Ashburn, VA

Ashburn, VA

# How much does it cost to build a deck?

$15 –$30cost per square foot
$4,400 –$10,100average cost to build a deck

The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10x10 foot deck,$6,160 to build a 14x20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20x20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about$25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

## $4,400 –$10,100average cost to build a deck

The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10x10 foot deck,$6,160 to build a 14x20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20x20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about$25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
Written by
Tom Grupa

## New Deck Installation Cost

New deck installation costs $2,200 for a 10' x 10' deck,$6,200 for a 14' x 20' deck, and $8,800 for a 20' x 20' deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about$25 per square foot, for both materials and installation. The final price depends on the materials, size, level built on, and any extra options like built-in seating or stairs.

 National Average Cost $6,300 Minimum Cost$1,200 Maximum Cost $14,000 Average Range$3,600 to $8,400 ## Average Deck Cost Per Square Foot The average cost to build a deck is$25 per square foot with most homeowners spending between $4,400 to$10,100.

• An entry-level deck with basic materials costs $15 per square foot. • A deck built with premium materials costs$35 per square foot.

Deck Cost Per Square Foot

Deck Quality

Cost Per Square Foot

Basic Materials

$15 Average Materials$25

• Redwood – Redwood decking costs $7 per square foot and is the most common wood used in deck building. Without regular maintenance, it can develop mold and get damaged by the sun. • Ipe – Ipe, a Brazilian hardwood, costs$10 to $15 per square foot. It typically lasts over 40 years and is resistant to mold. However, it's by far the most expensive wood to use. • Tigerwood – Tigerwood costs$6 to $15 per square foot, making it one of the most expensive hardwoods used in decking. Like Ipe, it lasts longer than 25 years, and special tools are needed to drill holes for installation. ### Redwood Deck Cost A redwood deck costs$15 to $21 per square foot installed and around$7 per square foot for just the materials. Redwood is just a little more per square foot than pressure-treated wood.

Pros

• You avoid all the downsides of infused copper and corrosion.

• It is just under half the cost of recycled composite lumber.

• Redwood is excellent for either painting or staining.

• It is naturally resistant to pests and fire.

• It does not warp easily and is long-lasting.

Cons

• Redwood can develop mold and get damaged by the sun if it isn’t maintained regularly with staining and sealing.

### Cedar Decking Cost

Cedar decking costs $4 to$8 per square foot for the materials depending on the grade selected. Cedar is a natural softwood that comes treated or untreated. Most cedar planks are left untreated because of their natural resistance to weathering and rot.

Pros

• One of the most cost-effective materials used in decking

• Naturally resistant to weathering, rot, and wood-destroying insects such as termites

• Easy to stain, seal, and will not warp from aging

Cons

• Not as strong as other hardwoods; scratches and dents easily

• Requires annual maintenance of sanding, staining, and sealing

### Ipe Decking Cost

Ipe decking costs $10 to$15 per square foot. Ipe is a Brazilian hardwood also known as Ironwood.

Pros

• Has a life expectancy of 40+ years

• Three times harder than oak and won't scratch or dent like other kinds of wood

• Requires little maintenance, other than applying oil yearly

Cons

• Requires special tools to drill holes into the wood and install

• Can cost up to three times as much as standard pressure-treated wood

### Composite Decking Cost

The average cost of composite decking is $23 to$38 per square foot installed, and between $10 to$15 per square foot for just the materials. Most homeowners spend between $5,821 to$10,826 to install a 12’ x 24’ composite deck with railings.

Recycled composite is fabricated to look like real wood, and it's growing in popularity as deck building material. It’s made from recycled plastic with two of the most common options including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride or PVC.

Pros

• Will require very little maintenance

• Never splinters or rots

• Has no chemicals in it that will corrode metal fasteners

• Available in a range of colors

• Does not need to be stained or sealed

• Some composites are available as “hollow core” planks which allow for either electrical or audio cable to be run through the core.

Cons

• One of the most expensive options.

• Not as easy as wood to restore because it cannot be sanded.

• May be a warmer surface underfoot in high temperatures when compared to wood

### Trex Decking Cost

Trex decking costs $4,244 to$10,826 for materials and installation for a typical 24’ x 12’ deck. Trex decking materials alone cost between $8 to$20 per square foot.

Pros

• Naturally resistant to fading and staining, as well as mildew, mold, and even termites

• Won’t warp, rot, crack, split, or splinter

• Comes with a 25-year warranty on the product and its ability to remain stain and fade-free

• No need to treat your deck for insects, stain, seal, or to waterproof it

Cons

• Trex boards cannot be refinished or recolored.

• Like most composite solutions for decks, materials are more expensive.

## Additional Decking Options & Construction Costs

Decks can be customized to your exact preferences. Here's an average breakdown of costs to add bells and whistles to your deck:

Decking Options & Costs
Deck Feature Average Cost
Portable Heaters $100 –$500
Fire Pit $200, Custom built:$2,700 – $6,000 Outdoor Fireplace$1,500 – $6,500 Railing$26 per linear foot
Privacy Screen $20 per panel Custom Screened In Deck$600 – $3,500 Patio Enclosures$8,112 – $18,748 Flooring$2.50 – $14 per square foot Stain and Seal$0.40 per square foot
Pre-manufactured Seating $350 –$1,100
Custom Seating $2,000 –$5,000
Stairs & Steps $210 –$290
Planter Boxes $120 each Hot Tub$4,000 – $15,000 Sauna$3,000 – $10,000 Outdoor Shower$800 – $1,000 ($4,000 with privacy enclosure)
Outdoor Kitchen w/ Sink $1500+ Roofing / Pergola Framing$0.70 – $1.30 per square foot Cover$1,000 manual, $1,700 motorized Deck Skirting$30 per square foot
Deck painting cost $2 –$5 per square foot

### Cost To Build Deck Stairs

Adding stairs to your deck costs $150 more on average depending on the number of steps required. A rough rule of thumb to calculate your final price is$40 per step. The addition of some steps makes a nice transition from the yard onto the deck.

Depending on the size of the yard, one set may be sufficient, although you may choose to add the steps on either side of the deck.

Cost To Build Deck Stairs
Number of Steps Average Cost
2 Steps $110 –$165
3 Steps $100 –$140
4 Steps $140 –$190

The variance in cost depends on whether you want an open vertical space between each step or if you’d instead close it up with a matching riser. Also, concrete footing for each set of steps for support (excluding excavation) costs $50. ### Cost To Install Deck Railing The average cost to install deck railing is$20 per linear foot depending on the material used. Normally a railing will not be on all four sides of the deck because one of the sides of the deck will be along the house.

For a 42”-high handrail, one 2’ x 4’ horizontal top rail, and one 2’ x 6’ placed on the edge directly below the top rail, prices with balusters are:

Deck Railing Cost
Deck Railing Material Average Cost
Pine, pressure treated $15 per linear foot Redwood, select heart$19 per linear foot
Recycled composite lumber $36 per linear foot ### Deck Fireplace & Fire Pit Cost To add a fireplace or a fire pit to your deck, a store-bought heater costs$200 to $500, while a custom built-in solution runs$2,700 to $6,500. There are many options to choose from, including the following: Deck Fireplace & Fire Pit Cost Heating Solution Average Cost Tall Butane Heaters$100 – $500 Fire Pit$200+
Custom Fire Pit $2,700 –$6,000
Outdoor Fireplace $1,500+ Custom Outdoor Fireplace$6,500+

• Fireplace options start with a small, wood-fired, self-enclosed metal structure with metal-mesh side panels that allow the heat to escape on all four sides.

As a budget alternative, you can also choose to install a privacy netting screen. This is available to the consumer in 15’ x 3’ lengths and is almost 3 feet high. Generally, each panel will run around $20, will still need deck posts to tie to at each end, and will typically be attached to a top rail with screws and washers through grommets. ### Deck Flooring Costs Once your deck is built, you can add flooring at an average cost of between$2.50 and $4.00 per square foot installed, and even pay$1.00 per square foot extra to add diagonal pattern decking. Prices below are based on a deck with 200 square feet of area.

Deck Flooring Costs
Flooring Type Average Cost
Pine, 5/4” x 6” thick, pressure-treated deck flooring $2.50/sqft Redwood, 2” x 8” thick, select heart deck flooring$4/sqft
Recycled, 5/4” x 6” thick, composite lumber decking $8/sqft Recycled composite lumber decking 2” x 8” thick$14/sqft
Add for stain with sealer finish $0.40/sqft Additional cost for diagonal pattern decking Deck Flooring Type Average Cost Pine decking, pressure treated$0.40/sqft
Redwood decking $0.70/sqft Recycled composite lumber decking 5/4” x 6” thick$1.00/sqft
Recycled composite lumber decking 2” x 8” thick $1.90/sqft ### Built-In Deck Seating Depending on your desire to go upscale with some unique custom-designed seating designed and built by your installer, or to add your own bench style options, there will be something for every budget. On the lower end of the spectrum, you can expect to pay: •$350 to $1,100 to add premanufactured, waterproof bench-style seating •$2,000 to $5,000 or more to have an L-shaped bench built and installed ### Deck Planter Boxes The average cost to add deck planter boxes is between$80 and $150 each depending on the type of materials. Wide, narrow, rectangular planter boxes are available in wood, metal, and a range of plastic composites. Taller, deeper planter boxes which hold less are also available for roughly 15% less than the rectangular options. • From$80 for wood

• From $120 for plastic • From$150 for metal

### Cost To Add Hot Tub To Deck

The average cost to install a hot tub to a deck is $4,000 and$15,000 depending on the size, features, and model. Depending on the number of people you want to accommodate in the hot tub; the number of jets; how long you want the product to last; the type of inner shell; and features like drink holders, colored LED lighting, etc., you will see a range of prices:

Cost To Add Hot Tub To Deck
Hot Tub Type Average Cost
Entry Level $2,000 –$4,000
Mid Level $5,000 –$8,000
High End $9,000 –$12,000
Luxury $13,000 –$15,000

For the hot tub installation, you can simply set the hot tub right on top of the deck, or, if you have a slightly raised portion of the deck, it can be set down into a cutout. If the hot tub is going to be recessed, then some form of entry will need to be created to provide access for any maintenance that the hot tub pumps or electrical setup might need.

Alternatively, building an outdoor sauna costs $5,500 to$34,000.

### Outdoor Deck Shower Cost

Depending on the type of shower you want to install–allowing you and your family to rinse off after using the hot tub or pool–and the distance from the nearest water line, your costs will be:

• $800–$1,000 for a nice wall-mounted shower with a small 3’ by 3’ wood floor

• $4,000 or more if you want to install one with a privacy enclosure–like an interior shower ### Outdoor Kitchen On Deck Costs If you just want a sink cabinet and counter area that you place your grill next to, you are likely to spend: •$600–$900 for an entry-level, medium-sized, mid-priced sink •$1,500 and up for a larger sink with an exquisite faucet

• $7,000–$17,000 if you want to go all out and create a complete outdoor kitchen with a small fridge, counter space, and cabinets

### Cost To Build Pergola or Roof Over Deck

The average price to build a roof over your deck, or add pergola framing is between $0.70 and$1.30 per square foot. Include $40 to$50 for supporting posts and concrete, and an additional $2.60 per square foot for flat asphalt roof covering. Another option is a manual deck cover which costs$500 to $1,500 or$1,700 and up for a motorized cover.

### Cost To Install Deck Skirting

The average cost to install deck skirting is between $25 and$30 per square foot. Adding a skirt can finish out the look of the deck from your walking surface down to the ground and protect that space from large rodents.

• Trellis - $25 per square foot • Privacy fence style -$30 per square foot

The finished product will look like a privacy fence–with little to no gap between the boards–or it will be more like a trellis with the wood in either a diamond or square configuration. A complete absence of gaps will rule out the space becoming home to rodents or snakes, while the trellis option is more suited to being a visual addition.

## Cost To Repair, Rebuild Or Replace Your Deck

With a natural wood deck, annual maintenance, repairs, and rebuilding is part of the game. With lots of upkeep, your wood decking can last 25 to 40 years before you need to replace it. However, not maintaining your deck drastically reduces its lifetime to 10 to 15 years.

### Deck Repair Costs

Plan ahead for maintenance and deck repair costs, which include:

Deck Repair Costs
Maintenance & Repair Average Cost
Damaged deck boards $1,280 Loose deck stairs$150 – $300 Missing deck nails$5 – $10 Mold, mildew, and rot$200 – $500 Damaged deck railing$400 – $500 Termite and pest treatment$100 – $300 Stain and seal$3.50/square foot

### Cost To Stain A Deck

The average cost to sand, stain, and seal a deck is $1 to$3 per square foot. If you only have a small area that needs to be repaired, you can buy the sealant and stain and complete that portion of the project in your own time.

• Stain – Available as an opaque or semi-opaque stain in acrylic latex, oil, or latex. Covers 400 square feet of wood surface and costs $30 to$45 per gallon.

• Wood finish – Available as a transparent or waterproofing finish. Covers 400 square feet of wood surface and costs $16 to$80 per gallon.

You should strive to reseal your deck annually. An average wood sealer costs about $20 per gallon and can easily be applied yourself. • Wood water clear sealer – covers 225–325 square feet of sanded wood and 125 square feet for the initial coat on rough-sawn wood costs$16 to $18 per gallon. • Wood preservative – covers 100 to 300 square feet and costs$24 to $29 per gallon. ### Deck Removal Cost Deck removal costs between$5 and $10 per square foot depending on the size and condition of the old deck. If you have a multi-level, built-in seating, or railing, removal prices will increase. An average 12x12 deck that consists of 144 square feet costs between$720 and $1,440 to remove. ## Estimating The Cost Of Building Your Deck If you’re tired of walking out your back door and having nothing decent outside to relax on, never mind hosting a BBQ or enjoying a stint in the hot tub, a deck can meet your outdoor living space needs. Build one level, or include some raised portions; stretch it the full width of the back of the house or contain it to the area by the back door. No matter how large you go, make sure it meets your home improvement needs. ### Deck Size The main thing you need to choose before you start is the size of the deck. The standard advice is to make a deck a minimum 12’ by 12’ to make it a usable space for an average size family. Many home builders will include an upgrade of a small 10’ x 10’ deck, but many people either regret going with one so little, or they upgrade before the home and deck are built. You may elect to have one or two raised portions on the deck and possibly add a hot tub, which will increase the deck’s visual appeal, cost, and overall value of your property. Another option is to continue the deck to a second floor. To get an idea of the size that fits your plan of use, look up the average sizes of furniture for the number of people you want to entertain. If you plan on having a dining section on the deck, then allow around 3’ around that table. Add square footage for any firepits, butane heaters, grills, or other accessories. ### Ground Level Vs. Second Story Deck In general, a deck will be built no more than two inches below the bottom of the door used to access the deck. Types of decks: 1. Low elevation deck - for houses built at ground level 2. Mid-elevation deck – for raised houses 3. High-elevation deck – for split-level homes A high-elevation deck with space under it less than eight feet tall could be used for storage for lawnmowers and yard equipment. If the space is at least eight feet high, then you could create an additional living area with a deck floor and ceiling leaving a balcony for the top, which will add an additional cost per square foot. ### HOA & Neighborhood Restrictions Check with your local governing authorities and homeowner’s association, to see what regulations and building codes you need to adhere to and to see if you need a building permit. Some restrictions are created to regulate the minimum distance between your deck and a well, a septic tank or its drain field, and even a neighbor’s house. ### Taxes Because the deck will increase the value of the home, it will also raise your property taxes. That amount will depend on the total cost of the project and your local property tax rate. Have a tax assessor come and inspect the deck once it’s built. It is not uncommon to be notified of any changes in your tax estimate while they are at your property. ### Insurance Policies will already allow for coverage of an additional deck when it is attached to your home, just like it would cover damage to a garage or any other attached structure within the covered hazards portion of the policy. While there are some differences between states, according to the Insurance Information Institute, most homeowner insurance policies cover standard hazards from weather damage, fire, and other damage. ## Deck Styles & Types ### Size Options • Dining Area Size – If your plans are more centered around eating on your deck, build your deck an average size of 12’ x 14’ to comfortably seat 6–8 people around a 48” round table and still have room around the table for foot traffic. • Living Room Size – To replicate an average living room, build a deck of 16’ x 18’ or 12’ x 24’. With a deck of this size, you can furnish it with ample lounge chairs, a coffee table, and an outdoor sofa. Also, you could add an outdoor gas fireplace for the colder months. Alternatively, you could mix it up and have a love seat and table and chairs for four people. ### Location Options • Location relative to your house – The vast majority of decks will be constructed entirely against the house or via a connected patio. • Intended deck use – Access to the deck from the back door is convenient and gives easy access to your indoor kitchen, but an additional extension to the deck could wrap around the side of the house–granting access via a door to the master bedroom and adding a separate quiet spot to relax in during the evening. • Seclusion – While the back of the house is the most private location on your property to build a deck, some homes are built on alternating elevations that can put neighbors’ houses somewhat higher than yours. It should be possible to increase the degree of private space with the installation of a lattice trellis on one or more sides of your deck, adding an extra layer of privacy. • Surrounding scenery Consider adding an extension or elevated area if it will give you a chance to enjoy the view of nearby hills or woods. • Direct sun exposure – If you live in a region that typically allows for more cold days than hot, then the ideal location for the deck is a spot where the sunlight falls for the majority of the day. Alternatively, if you live in a hotter region like Arizona or Texas, the typical preference would be a location with as much shade as possible during the day. • Existing trees – Sometimes there could be one or more trees in the desired deck installation site. You may have to cut them down if that is permitted by local governing authorities. Depending on the maturity of the tree(s), though, it may be possible to incorporate the tree into the deck, resulting in a more organic relaxation zone. • Wind – The most ideal location for your deck is one that has the least amount of wind regularly. • Landscaping – If you were also planning to landscape the yard, schedule it at the same time as the deck design to make both the deck and the yard a fluid thing of beauty. ## Hiring a Deck Builder ### Return On Investment Professionally installed decks will almost certainly increase the value of the home. No matter if the housing market is up or down, the addition of a deck generally translates to a higher sales price for your home. In a survey conducted in the Remodeling magazine: • In the mid-Atlantic region of the US, a wood deck addition of approx.$10,350 will get back up to 70% of the cost when the home is sold.

• A composite deck which cost approx. \$15,580 will get back 68% at the time the home is sold.

When hiring a deck builder near you, make sure the company you select has as many of the following criteria as possible:

• High ratings and reviews on HomeGuide and Google

• Provides a detailed estimate

• Includes setup and cleanup in the bid

• Provides a start and end date