How Much Does A Deck Cost In Your Area?

A standard 300 to 400 sq ft deck takes 1 to 2 weeks for a 2 to 3 person crew. Multi-level decks, decks with built-in features, or composite decks with hidden fasteners take 2 to 4 weeks. Add 1 to 3 weeks of permit time before construction can start, since most municipalities require structural drawings for decks attached to the house. Weather delays add 2 to 7 days during rainy seasons.

Pressure-treated wood at $15 to $30 per sq ft is cheapest upfront and lasts 15 to 25 years with annual sealing. Composite at $30 to $60 per sq ft lasts 25 to 50 years with no maintenance, but the upfront cost is 2 times higher. Composite usually wins on lifetime cost since wood requires $300 to $800 of staining every 1 to 2 years. Wood wins on initial budget and easier on-site repairs of damaged boards.

Most US municipalities require permits for any deck over 30 inches off the ground, attached to the house, or larger than 200 sq ft. Permits run $200 to $1,200 depending on jurisdiction. Skipping the permit can lead to teardown orders, insurance denial after a deck collapse, and resale problems during the inspection contingency. A reputable contractor pulls permits as part of the contract and handles inspections.

Pressure-treated wood lasts 15 to 25 years with regular sealing. Cedar and redwood last 20 to 30 years. Composite (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) lasts 25 to 30 years with most brands offering 25 year warranties. PVC (AZEK) lasts 30 to 50 years with 50 year warranties. Tropical hardwoods like ipe last 30 to 50 years with light oiling. Pick based on how long you plan to stay and how much annual maintenance you want to do.

Pressure-treated wood needs sealing or staining every 1 to 2 years at $300 to $800. Cedar needs the same schedule. Composite and PVC only need washing with soap and water once or twice a year. Wood decks also need annual board inspection for splinters, loose screws, and rot. Composite decks rarely need any board replacement during the warranty period. Maintenance is the biggest hidden cost difference between materials.

Replace if more than 25% of the boards are rotted, the framing has soft spots, or the ledger board attachment to the house is suspect. Repair makes sense for isolated rotted boards, popped fasteners, or refinishing a structurally sound deck. A full board-only replacement on existing framing costs 50% to 60% of full deck replacement, so it is rarely worth doing if the framing is questionable. Always get the framing inspected before deciding.

Late fall through early winter is the slowest season for most deck builders and prices run 5% to 15% below peak. Spring and early summer are peak demand because homeowners want decks ready for outdoor entertaining season. Most decks install fine in temperatures above 32F as long as the ground is not frozen. Booking in February or March for an April or May install often gets you the best crews at the best price.