New deck installation costs homeowners an average between $4,000 and $16,000. You can spend anywhere from $3 to $30 per square foot on decking boards alone with composite averaging 40% more than wood. For a basic deck, you spend one dollar on labor for every dollar spent on materials. Besides material type, the largest cost factors are size, regional pricing differences, complexity of design and luxury upgrades.
Published January 19, 2021
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.Done right, decks add to the look and value of your home. They are usually open air and built in the back or side of the home. Working out a budget before you start is essential. Before you nail down the costs, you'll want to make some important decisions about your project.
You'll spend between $500 to $10,000 on decking, not including framing lumber and hardware. You can expect to pay an equal amount in labor and materials.
| Type | Per Square Foot | Avg. 320-Square-Foot Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $2 - $5 | $600 - $1,600 |
| Bamboo | $3 - $10 | $1,000 - $3,200 |
| Cedar | $3 - $7 | $1,000 - $2,300 |
| Redwood | $5 - $30 | $1,600 - $9,600 |
| Tigerwood | $7 - $15 | $2,300 - $4,800 |
| Mahogany | $8 - $11 | $2,500 - $3,500 |
| Ipe | $10 - $20 | $3,200 - $6,400 |
| Composite | $12 - $22 | $3,900 - $7,000 |
| Metal | $15 - $20 | $4,800 - $6,400 |
*Prices for planks only. Does not include labor, framing, posts or hardware.
Once you find what you want, it’s time to check deck lumber prices. Keep in mind that bulk wood pricing fluctuates throughout the year and regionally. The following sections break down the prices of planks per square foot and do not include framing, foundation, hardware or labor.
Pressure treated wood costs $2 to $5 per square foot. It’s affordable and durable if treated every two years. It usually comes treated with anti-rot and insecticide agents and is available in colors like tan or brown. If enhanced with stain, and it will last for decades.
Other features include:
Will not swell, split or warp if maintained
Needs treatment to prevent shrinkage or splinters
Lasts 30 years
Compare pressure-treated pine vs. cedar to find out which is best for your climate and home.
Bamboo decking costs $3 to $10 per square foot. This sustainable hardwood isn’t a wood at all, it’s a grass. It’s environmentally responsible because it grows faster than any wood. As most bamboo decking boards are engineered (laminated, strand woven, and composite), be sure to ask your contractor about the pros and cons of each. Other benefits include:
Naturally mold and rot resistant
Cheap and durable
Consistent grain with no knots
Lasts up to 30 years
Higher-end wood decking can run from $3 to $30 per square foot depending on its species. They offer exceptional aesthetic appeal over pine. They should last 15 to 20 years. Some versions of redwood and cedar are naturally rot-resistant, while others will require special stains and treatment to last.
Wood plank prices per square foot:
Cedar: $3-$7
Redwood: $5-$30
Ipe: $10-$20
Tigerwood: $7-$15.
Mahogany planks cost $8 to $11 per square foot. This North American hardwood is known for its deep and rich appearance. Always check with your supplier about responsible sourcing methods. While it’s more expensive than other woods, it has a few benefits.
Locally sourced
Takes stain extremely well
Easier to work with than exotic hardwoods
Lasts up to 30 years
Composite decking costs $12 to $22 per square foot. It’s strong, doesn’t rot, and is easy to install. It boasts extremely low maintenance. There are various colors and textures to choose from.
Other features include:
Clean with soap and water
Doesn't need staining or painting
Darker varieties will show weathering
Can last up to 50 years depending on the variety
Some come with a lifetime warranty
Aluminum decking costs $15 to $20 per square foot. Steel isn’t used for decking but for framing and accent pieces. Gapless aluminum systems make excellent structures above outdoor living areas since it doubles as an awning. Many have gutter systems to divert runoff. While very expensive, they have a few definite benefits over wood.
Extremely durable
Lasts up to 60 years
Low-maintenance
Don’t rot, rust or mold
The cost of materials for a deck runs anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more. Before you start planning, decide on materials, understand deck construction and read our guide to decking materials.
Although decking material looks great and wears well for traffic, it’s not always the best choice for the foundation, framing or accents. Use the following table to understand the best uses for each material type.
| Part | Best Materials |
|---|---|
| Foundation/Footings | Concrete |
| Framing | Pressure-treated wood & steel |
| Decking/Flooring | Hardwoods, softwoods, aluminum, composite |
| Roofing | Framing lumber, steel & aluminum |
| Railings & Stairs | Metal, wood, composite |
Designing for a unique look means mixing and matching materials. It also means the only way to price out your unique project is to contact an installation professional for a quote.
Deck design examples include:
Budget Friendly Option: All pressure-treated wood for framing and planks
Industrial Option: Steel framing and accents with exotic hardwood planks and rails
Zero Maintenance Option: Steel Framing with composite planks and rails
It’s often best to consult with a licensed outdoor designer or deck installation professional to understand all your options.
Adding a deck covering or enclosure can run anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. If you decide to cover your outdoor space, it will cut down on maintenance and the effects of inclement weather conditions. This will increase its lifespan and open up possibilities of what you can do with the it in the offseason.
The different cover options and their costs include:
Screened-in deck or porch: $1,000-$1,900
Covered roof: $3,000-$10,000
Awning: $1,200-$3,700
Patio enclosure: $8,000-$25,000
The cost of these different coverings will vary by materials, square footage, climate conditions and the professional hired to install.
A covered veranda roof costs $3,000 to $10,000 for materials and labor. It’s a large project that requires adding on to the framing, attaching the covering onto the structure of your home and potentially getting a permit from the city. Building permits average between $350 and $1,800.
Screening in your porch costs $1,000 to $1,900 for materials and labor, assuming you already have a roof. Adding screens that open and close can double that price. Screening-in uses the already existing frame of the roof and posts to secure screens.
Awning installation costs $1,200 to $3,700. For DIY installations, the awning alone runs $200 to $1,000. They’re an inexpensive, premade retractable cover. They come in different materials, styles and sizes at local home improvement stores.
Patio enclosures cost $8,000 to $25,000 including all parts and labor. Enclosing a patio costs more because there is no existing structure to tie into. This pricing assumes there is no existing roof or frame of any kind.
New deck installations cost most homeowners $4,000 to $10,500, though it can reach $20,000 or more. Knowing what kind you want will help determine price. Plan ahead by adding 20% to your budget to adjust for these varying factors:
Number of levels
Railing length
Steps and benches
Built-in features
Remove or demo existing structures
To keep it in good condition so that it lasts for a long time, you will need to maintain it. Check with a professional to understand if and what type of maintenance you need.
Depending on the climate, you should power wash your deck or patio every 12 to 18 months. Expect to pay $150 to $375 for a 500-square-foot deck, with extra charges for railings, stairs and balusters.
Deck repairs cost $700 to $2,600 depending on the type and extent of the damage. Before you seal or stain, make all necessary repairs. Sometimes, extreme damage might call for total replacement.
Deck replacement costs $4,000 to $16,000. If your homeowner’s insurance is covering repairs or replacement, they’ll likely determine which is needed.
What kind of treatment should you apply to your wood? The two most common types are stain and sealer. Both protect wood by repelling moisture while allowing the wood to breathe.
Deck staining costs $550 to $1,000.
Semi-transparent stain: This is the most commonly used, with some pigment for coloring so its grain stands out. Allows the grain of the wood to show
Solid color stain: Solid has the most amount of pigment and the most protection. It's used for wood that is exposed to inclement weather often. It lasts for up to five years or more. However, it tends to show wear more quickly and will need touch-ups
This makes an excellent weekend project for many DIYers. Find out how to stain a deck to save some labor costs.
Deck sealant costs $550 to $1,200.
Clear sealant: has no stain, protects against UV radiation, mold and mildew, and can last for up two years. Allows the full color and grain of the wood to show
Tinted sealant: has some color, protects better against UV radiation, and helps bring back the original look of the wood. Allows the grain to show through. Great for darkening wood
Stains and sealants are sometimes interwoven because you can get stains that have sealant properties. You can sometimes use a non-sealing stain and cover it over later with a sealant. Both are used to protect the wood and composites against UV rays and inclement weather conditions, along with mold and mildew. Which you choose is just a matter of which fits your conditions better.
Deck refinishing costs $300 to $7,000.
This process involves removing old surface sealants and stains, making any necessary repairs and then staining, painting or sealing. This process corrects multiple conditions your wood is exposed to, which include:
Swelling and warping
Degradation
Mold or mildew
Freezing and thawing
Washing out the natural wood resins and color
Thinking about how you're going to use this outdoor (or semi-outdoor) space will help you and your contractor determine a design, location and materials needed. Some of the many uses include:
Outdoor dining room
Second living room
Party space
Outdoor sleeping area
Play area for the kids
Greenhouse
Firepit area
When planning for your new outdoor space and what you’ll use if for, consider the myriad upgrades available in your initial plan and in the future. So how much do these extra pieces cost to transform your outdoor living space into something more? Some feature costs include:
Landscaping costs $1,500-$5,500.
Patio warmer runs $300-$3,000.
Fire pit installation costs $300-$1,400
Built-in or standalone seating ranges from $800-$1,500.
Playground installation costs $350-$650.
Porch swing runs $100-$200
Building an outdoor kitchen costs $4,200-$20,500.
Hot tub installation costs $5,000-$20,000 including the tub and deck.
Installing a sauna costs $1,000-$10,000
Outdoor lighting runs $50-$300 per fixture
Understanding the difference between these related terms helps when talking to a pro and planning out your project.
The two most notorious terms mean completely different things.
Patios are installed directly on the ground and almost always made of some stone material like concrete, flagstones and even gravel.
Decks are usually made of wood, metal or a composite material and raised above the ground. They are usually used to make a living space level with the first-floor doors of a home. While patios require stepping down to ground level, decks provide a seamless transition between interior and outdoor living.
Let’s look at the other related terms:
Porches are covered decks specifically situated at the entry to a building. While most decks reside in a private back yard, the porch greets visitors at the main entrance to your home.
Verandas, like porches, are covered decks at the ground level of the home. They’re found anywhere along the exterior of the house.
“Lanai” is simply the Hawaiian term for a porch or veranda but can also be used for second story decks.
Balconies are open or covered decks located at the second floor of a building. They are often made from solid materials, such as concrete.
Do your research. Read our various guides and watch videos on materials and designs to get ideas for your project.
Determine what you’ll use your outdoor living space for. Also make sure you plan for the future. It’s best to do this part with a designer or deck pro.
Choose materials. Pick wood, metal or composite based on you design aesthetic and what fits with your home and neighborhood.
Get quotes. Check with our licensed and insured pros, read reviews and request multiple quotes from decking installation professionals near you.
Extending a roof over a deck runs anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. However, the size of the cover and materials determine the final price.
It could range anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 or more to enclose a balcony. Consider all the factors:
How many floors up is it?
How big is it?
Does it already have a roof?
Do you want a screened or glass enclosure?
Do you want it to meet building code for indoor living? Think framing, insulation, siding, finished drywall, painting and electrical.
You’ll need about 20% more decking than the measured area for overage and waste. This depends on the configuration you lay the planks. Horizontal patterns with offset seams produce less waste than a herringbone pattern.
