A deck is a great addition to any home. It can be used for entertaining, for relaxing with friends and family, or even as a place to do some work on the computer. A deck is also very easy to build yourself if you have the right tools and materials.
Before you start construction on your deck, it is important that you decide where it will be placed in your yard. The best location for a deck is one that allows plenty of sunlight throughout the day so that you can enjoy being outside year round!
Once you have decided on a good location for your deck, next step is to determine how much space you want in each direction. This will help determine how big of lumber needs to be purchased later on down the road when building this project.
The next step is choosing what type of material will be used for building this project – whether it be wood or composite material such as Trex®, which offers different benefits depending on what type of look or feel you want from your decking material (this will be discussed further down below). Once these steps have been completed then it’s time to start building.
In this article, we’ll look at the materials and labor costs associated with building an 8×8-foot raised deck. The cost will vary depending on the complexity and materials used. Whether you are building your deck yourself or hiring a contractor, here are some tips to help you determine how much your deck will cost.
Cost of building an 8×8-foot raised deck
There are many factors to consider when calculating the cost of building an 8×8-foot raised wood deck. You should consider the location, local building codes, and whether the structure will add character to your home. Also, make sure you use weather-resistant materials like pressure-treated lumber. You should also check whether you need a building permit for the project.
In addition to the materials and labor costs, you must also account for hardware. Hardware includes joists, nails, screws, and tools. Hardware costs are minimal in comparison to the other factors, but it’s important to include them in your estimate. Hardware costs vary depending on the size of the deck and the materials used. Some types of fasteners are more expensive than others.
Using a deck calculator will help you determine the size of joist boards you need. The calculator will also help you estimate the amount of concrete and footers you will need. A footer’s depth should be approximately six inches above the frost line. This can vary between climates, so consult your local building code to make sure your footer is built deep enough.
When it comes to lumber, most decks are built with pressure-treated lumber, which is resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. However, pressure-treated lumber can split and crack, so annual maintenance is necessary. Using pressure-treated lumber for your deck will cost approximately $5-$8 per square foot.
Labor costs for a deck depend on the materials and labor used. Professional labor can cost anywhere from $15 to $35 per square foot. If you are able to do the work yourself, you can save even more money. However, make sure you budget for additional costs like tools, materials, and extra labor time. The materials and labor will account for more than half of the total cost, so make sure to include these extras before you finalize your deck project.
Labor costs
Labor costs to build an 8×8 deck depend on several factors, including the size of the deck and the materials used. Although these costs are minimal in comparison to other factors, if you fail to account for these costs, you may end up going over your budget. In addition to the cost of labor, the cost of materials also differs based on factors such as the size of the deck and the type of fasteners used. For example, stainless steel fasteners are generally more expensive than galvanized ones, so the type of fasteners you choose will affect the total cost.
Choosing a contractor is an important part of the planning process. When looking for contractors, try to find one who is local to your area. This will make it easier to contact them in case of a problem. In addition, local contractors will be familiar with the local building codes. You should also check the contractor’s references and past work. Moreover, check the contractor’s insurance coverage before hiring them. Ask them to provide a certificate of insurance. You can also check this coverage by contacting the insurance company.
The cost of framing an 8×8 deck varies greatly. The frame costs between $9 and $12 per square foot. Because it supports the decking, most decks don’t need a large frame. Instead, boards are placed parallel to the house and attach to the frame with brackets. This gives the deck its structure.
Another important part of a deck is the railing. These are available in various materials, including glass and iron. They may be custom built or purchased in pre-made lengths. The cost of railing can also vary.
Materials costs
The cost of materials to build a deck is typically determined by the size of the deck and its location in the yard. However, some factors should also be considered such as the local building codes. If your area is prone to earthquakes or hurricanes, you may need to use special building codes for the deck’s foundation. In addition, the height of the deck will affect the materials cost.
Before you decide on the materials, you should draw up a detailed deck plan that includes the dimensions and type of footings and piers. The deck plan should also specify the type and length of the posts and beams. Once you have a detailed drawing, you can estimate the materials cost for the deck.
It’s also wise to consider the cost of a staircase. This can quickly add up to the overall cost. If you’re building a deck with visible supports, you may want to consider hiring a professional. These can easily cost $20,000 or more. However, if you’re a skilled DIYer, you can usually complete the project yourself.
The materials cost to build an 8×8 deck is often dependent on the size and complexity of the deck and the type of materials you choose. It’s important to consider the region you live in because your local building codes will determine what materials are necessary. In addition to materials, you’ll also need to consider labor costs and installation costs. If you decide to DIY the project, you can cut the cost significantly by completing some of the work yourself. Otherwise, you’ll pay an extra $30-$40 per square foot for a professional to complete the task.
The materials costs to build an 8×8 deck can vary significantly, but the cost can be as low as $6 to $8 per square foot depending on the type of materials used. If you want to go with natural wood decking, the lowest cost material will be pressure-treated pine, while exotic hardwoods can cost anywhere from $7 to $15 per square foot. Composite materials, however, can cost around $5 per square foot and require less maintenance than natural wood.
Complexity
The complexity of 8×8 deck construction can be difficult to gauge without a deck plan. Fortunately, these plans can help you build a beautiful deck with just a few basic tools. You can also easily modify these plans to fit your exact needs. For example, you can use a set of 8×8 plans to build a simple platform for the entrance of your home. In addition, these plans don’t require specialized tools or complex carpentry techniques. As long as you have a basic understanding of construction, you can construct an 8×8 deck in a weekend.
One major benefit of a deck is that it provides additional space for entertaining. This is especially useful for smaller homes, as you can add a deck to the entryway of your kitchen, which can increase your home’s footprint for large gatherings. You can also choose to install a stairway to the deck, which allows for easier access to the main floor.
COVID-19 pandemic affects cost of building a deck
Investing in a new deck will increase the value of your home and expand your outdoor living space. This home improvement project typically has the highest return on investment (ROI). A new wood or composite deck will cost between $17,000 and $22,500. This translates to a 63% ROI. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the cost of building materials, which has decreased the ROI of this project.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a nationwide lumber shortage. Many lumber mills have slashed production in response to the disease, causing increased lumber costs. The shortage has affected the price of construction materials, putting a strain on supply chains. This is especially problematic in a time when decking season is in full swing.
The cost of building an 8×8 deck depends on the materials used and its design. During the COVID-19 pandemic, lumber prices increased and some lumber mills closed their doors, but the building industry remained open. As a result, demand for lumber increased.
