A wooden deck is an excellent way to make your home more attractive and functional. They provide extra space for entertaining, relaxing, and playing games with friends and family. They also add value to your home by increasing the square footage of usable space. A deck can be built in a weekend or less if you have the right tools and materials.
A wooden deck can be built on a concrete slab, but it’s important to take into consideration the weight of the deck materials and the house. A deck on an existing concrete slab does not need to be reinforced, but if you’re building a new slab for your deck, you’ll need to make sure that the slab is strong enough to support the weight of everything.
The best way to ensure that your wooden deck will support the weight of your family and their stuff is by choosing a strong material like cedar or treated pine. These materials are sturdy and durable, so they won’t warp or crack over time, but they’re also lightweight enough that you won’t have any trouble moving them around with minimal effort.
Building a wooden deck is an excellent DIY project for homeowners who want to save money and add value to their homes. A deck is also a great way to bring the outdoors in, opening up a whole new area of your home.
The first step is to determine your deck design. With so many options available, you can choose from square or rectangular shapes, as well as L-shaped designs for smaller spaces. If you have a limited budget but want a more elaborate design, consider combining multiple types of materials such as composite boards with pressure-treated lumber.
Next, check with your city’s building department to determine if there are any restrictions on how high off the ground the deck must be built. You may also need to obtain permits before starting construction.
Now that you know what kind of deck you want and how tall it will be, you can begin work on leveling the ground where it will be built. Use stakes or other markers to mark out where each support post will go; then dig holes deep enough so that they won’t sink when filled with concrete later on down the road (about 4 inches wide by 8 inches deep). After digging holes for all posts, use treated lumber pieces cut at length plus 1/2 inch longer than needed width-wise.
If you’re thinking about building a deck, you’re probably wondering “How much will it cost?” There are many factors to consider, such as the type of wood, the number of square feet, and taxes and insurance. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce your costs.
Untreated wood
When building a deck, it is important to select the proper materials. One of the first decisions to make is whether to use treated or untreated lumber. Both lumber types have their advantages and disadvantages. However, treated lumber is generally more durable than untreated. You can find out if treated lumber is better for your project by comparing the prices of the two lumber types.
Pressure-treated wood is an inexpensive alternative to untreated wood. It is much stronger than untreated wood and is often used for decks and boardwalks. Pressure-treated lumber uses pressure and vacuum technology to force chemical preservatives into the wood. This makes the wood more resistant to decay, rot, and insects. Furthermore, pressure-treated lumber costs less to build a deck than untreated wood.
Depending on the type of wood you choose, natural wood decks can be expensive or cheap. Untreated wood can cost anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot, but you must be prepared to maintain it regularly. For example, regular staining will prevent the wood from fading from exposure to the sun, and regular sealing will extend the life of your deck. While untreated wood can be cheaper, it does require regular maintenance and is not as durable as other woods.
Wood is the oldest choice for decking materials. It has been used for decks since before they were invented. Its durability and economy make it an excellent choice for building a deck. You can choose from several types of wood, from inexpensive pressure-treated yellow pine to higher quality redwood or cedar. However, you should be aware that untreated wood will require more maintenance and yearly inspections.
Specialty hardwoods
Specialty hardwoods can add a beautiful, natural element to your deck build. They can cost anywhere from $6 to $30 per square foot, depending on the species. They’re also more durable, have a rich color, and resist insects. The downside is the price, though: They can be expensive.
Redwood is the most common wood used for deck construction, and it costs about $7 per square foot. However, it is susceptible to sun damage and mold. Another popular wood for decks is Ipe, which costs from $10 to $15 per square foot. This wood is very durable but is expensive and difficult to work with. Tigerwood is also quite expensive, and it requires special tools and techniques to install properly.
You may want to consider using exotic hardwoods for your deck, such as Ipe 6. This beautiful wood is incredibly dense, has a dark color, and is virtually impenetrable to fire. However, if you decide to use this wood, make sure that you hire a professional. These materials are more expensive than common hardwoods, and they can add up to double the price of a wooden deck.
The price of materials for a wooden deck depends on several factors. While many materials are fairly inexpensive, some are more difficult to work with than others, which may lead to increased labor costs. Pressure-treated pine is a good option for a deck, but it can be difficult to work with, causing additional costs. Composite decking, on the other hand, costs about $9 to $17 per square foot and is easier to work with. Composite decking can also be cheaper than wood, so you may end up saving a considerable amount of money on labor.
Taxes
Adding a wooden deck to your home can raise the value of your home, and you may find that you have to pay more in property taxes afterward. The amount of the increase will depend on how much you spent on the project and the tax rate in your area. You should always contact your local tax assessor to find out about any changes.
There are many benefits to adding a deck to your home, and a deck will increase the resale value of your property, even if you’re not planning to sell the house anytime soon. Studies show that a wooden deck can add anywhere from six to thirteen percent to the value of your home. Meanwhile, an aluminum deck adds approximately half of the value.
Before you begin building your wooden deck, you’ll need to get a building permit. This may cost anywhere from $394 to $1,843 depending on the county. In addition, you’ll need to fill out a Property Owner Affidavit. You’ll also need to submit a plot plan showing where you want the deck to be located, how big it will be, and how far it will be set back from the house and neighboring structures.
Depending on the size of the deck, the construction costs vary. Pressure-treated wood is the cheapest option, but elevated concrete and other materials are more expensive. The prices of lumber have been on the rise in recent years due to the pandemic that has hit our economy. The lumber futures market is trading at around $1,400 per thousand board feet in 2022.
Insurance
Whether you’re building a new wooden deck or just renovating an existing deck, it’s important to consider your insurance needs. If you do not have enough coverage, you could find yourself facing legal troubles. Even if you’re not responsible for the mishap, you can still be held responsible for the damages.
In addition to the cost of constructing the deck, you’ll also need to pay for upkeep and repairs, so make sure to purchase adequate insurance coverage. Even if you’ve paid a professional to install the deck, a splinter or nail may be able to cause significant damage. Luckily, most home insurance policies will cover these expenses.
Another consideration is the increase in the value of your home. Building a deck can increase your property taxes, so be sure to check with your tax assessor first. If your home is already insured, you may need to upgrade to additional coverage to cover the new deck. Insurance companies will be able to provide more information on the specifics.
In addition to fire, insects and other unforeseen circumstances can also cause substantial damage to your deck. If your deck is prone to insects, it’s a good idea to invest in a professional inspection to ensure that it’s safe and properly maintained. This way, you can prevent any major damages and keep your family safe.
If you’re putting together a new deck, you’ll want to make sure you’re using materials that are treated for outdoor use. Pressure-treated wood, for instance, is the most common choice for decking. However, it does require annual maintenance, and you’ll likely need to stain it every couple of years.
Labor
When you are planning to build a deck, the labor costs will be a significant part of your total cost. You should also factor in the cost of materials and tools, WCB, and insurance. While these expenses are minimal compared to other costs, if you fail to account for them you could end up over budget. The cost of these items depends on your project’s size and the type of material you choose. For example, stainless steel fasteners will cost more than galvanized ones. The type of fasteners and materials used will also affect the total cost.
Using Ipe or other exotic hardwoods on your wooden deck will increase the labor cost significantly. This wood is extremely dense, requiring more work to install than other woods. This can double the overall labor costs for your deck. Using these types of wood is also difficult and may require specialized tools to install.
If you decide to hire a professional deck builder to build your deck, you need to consider the price of their services. In some code jurisdictions, it is necessary to hire a registered engineer to design the structural elements of elevated decks. While this additional cost will be minimal, it will add up to several hundred dollars.
You can also save money by installing a deck yourself instead of hiring a contractor. Professional contractors will usually offer a warranty and the price is often much lower than with a DIY project. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 and $20 per square foot for labor.
