fees like removal, permits, and demolition all add up to create a price that maybe you did not expect.
How long before you can walk on deck?
Building a patio is typically far less costly than building a deck, costing around half as much on average for labor and materials. On top of that, many deck materials require regular power washing and sealing to maintain their beauty and structural integrity, which adds more maintenance costs over its life span.
When should I start building a deck?
The labor cost to build a deck runs, on average, $15 – $35 per square foot. Deck materials that are easier to install, like cedar and bamboo, are cheaper.
What is a good size deck to build?
Cons of an outdoor deck
Traditional wood decks need to be washed, re-stained and re-sealed regularly. If wooden decks are not maintained properly, they can rot. If moisture penetrates the deck material, wood rot can set in and damage it. Permits may be required.
Why is it so expensive to build a deck?
Balcony Decks, or “Lanai” as they are known in Hawaii, are the second most common type of waterproof deck. Balconies can be cantilevered or supported by traditional framing methods.
Is it cheaper to do a deck or patio?
You can typically expect a deck to last 10-30 years for untreated wood and 50 or more years for treated wood and composite. However, the lifespan of a deck also depends heavily on its materials and how you maintain and seal it over the years.
What is the best way to build a deck on a budget?
In short: A quality deck will make a valuable addition to your house. So exactly how much does a deck increase the value of your home? Experts estimate that a deck offers a resale value of at least 76%, which is higher than any other home renovation project.
How much labor cost to build a deck?
It's lucrative to build decks and patios. According to surveys of real Angi professionals, the average new deck installation costs $7,880, or about $30 to $60 per square foot. Larger decks that use premium materials will fetch much more than that.
What is the downside of a deck?
The bigger you want your deck to be, the bigger you should make your budget. The average deck cost per square foot is around $30 to $60, including labor and materials, according to HomeAdvisor. If you hire a professional installer or choose high-end materials, your costs may be on the pricier end of this range.
What can I build instead of a deck?
A 20x20 deck is a total of 400ft2 of materials and will likely run you upwards of $6,000-$12,000* for professional installation.
Can a balcony be a deck?
Key Points When Choosing Decking or Paving
Decking is more affordable, quicker to install but doesn't last very long. Paving slabs can be pricier, take longer to install but require little-to-no maintenance and will last for a long time.
Can a deck last 50 years?
The initial cost of a cement patio is usually far less than a wooden deck. However, wooden decks typically get a higher return of the investment at about 75 percent. You will garner a return of investment with a cement patio, but usually only about 30 to 60 percent.
Do decks add value to a home?
A new deck costs $25 to $50 per square foot installed on average, depending on the material. Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest while exotic hardwoods like Ipe are the most expensive.
Is there money in building decks?
How much is a 12x12 deck cost?
How much should I budget for a deck?
Can I build my own deck?
What is the average cost of a 20x20 deck?
Is decking cheaper than stone?
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Deck Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor? For basic deck designs using the least expensive lumber, the cost to build a deck yourself is about $8 to $10 per square foot (depending on the material) if you do the work yourself. You'll pay about $30 per square foot if professionally installed.
Is concrete or wood cheaper for a deck?
When you construct a basic deck with the least expensive lumber on the market, you will probably pay between $8-10 for every square foot of area if you build it yourself. But, if you hire someone to build it, you could end up paying as much as $25 per square foot.
How much does a 12x24 deck cost?
Installing a deck can take time and good carpentry skills. However, with good planning building a ground level deck is something you can do yourself. With a ground level deck, there's no stairs or stair railings to make. Read on for tools, lumber ideas and general instructions on how to build a deck for your home.
How much is a 500 sq ft deck?
With the right expectations, know-how, and resources, building your own deck can be an enjoyable and cost-effective option. To help you ask whether it might make sense to build your own deck, we've assembled top DIY tips and considerations on: Assessment of an existing substructure, project scope, and materials.