A composite deck is a perfect example of how to build a deck that looks good, but isn’t too expensive. Composite decks are made from fiberglass and resin, which means they are very strong and durable. They also require little maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about your deck looking bad over time.
Composite decks are available in many different colors and designs, so you can find one that matches your house perfectly. Just like with any other type of decking material, you will want to make sure it is sturdy enough to hold up under heavy use. There are some things that can be done to help protect your composite deck from wear and tear as well as damage from severe weather conditions such as high winds or rainstorms.
The first thing you should do is clean off any dirt or debris from the surface of the decking material with a damp rag before applying any sealant or paint onto your composite deck surface. Next, apply several coats of sealant evenly over all areas where you plan on placing furniture or plants onto this particular piece of outdoor furniture until it has hardened completely throughout its entirety without any gaps or cracks forming between such areas
If you’ve been looking at composite decks, you might be asking yourself how much do they cost? Composite decks are a popular addition to homes, but they’re not cheap. The average price to build a composite deck is around $1,000 to $10,000 depending on how big your yard is and what kind of features you would like in your new deck. These prices don’t include permits or additional fees such as architectural fees or excavation costs.
What Is A Composite Deck?
The cost of composite decking varies depending on the size and complexity of the project, but you can expect to pay around $5 per square foot for installation. You can also opt for a designer brand like Trex or TimberTech to get a more aesthetically pleasing look and feel. If that’s too much money, consider going with pressure-treated wood instead—it will cost half as much.
Cost To Build A Composite Deck
Composite deck installation costs $1,000 to $10,000. Composite decking is more expensive than wood decking, but it lasts longer and is more durable. However, composite decks are not only more durable; they are also easier to maintain.
Deck Material Costs
Deck material costs depend on the size of the deck. The larger, the more expensive it will be. Composite decking is more expensive than wood and not as durable, but it is also more environmentally friendly and doesn’t require staining or sealing.
Deck Placement
When you build a deck, it has to be on a level, solid surface. Before you start building, all trees and shrubs should be trimmed back so there’s no risk of them damaging the deck. The posts should also be set in concrete as this will ensure that they won’t move or tip over.
The spaces between the boards need to be at least 6 inches apart and the boards will then have to be nailed down onto the frame work of your deck.
Additional Extras
Additional Extras for Your Composite Deck
There are several additional extras that can be added to your composite deck. These include:
- Deck lighting
- Railings
- Decking material
- Accessories and tools
Hiring A Professional Builder
Hiring a professional builder is not mandatory, but it can save you time and money. A professional deck builder is someone who has years of experience and access to specialized tools and materials. They also know what mistakes to avoid when building your deck.
Hiring a professional builder will cost more than doing it yourself, but most people realize that the value they get from their investment makes hiring a professional worth it.
Site Preparation
- Prepare the site, including the deck area
- Remove all vegetation
- Level the ground
- Remove any rocks, roots or other obstacles (e.g., tree stumps) that can interfere with proper drainage. If you are building your deck over concrete or gravel, prepare this surface to ensure it is flat and level before installing your new composite decking material.
Architectural Fees
As with any construction project, architectural fees are charged by the hour. They are paid to an architect and can range anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour.
Excavation & Foundation
Excavation & Foundation
Before you can build your deck, you need to prepare the ground. This includes removing any existing trees or shrubs and leveling the area where your new deck will be built. It’s also important to ensure that there aren’t any underground utilities near your planned site; if there are, they could potentially cause damage and/or injury if not properly marked or buried. You’ll also want to consider how much extra space around the perimeter of where you intend on building may be needed—this will vary depending on whether or not certain materials (such as pavers) are going to be used.
Structure Steel
Structure Steel is used to support the deck. The structure of your deck is typically constructed from steel, which is usually galvanized with zinc or painted. Zinc coating has been used on steel since it was first invented in 1885 and has become an industry standard due to its durability and corrosion resistance properties.
Paint also provides protection against corrosion but can chip off over time. Paint tends not to be as durable as zinc coating or powder coatings, which are baked onto steel at high temperatures leaving nothing but a hard protective shell behind them once they cool down. Powder coatings provide even more protection than paint because they bind directly onto the metal surface itself without applying any layer between it and you (i.e., no chipping).
Concrete
- Estimate the cost of concrete:
The amount of concrete you’ll need for your project will depend on how large the deck is, how many steps you want to build, and whether or not you’ll be using a retaining wall. The best way to know exactly how much concrete you’ll need is by taking measurements of your proposed location and calculating the square footage (length x width) of each section that will need to be poured. To help keep track of this information while you’re building your deck, use a sketching program like Google SketchUp or AutoCAD so that when it comes time for pouring, all your dimensions are accurate and ready for measurement.
Framing (Interior & Exterior)
Framing is the most important part of your deck. If it’s not done right, everything else that follows will be compromised. It’s always a good idea to hire an experienced contractor who knows what they’re doing and has built many decks in the past so you know they can do a great job for you.
The framing process involves two steps: interior framing and exterior framing. Interior framing starts first, followed by exterior framing after all interior work has been completed.
Drywall Insulation
Drywall insulation is typically made from polystyrene foam. It’s a very lightweight material that can be cut into different shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to install onto the studs of your wall.
The cost of drywall insulation will vary depending on where you live and what type of materials you use for your deck. If you have a small deck that only needs a few pieces of lumber, then the cost should not be too high. However, if you find yourself needing more than just one or two pieces then this could end up being quite costly due to shipping costs incurred by having an item shipped across country lines or even overseas.
Interior Finishes
Inside of your deck, you’ll want to consider interior finishes. The cost of interior finishes varies by size and design, but you can expect to spend $1 to $3 per square foot. For example, if your deck is 20 x 30 feet (600 square feet), which would be typical for a small backyard patio or larger poolside deck, the cost will run anywhere from $600 to $2,100 for internal improvements—depending on whether you’re opting for carpeted flooring or smooth concrete tiles.
For more details about how much it costs to build a composite deck in your area of the country (and where this information comes from), check out our full article on composite decks here: https://www.paintzenithohio
Electrical Work
Electrical work is an important part of building your deck. It’s important to get it right, or you could end up with serious safety issues. You should talk to your electrician about what exactly they need to do and how much it will cost before they start the job. The price varies depending on the complexity of their work, so be sure to ask them if there are any extras that might affect the price. Safety is paramount when working with electricity, so don’t cut corners on this part of your project.
Plumbing
Plumbing is another big expense when building a deck. The cost of plumbing depends on the type of plumbing system you choose. A simple gravity-feed system with one faucet and a hose bib would be $1,000 to $2,000 in total, while a more complex system with multiple valves, fixtures, and fittings could cost several thousand dollars more.
Composite deck installation costs $1,000 to $10,000.
- Cost of composite deck installation: $1,000 to $10,000
Composite deck installation costs vary depending on the material and size of your deck. You’ll also pay more for a custom-built deck than one that comes preassembled from a box store. If you want to save money by purchasing materials yourself, be sure to factor in labor costs for additional work as well. The average cost for installing a composite deck is between $2 per square foot and $2.50 per square foot (depending on what kind of wood you choose). Installation can take anywhere from two days to two weeks depending on whether it’s an above-ground or ground-level structure; the size of your yard; and whether there are any obstacles (such as trees) blocking access points along the perimeter of your property.
Conclusion
A composite deck is a great investment in your home. It will add value, increase your property’s curb appeal and give you a place to entertain friends and family. If you’re looking to install one of these decks yourself, make sure to do your research so that you can find the right materials at affordable prices. Composite material costs between $1,000 and $10,000 depending on size, type of wood used (pressure-treated), design complexity (such as stairs or railings) and other factors like whether there are any hidden surprises waiting beneath where work needs doing before installing any new decking material.
