How Much Does It Really Cost to Build a Deck?

Are you considering building a new deck but need help calculating the cost? Well, don't worry because we’re here to help!  At KP Contracting, we've been building decks for our lovely clients for over 20 years, and you are not alone in asking that question!

Several factors impact or drive the cost of building a deck, such as the size, materials used, complexity of the design, and the contractor selected to build it. On average, building a deck can cost anywhere from several thousand dollars to upwards of $40,000 and beyond, depending on these factors.

That is a fairly wide price range, but don't worry! This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the average cost of building a deck. We'll also review and explain the specific factors that will directly affect the final cost of a deck so that you’ll know exactly what to expect and have a better understanding of the cost breakdown for your chosen deck design!

The 6 Major Factors Affecting the Cost of Your Deck

To truly grasp the cost of building a new deck, it's crucial to understand the key factors that affect the final price tag. When it comes to deck building, there are five major factors that play a role in determining the cost:

1. Deck Size 
2. Decking Materials 
3. Railing Materials
4. Design Complexity
5. Contractor Selection
6. Prep Work

Deck Size

The biggest driver of the cost of your deck is its size. It’s fairly obvious that the bigger the deck, the more materials and labor will be needed to build it.

Your contractor will likely base the cost of your project on the square footage of the deck.  Square footage is calculated by multiplying the length of the deck by the width. For example, the square footage of a 10ft by 10ft deck = 10ft x 10ft = 100 square feet (SF).  

We certainly don’t want this article to become an algebra lesson, so let’s classify deck sizes into three categories of small (100 SF to 150 SF), medium (160 SF to 300 SF), and large (over 400 SF). So then, whether you envision a cozy little corner, an attractive and practical space for family entertainment or a spacious oasis to entertain friends, you can understand the approximate cost of the deck that best meets your needs.

The average cost range of a small, medium, and large deck is itemized in the tables at the bottom of this article.  The tables assume you will use a licensed and insured contractor with many years of experience.  

Deck Materials

Your decking material selection can change the overall cost of your deck by as much as 40%. The price can vary significantly with many options, from pressure-treated lumber to PVC and composite decking.

A  quality composite deck, such as Fiberon Good Life or Trex Select, is about three times more, making the overall cost of a composite with vinyl rails deck about 25% more than an all-wood deck. In contrast, a high-end composite or PVC will cost you twice that of a mid-level composite.  The table below summarizes the average cost of various decking materials per square footage.  

Ultimately, the suitable decking material for you will depend greatly on your priorities.  If the initial price is your top priority, then quality pressure-treated decking may be your best choice.  If an attractive, low-maintenance decking with a 30-year warranty is your priority, then a mid-level composite such as Trex Select and Fiberon Good Life may be your best choice.  If advanced colors, textures, and temperature management are your priority, high-end composites or PVC may be your best choice.  But no matter your preferences, a KP Contracting consultant can easily guide you through the selection that best meets your needs.  

 Deck Design Complexity

When it comes to deck styles, there's no one style that meets everyone’s needs. However, some shapes and features add complexity and cost to your project.  Your cost will rise when features such as angled corners, multi-levels, and curves are added to the design.  The cost will also increase with decks either high off the ground or long and thin.  High decks increase the stair length and labor, and thin decks increase the railing required.  

The higher the deck, the more steps that are required.  The average homeowner typically underestimates the cost and complexity of stairs.  Stairs have high complexity and require expensive railing features to meet modern safety codes.  You should expect a full flight of stairs to cost between $3,500 and $4,200 (14 to 16 steps). A half-flight of stairs will cost about $1700 to $2000. This is because building a flight of deck stairs involves more intricate design and construction than a simple straight staircase. The complexity of the design, such as incorporating multiple landings or turns, increases the overall cost. 

Whether you're aiming for a sleek and modern design or a more rustic and cozy feel, our team at KP Contracting is here to help you create the perfect deck for your home. So, don't be afraid to dream big, and let us help you bring your vision to life.  

Contractor Selection

Every contractor operates on a unique business model, so price quotes will naturally differ among them. Some contractors are sole proprietors and, either alone or with another individual, may comprise their construction crew.  Some contractors win their jobs by being the lowest bidder, while other contractors place a high priority on the quality of workmanship and customer service, which requires higher overhead and comes with a higher price tag. Some of the larger corporate operations support a large sales staff and charge exorbitant rates.  

If price is your highest priority, then the sole proprietor or low bidder may be your best fit.  But be aware that a sole proprietor will frequently be unable to provide good customer service because of the need to move quickly onto the next project. They also look for ways to charge you extra once the job has started to make up for their low bid. Good service and quality come at a price, and the low-bidder contractor simply cannot provide good service and make money.  Do your homework and read online reviews to ensure your contractor provides the level of service you desire.

Prep Work

Before your contractor can start building your dream deck, your home must be prepared.   Existing decks and structures must be removed, rotting house framing where the deck is attached must be replaced, and obstructions such as electrical outlets and hose bibs must be removed or accounted for in the design. Often, old decks tend not to have proper flashing, and 50% of the time, they don’t, which contributes to rot.

Let's say you have a deck that needs to be removed. In that case, your contractor will need to remove and dispose of the old deck at an average cost of $5 to $7 per square foot.  If the existing band board of your home floor system is rotten, your contractor will need to replace it at a cost of $300 to $700.  

Remember, every situation is unique, and our team at KP Contracting is here to help you navigate the process and find the most cost-effective solutions to bring your vision to life!

So, How Much Does a Deck Really Cost?

Let’s break down the real cost of a deck for you based on a few different size options:

Adding a deck to your home can be a fantastic investment, but it's important to consider the factors that can affect the total cost. By taking into account the size, materials, special features, labor expenses, and location, you can get a better sense of the potential cost for your deck project.

When you're ready to get started, make sure to research your contractor.  Check out our guide on comparing contractor quotes to ensure you choose the right one.

So, if you're ready to take the first step towards creating the outdoor oasis you've always dreamed of, give us a call, and let's get started on making your deck dreams a reality!