Selecting Material Options for Cost Effective Deck Construction
Decks can add valuable square footage and increase our living spaces for a much lower cost than adding an extra room. Some decking materials offer little to no maintenance while others provide natural beauty with different price points. Decks are inviting and outdoor living is very popular, but how much do they cost? Here are some deck construction details to consider before building a new deck:
–HomeAdvisor’s 2019 national average cost to build a deck is listed at $7229.00 with a typical price range being $4,062- $10,398.00 for residential decks.
-Deck construction costs are largely related to size and scope. Large decks (500 square feet and larger) will often carry a lower price per square foot than a small deck. Not a lower overall price; but there should be a gradual decline in cost per square foot as the structure grows. Railing costs will follow suit; the more lineal footage, the lower the cost per lineal foot.
-Utilizing standard board lengths will lessen the amount of job waste and additionally save you money. For example: boards come in 8, 10, 12, 16, and 20′ lengths; so designing a 13’x15′ deck requires you to buy 16′ framing and decking timbers. The cutoffs add up, especially when using high end materials like exotic hardwoods and composites.
-Standard deck designs like squares and rectangles will save you money when compared to more complex designs. Curved decks, fancy patterns and shapes like octagons are attractive; however they carry a much higher premium than standard shapes. Additionally, these advanced designs will typically give you less useable square footage for a higher cost.
-Material selection is key when it comes to deck construction costs. Softwoods like Fir, Cedar and Redwood tend to be less expensive than hardwoods and composite products. However we must also consider the life expectancy and the amount of maintenance required for each product. The life expectancy of a Cedar deck is about 15 years, while some composite products offer 25 year warranties. The upfront cost of a wood deck may be less, but the long term cost may be higher.
Building a new deck is an exciting addition with many considerations. At SDCR we offer aluminum, glass and stainless cable railings for wooden and composite decks. If you have questions about a railing system for your new deck, give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page today!
