The deck is a great way to add value and style to your home, but it can be difficult to understand all the details involved in building one. If you are planning to build a deck or are already in the process of constructing one, there are several factors that must be considered in order for your project to be completed successfully. The first thing that you should do when considering building a deck is hire an experienced contractor who has experience working with decks.
Building a deck is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax with friends, grill dinner on the weekends, or simply enjoy watching the sunset, decks are perfect for all kinds of activities. But before you start building your dream deck, let’s take a look at how much it will cost—and who pays for what.
The first thing you should do is decide on the structure of your deck. There are many different options available to you. For example, you could build an elevated deck or an attached deck. You might also want to consider adding stairs or other features that make it easier for people with disabilities or limited mobility to access your deck.
Next, think about how much space you need and what kind of materials will be most cost-effective for your project. If you have a small yard but want a large deck, consider renting scaffolding so that you can work safely while building it. You’ll also need to decide whether or not you want railings on your deck before starting construction so that everything fits together properly once it’s finished!
Finally, think about how much upkeep your new backyard space will require once it’s built! It’s important to keep up with maintenance so that everything stays looking great throughout its lifetime (or even longer than expected).
Cost to Build A Deck By Size
Here are the most common deck sizes and their average building costs, based on a variety of materials from basic to premium:
| Deck Size | Square Feet | Average Cost |
| 8×10 | 80 | $1,500 – $2,800 |
| 10×10 | 100 | $1,700 – $3,500 |
| 10×12 | 120 | $2,000 – $4,200 |
| 12×12 | 144 | $2,150 – $5,040 |
| 12×20 | 240 | $3,400 – $8,400 |
| 14×20 | 280 | $4,000 – $9,800 |
| 16×16 | 256 | $3,540 – $8,960 |
| 20×20 | 400 | $6,100 – $14,000 |
What is a good size deck?
The size of your deck can be chosen based on the size of your home and how many people you want to entertain. The following factors should help you determine how big a deck will suit your needs:
- How many people do you want to entertain? If having a large group over is a regular occurrence, then consider building a bigger deck that allows for plenty of space.
- How much space do you have? If there isn’t enough room on the ground level, maybe it would make sense to build an upper or lower level instead.
- What kind of view do you love most? If there’s something beautiful out back—a pool or lake—then maybe it makes sense to build an elevated deck with comfortable seating so everyone can enjoy the scenery while they relax over cocktails.
Average Cost of a Deck
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Deck Building Permit Fee
In Maryland, decks are classified as permanent structures. They require building permits from local authorities. The permit fee is determined by the size and complexity of the project. For example, typically a deck that is 24 feet long by 8 feet wide requires a $270 application fee plus $150 for an inspection (total cost: $420). In 2022, you can expect to pay somewhere between $300-$500 on average for building or reinforcing your deck in Maryland.
Tips to reduce deck cost
Keep it simple: Eliminating curves and other fancy design features will make a difference, but reducing the overall size of the deck is where you’ll likely find the biggest savings, Wormer said. Matching deck dimensions to standard lumber lengths and using premade concrete piers, or footings, can also reduce cost.
Choose wood, but carefully: Untreated wood decks are generally the cheapest to install, but don’t forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance and deteriorate quickly if they don’t get it. Investing in pressure-treated wood or a composite deck could save time and money later, especially if you plan to stay in the house for a long time.
Time it right: The warmer months are most popular for deck building, so scheduling your installation in the offseason could be a way to save. Contractors with fewer jobs competing for their time between November and March may offer reduced labor rates and faster scheduling to gain your business.
DIY if you dare: Pulling permits, interpreting building codes, and properly installing foundation supports are above the skill level of many DIYers. In most cases, paying a pro to install a deck is worth the peace of mind. But, if you’re confident in your carpentry skills or have friends who are experienced builders, doing it yourself can significantly reduce the cost. There are many resources and how-to videos available online, especially if you’re content with a simple, rectangular design.
In some cases, it could make sense to have a professional handle the harder parts of building a deck, while leaving the easier tasks to you. For example, a pro could install an unfinished wood deck and you could do the sealing, staining, or painting. It’s fairly easy for any homeowner and would save some money.
Factors that Influence Decking Prices in Towson
When deck contractors come to provide you an estimate, they will consider several factors that can increase or decrease the cost of your project. Pricing for your deck building project will vary based on the type of decking material used and the size of your deck. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Your prices may be higher when:
- You want to build a large deck.
- You use composite or exotic wood species.
- The deck is elevated.
- The deck has stairs and railings.
- You need to run electricity.
- You want the deck to be covered and screened.
- The deck requires staining.
- The site conditions are difficult (hilly or sloped).
- Local building requirements are more strict.
Your prices may be lower when:
- You want to build a small deck.
- You use pressure treated pine.
- You do not stain the deck.
- The deck is at ground level.
- The deck has minimal stairs and no railings.
- The lot is flat and is easy to build on.
- You do not require electricity (or it is already installed).
- You do not want a cover or screen.
How much does it cost to build a deck in 2022?
The cost to build a deck varies by size and level of customization. The average cost for building a deck is $10,000 to $20,000. Costs can be much higher if you want a custom design or materials and costs can be much lower if you want a simple design.
What is the cheapest way to build a deck?
There are several ways to lower the cost of building a deck. The first is to use recycled materials, such as old pallets or reclaimed wood. If you do this, you can save a substantial amount of money on your project. Another way is to use a DIY plan and build the deck on your own if you’re able to do so. This also saves money because hiring a contractor costs more than doing it yourself (although it does take longer). Finally, another way to reduce expenses is by working with contractors who are willing to work within particular budgets and payment plans for clients who may not be able to afford the entire cost upfront; this will allow them time in order for them pay off their debt over time instead of having one lump sum immediately after completion
What is the least expensive deck material?
You may be surprised to learn that wood is the least expensive material to use for a deck. Wood is strong and durable and can withstand the elements. It’s easy to install, so you don’t need any special tools or skills. The only downside is that it requires some maintenance in order to stay looking nice over time.
In contrast, composite decks are typically more expensive than wood because they’re made from recycled plastic waste and fiberglass rather than solid wood planks. These materials look like real lumber but are actually made using cheaper materials that hold up just as well as traditional lumber when subjected to extreme weather conditions like rain and snowfall (which could damage your wooden deck).
Plastic-resin composite decks generally cost more than their wood counterparts—but not always! If you live in an area with harsh winters where snow tends to pile up quickly on top of any surface exposed above ground level (including your deck), then it might make sense for you go with a plastic-resin composite option instead of regular timber products available at big box stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot because these types of products will resist damage better under these conditions due their high UV rating which protects them against fading caused by exposure over time.”
What type of deck lasts the longest?
If you’re looking to build a long-lasting deck, your best bet is pressure-treated wood. This type of material will last anywhere from 20-30 years before needing to be replaced. Another option is vinyl, which can last up to 25 years before needing replacement. Composite decks are the newest on the market and only need replacing every 10 years or so.
The cost of building a deck varies by the size and level of customization.
The cost of building a deck varies by the size and level of customization. The price also depends on the material used, as well as its location and size.
- If you’re on a tight budget, consider building a smaller deck that’s more basic in design.
- Using pressure-treated wood will increase your costs slightly since this material is more expensive than other options like cedar or composite materials but provides greater durability over time.
Lastly,
The cost of building a deck varies by the size and level of customization. The smaller the deck, the less expensive it will be to build. You can expect to pay about $4,000 for a small 20’x20′ deck that is built on your property with pressure-treated lumber. A larger one might cost more than $10,000 depending on its size and features (such as railings).
