A deck is a great addition to any home. It’s a place to hang out and relax, but also a great place for entertaining. It’s important to know how big your deck should be based on square footage so you can build it correctly. The size of the deck will depend on how many people need to use it at one time and how much space you have available in your yard. If you plan on having lots of guests over for parties, then you might want to make a larger area for them all to sit or stand comfortably.
When it comes to building a deck, it’s all about the math. If you want to build a deck efficiently and effectively, you need to make sure that each piece of lumber is in the right place. That means measuring everything out before you start cutting.
When planning your deck, measure the area where it will be built and make sure there are no trees or other objects that will block your view. Then, measure the distance between two points on one side of the deck (for example: the corner post and the opposite end post at either end) and divide that distance by how many boards fit across your area (for example: 12). This will give you an idea of how many boards you can fit into your space.
Remember that while some people might think of a deck as being made up of wood planks, this isn’t always true. You can also use composite materials like Trex or even plastic laminate if you want something different than just regular old wood. It all depends on what kind of look or feel you’re going for with your new deck design.
Average Cost To Build A Deck By Size
The national average deck price is $7,732, according to HomeAdvisor. However, this price can significantly increase or decrease depending on deck materials, foundation type, labor, add-ons, and deck size. Since deck projects are generally charged per square foot, looking specifically at the average price for various deck sizes will give you the best idea of cost—more square footage equals a more expensive deck.
Here is what to keep in mind when looking at prices for the deck sizes below:
Labor: The costs include a labor estimation, but this can drastically range depending on what state you live in. Try a deck cost calculator if you want a more precise deck cost quote that factors in your location.
Cost: Instead of just giving you one number, we’ve included a range. This is because deck materials largely impact the price. At the lower end are decks made with more economical materials, such as pressure-treated wood. At the higher end are more luxurious deck materials, like exotic woods and composite decking.
| Deck Size | Square Footage | Average Cost Range |
| 8’ x 10’ | 80 | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| 10’ x 10’ | 100 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 12’ x 12’ | 144 | $2,880 – $7,200 |
| 10’ x 20’ | 200 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| 12’ x 20’ | 240 | $4,800 – $12,000 |
| 16’ x 16’ | 256 | $5,120 – $12,800 |
| 16’ x 20’ | 320 | $6,400 – $16,000 |
| 20’ x 20’ | 400 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
Adding A Deck To Your Home
Adding a deck to your home is a great way to add value, increase your level of relaxation, and give yourself an opportunity to entertain. A deck can be used for more than just eating meals outdoors; it also provides you with a place to sit back and enjoy the outdoors.
A deck can be an excellent addition if you have children or pets that need room for running around outside without going too far from home. Decks can also provide additional protection from sun exposure when compared with other outdoor areas such as patios or yards, making them ideal places for summertime fun in the sun.
How Much Does It Cost To Build a Basic Deck
When it comes to building a deck, the costs can vary greatly depending on the size of your project and what materials you choose. For example, a simple deck that is 20 feet wide and 24 feet long will cost between $1,200 and $2,640. If you add an attached pergola or hot tub on your deck though? That price could skyrocket to between $20,000 and $40,000.
What Type of Deck Material Is Best
While there are many different deck materials to choose from, you have to know what the pros and cons of each option are in order to make an informed decision.
In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most common types of lumber and plastic lumber used for decks.
Pressure Treated Lumber
Pressure treated lumber is a popular choice because it’s durable, low maintenance, and easy to install. The only downside with pressure treated wood is that you can’t stain or paint it. However, if you’re looking for a natural look then this might be your best option. Pressure treated wood will last anywhere from 10-20 years depending on where you live (temperature conditions), how often someone uses it (how much traffic) and other factors like proper ventilation which helps prevent mold growth by keeping moisture levels down inside walls between studs/joists etc…
What Type Of Deck Lasts The Longest
Decking lumber is the most expensive and lasts a long time, but it isn’t as durable as composite decking. It’s also less resistant to termites and rot than pressure treated lumber, which is more resistant than cedar. Redwood lasts longer than cedar because of its higher density, which means it weighs more per square foot. Mahogany has great weather resistance but is hard on tools and takes longer to build with than other woods like pine or poplar.
Pressure Treated (PT) Lumber
Pressure-treated (PT) lumber is the most common type of wood used in deck construction. It’s treated with chemicals that prevent it from rotting and make it last longer than untreated lumber. PT is a good choice for decks built in areas that receive a lot of rain, such as the Pacific Northwest or Northeast regions of the United States.
However, pressure-treated lumber comes at a premium price. In addition to being more expensive than other types of wood, PT can also be difficult to find in long lengths because there are restrictions on what can be sold for building purposes.
Cedar Decking
Cedar is a softwood, so it’s more susceptible to rot and decay than hardwoods. But cedar also has its upsides—it’s a good choice if you want your deck to have a natural look. And if you’re looking for an eco-friendly material that’s easy on the budget, then cedar is an excellent option.
Cedar has beautiful color and grain patterns, so if this matters to you, then it’s worth considering as an option for your decking material. It also gets bonus points for being one of the most affordable options available today.
Bamboo Decking
Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that can be used for decking as well as other purposes. It’s resistant to damage from pests and insects, and it’s also easy to work with. Unlike wood, bamboo is not hard enough to resist the elements over time. However, it does have some advantages over wood in terms of its weight (bamboo is lighter) and how easy it is to work with (you don’t have to worry about different types of wood).
Bamboo can be used in many ways—for example:
- Flooring
- Panels
- Siding
Mahogany Decking
Mahogany is a type of wood that can be used for deck building and fencing. It’s durable and long-lasting, so it’s a good choice for outdoor projects. Mahogany is also popular in furniture and cabinetry because it has a rich, dark color that looks beautiful against light-colored walls.
Redwood Decking
Redwood is a very popular decking choice, as it is beautiful, durable and easy to work with. Redwood is a softwood that can be cut into any shape you want. It will last for decades if properly maintained.
IPE Brazilian Hardwood
IPE Brazilian hardwood is a type of wood that has been used for many years in the construction of outdoor decks. IPE is a beautiful wood that looks great on a deck, but it is also resistant to rot and insects. Like other types of hardwoods, this type is naturally resistant to rot, mold, and decay. It can be stained or painted in order to protect the wood from moisture damage.
IPE Brazilian hardwood comes from South America where it grows naturally as an understory tree in tropical rainforests. This type has a deep reddish orange color with hints of brown throughout its grain pattern which makes it very attractive when used as deck flooring material. The heartwood will darken over time while still retaining its natural coloration making it perfect for use outdoors since you won’t have to worry about staining every year or two like some lighter colored woods would require if used outside over time due to oxidation caused by sunlight exposure.”
Composite Decking and Plastic Lumber
Composite decking is made of plastic and wood fibers. It is more expensive than traditional wood decking, but it is also more durable and resistant to rot and insects. So if you want your deck to last for years, it may be worth the extra cost.
However, if you just want a basic platform for your patio furniture, composite lumber may not be worth the extra money.
The cost of building a deck is dependent on a variety of factors.
The cost of building a deck is dependent on a variety of factors.
In general, the larger and more complex your deck project, the greater its cost will be. For example, there are significant differences in labor and material costs between a small backyard deck and an elaborate multi-level deck with an outdoor kitchen. Likewise, if you hire an architect or general contractor to design the layout of your dream home addition (a process which can take many hours), this expense will be reflected in the overall price tag for labor and materials.
Another important factor in determining how much it will cost to build your dream home addition is local weather patterns and laws. For example: If you live in an area prone to forest fires during springtime (like I do), city officials may require that all wooden structures be treated with fire retardant chemicals before being built—which adds significantly onto construction costs because these chemicals aren’t cheap. Or if you live in an area where snowfall averages over 6 feet annually (also like I do), building code restrictions may require that any new structure have some kind of snow load rating so as not collapse under extreme weight conditions—which adds onto construction costs because those ratings aren’t free either.
In conclusion,
The cost of building a deck is dependent on a variety of factors. If you want to save money, consider building the deck yourself or hiring a contractor who can provide cheaper rates for labor. However, if you don’t have the time or skills to build the deck yourself then.
