How much will it cost to build a deck? 

This is what everyone wants to know: how much will it cost? The reality is that there are several factors that affect the cost of your deck project, including: 

  • Labor and materials 
  • Logistics (i.e. level yard vs steeply sloped yard, height above grade of new deck) 
  • Home construction type 
  • Which permit jurisdiction you are in 
  • Electrical plan 
  • Access to new deck (stairs from yard, or possible new door from house to new deck) 

There are many choices for decking materials available. Most often, the framing material will be pressure treated pine. But when it comes to the decking and railings, the cost of materials will vary greatly. Pressure treated pine decking costs less than Trex, Azek, or Ipe. The fastening method also has to be considered, face screw vs. hidden fasteners, for example.  

Regarding the yard itself, the reality is that it is easier and faster to build a deck from a level, or close to level surface. Sloped lots present certain challenges as well as decks very high above the ground.  

The way the house is constructed also comes into play regarding the deck. If the house is built in such a way that the new deck ledger board can be fastened directly to the house and is load bearing, that is simpler and more cost effective than having to construct a second beam up near the house to carry the load of the new deck.  

Some permit jurisdictions allow you to use pre-drawn universal plans, provided by them, for your application. This makes the submission process simple. Other jurisdictions required scaled plans, stamped by a structural engineer as part of the permit submission process. Drawing the plans and getting the engineers review both cost money. 

All jurisdictions will require an electrical permit if electric is added to the deck. This could include exterior outlets, lighting, accent lighting, etc.  

If you wish to access the yard from the new deck, and it is elevated, stairs need to be constructed. Also, how will you access the deck from the house? If you remove a window and create a door opening, that increases labor and material costs.  

For the purposes of this article, factoring in everything listed above, for a 100 square foot deck, the cost range is approximately $21,000 – $42,000, starting with Pressure Treated Pine and moving up to Azek/Ipe decking. As you can see, there are a lot of factors involved when pricing out a new deck.