How Much Does a Maintenance-Free Deck Cost?

Looking to improve the value of your home? An outdoor deck is a cost-effective and attractive way to extend your living space. But before you can make the investment, it might be helpful to understand what factors determine the cost to build a deck, so you can create a plan that fits within your budget and achieves your budget and lifestyle goals.

Cost Factors in Building a Deck

According to HomeAdvisor.com, “Most deck builders charge an average rate of around $35 per square foot.” However, many factors will influence the cost to build a deck and because deck building is completely customizable, every deck and design will vary in price. While some homeowners may opt for more simplistic designs for a smaller deck space, others may aim for a large, multiple-level deck with intricate design elements, and these design differences can drastically alter the budget.

When setting your budget for building an outdoor deck, here are some important cost factors to consider:

Size & Placement

One of the biggest factors in determining the cost to build a deck is the overall size and location. Your price will fluctuate depending on these key components:

• The overall length and width of the deck—A larger deck will require more decking materials and potentially more labor than a smaller deck.
• The overall height of the deck—A higher deck (e.g. second-story deck) or multi-level deck will require staircases, railings and support posts in addition to the standard decking materials.
• The foundation—In some cases, land leveling may be recommended to ensure a solid foundation for your deck.

Decking Materials

The cost of your decking materials is determined by the size of your deck and your desired material choice. There are several decking material options for homeowners to choose for their railings, staircases, framework, etc.:

• Wood (e.g. natural woods, pressure-treated woods, etc.)
• Composite, Vinyl & Plastics (e.g. PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.)
• Metals (e.g. aluminum, steel, etc.)
• Glass
• Cables

While some materials cost more than others, it’s important to think about additional treatments, upkeep, and repainting of materials after continuous exposure to the sun and harsher weather conditions, as these factors will add to future costs for your outdoor deck space.

While wooden decks are popular for their initial affordability, you may prefer spending a bit more upfront on more maintenance-free decking materials. A professional deck-building company like UglyDeck.com can help you find the best maintenance-free decking materials that meet your needs and budget, while achieving the goals you have for your space.

Additional Accessories

While decking accessories are completely optional, they can really impact your outdoor space and provide extra safety, as well as entertainment, features. By incorporating accessories, you increase the overall price of your outdoor deck, as well. You may wish to include some of the following accessories in your decking plans:

• Gates
• Solar lighting
• Planters
• Trellises
• Benches
• Pergolas

When determining the cost to build a deck, make sure you adjust for the accessories you can’t live without.

How UglyDeck.com Can Help

While building the outdoor deck of your dreams is exciting, it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. At UglyDeck.com, our Twin City deck builders eliminate the stress and simplify the deck-building process for you. We’ll work closely with you to understand your needs and goals and help you select the best maintenance-free decking materials and design plan that fits within your budget.

Check out some of the deck transformations we’ve completed for some of our satisfied customers, or browse our collection of railing styles and decking accessories to inspire your own decking ideas. When you’re ready to get started, contact us to receive a free deck quote, and we can begin working together to create the outdoor deck you and your family have always wanted!