Deck Replacement Cost (2024 Price Guide)

Many homeowners consider building a deck to increase living space and enjoy more time outdoors with family and friends.

Building a deck is a reasonably priced construction project, with average costs ranging from $5,000 to 8,000 for a 250 to 400 sq.ft. deck.

Most popular decking materials include Composites (Trex), Pressure Treated (PT) lumber, as well as natural wood, such as: cedar, bamboo, or pine.

Adding a deck also greatly boosts home value, and can bring as much as 70-85% return on investment if you decide to sell your house.

Labor Cost To Build A Deck Per Square Foot

Homeowners across the US, report spending $20-40 per square foot on a new deck, including labor and materials. This is about $6,000-12,000 for a 300 sq.ft. deck.

This is a relatively cheap way to add extra living and entertainment space, especially if you compare it to the cost of building an addition, which starts at $125 per square foot.

It is important to note that your total price will vary greatly depending on a number of factors:

-complexity of deck design
-quality of materials and accessories
-contractor labor
-your location

PT lumber is the cheapest decking option, cedar wood is middle of the road, while PVC composite and natural redwood are on the higher end of the price spectrum. Most expensive, however, are exotic wood decks made out of Ipe and Tigerwood.

Here is a quick reference chart on the cost of building a deck of various sizes. The estimate also includes labor. Keep in mind that these prices are for a deck of basic design.

Any extra materials, sealants, stains, etc. are not included. Moreover, there will also be additional expenses for building permits and blueprints, if you choose to do a custom design.

Deck Size	Average Price	Price Range (Low to High)
Less than 200 sq.ft.	$4,836	$2,888 – $6,870
Between 200 – 500 sq.ft.	$8,142	$5,169 – $11,139
More than 500 sq.ft.	$14,504	$8,532 – $20,605

Your location can have a major impact on the total price you will pay for an average size deck. For example, if you live in one of the cities on either East or West coast with a high cost of living (ex. New York), you will pay as much as $14,000 for a new deck.

The same deck will cost $6,800. if you live in a city like Austin, Texas, and as little as $4,350 if you live in a town like Little Rock, Arkansas.

You can get free estimates for your project from local construction pros.

Deck Replacement Cost And Considerations

When it comes to pricing professional labor to construct a deck, complexity of design and functionality are key factors.

The average deck size is 10×12 feet (basic rectangular design), and you can expect to pay $35 per sq. ft. for construction.

However, if you want a different design, you can expect to pay a premium price for construction. In general professional labor charges make up as much as 60% of the total deck cost.

Here is what will be included in the cost of labor when you hire a pro to build your deck:

– excavation and site preparation
– leveling and insertion of fiber form tubes for the concrete footings
– framing
– installing railing, balustrades and stairs
– if wood or PT lumber is used: sealing, staining, waterproofing, painting
– construction is done with corrosion resistant fasteners

Before signing the contract, make sure that you contractor includes a very detailed and itemized scope of work, as well as estimated dates of completion.

Since building a deck is a very messy project, the contract should also discuss how trash and clean up will be handled both during the on-going phase of construction as well as upon finishing the job.

Clearly doing a DIY construction can save you thousands of dollars – you can cut your total cost by at least 50%. However, building a deck is not a small feat, and requires a lot of prior experience, as well as equipment.

Cost of Building the Deck Foundation

Depending on the terrain and the type of deck design you want, there will be a few basic foundation options:

– concrete pillars with footings
– concrete pillars without footings
– concrete deck blocks
– screw piles

In you live in a region that gets regular seasonal snow storms or flooding, its best to install a concrete pad under the footings, to provide additional support.

Moreover if you have a very elaborate deck design, you may need a pad of concrete at the foundation to support the structure of the deck. The cost of pouring a slab of concrete ranges from $3 to $5 per square foot.

Deck Design Options

When designing a deck, you should follow a few simple rules to achieve the right look:

– surface of the deck should not be more than 2 inches below the access door
– the total size of the deck should not be bigger than the biggest room of your home to maintain good proportions
– simple shape often looks best and is the easiest/cheapest to construct
– Straight sections of the deck as well as stairs cost significantly less than curved designs

There are four common designs to consider:

1. Platform (cheapest option): typically sits low on the ground, adjacent to the house. This location allows for easy and convenient access, and is fast and relatively easy to construct. With this design, it is important to ensure that all materials are treated for direct exposure to the ground to prevent rot and decay.

2. Tiered or Raised (more expensive): is also usually built adjacent to the house. It is ideal for a location with different ground heights, so it can conform to the ground’s contours. This deck is more complex to build and needs to incorporate a number of safety features, including railings.

3. Two-Story (very expensive): works best for a location with an easy access to the second story of the house, while the bottom portion allows entry to the first floor. Because of the complexity of the structure and additional supports needed for safety, this type of deck can be very expensive to construct.

4. Free-standing / detached (cost varies based on complexity of design): ideal, if your home does not have a natural location for an adjacent deck.

Construction requires sufficient outdoor space, but it can include features, such as: multiple levels, storage units, gazebos, etc.

For example, a free-standing deck with varying elevations, a hot tub and a porch, or pavilion can cost $50,000 to $60,000.

Cost To Build A Deck Based On Materials

Here is a price breakdown for popular materials used in deck construction. Note, that these estimates are for materials ONLY, and do not include installation and other extras.

Also, keep in mind that the final cost of natural wood species will depend on the grade and board thickness (thicker boards will cost more).

DECKING MATERIAL	AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ.FT.
Composite Options
Polyethylene	$7.82
Polypropylene	$8.68
PVC (hollow-core)	$7.50
PVC (solid-core)	$9.48
Natural Wood Options
Pressure Treated Lumber (Pine)	$2.13
Bamboo	$3-4
Cedar	$3.75
Redwood	$7.75
Tigerwood	$20
Ipe	$22.50

Cost of Additional Deck Building Materials

You need to budget for other common materials required to construct a safe and functional deck.

Material	Average Cost
Concrete	$75 per cubic yard. Typically 1-2 cubic yards are required to build an average size deck.
Standard stairs (labor and materials)	$15-18 / sq. ft.
Safety railings (including pressure-treated wood posts and balusters) (labor and materials)	$14 -16 / ln.ft.
Build a flat bench (labor and materials)	$20 – 25 / ln.ft.
Build a bench with back (labor and materials)	$34-37 / ln.ft.
Seal a wood deck for waterproofing (250 sq.ft.)	$300 – 500
Stain a wood deck (250 sq.ft.)	$150 – 350
Pressure washer	$50 – 200
Removal of an old deck	$1,000 – 3,000

Prices For Deck Accessories and Luxury Features

If you love to spend time outside with your family and friends, you may want to consider paying for additional accessories. These will make your deck a lot more fun to spend time on, both during the day and at night.

Deck Accessory	Average Cost
Install electric outlet (requires licensed electrician)	$300-425
Lighting	$175-460
Gas line for barbecue	$300
Built-in speakers	$250
Pergola or awning	$250-500
Built-in seating and storage	$340-675
Furniture	$200-500
Misting system	$1,500-3,500
Portable deck heater	$100 – 300
Fire pit (wood or gas)	$500 – 3,500
Outdoor kitchen	$2,500 – 10,000
Total	$6,165 – 20,410

Moreover, a large luxury deck may also include a pool and a hot tub:)

Pros and Cons of Top Deck Materials

Today, there is a wide range of both natural and synthetic man-made materials that you can use to construct a deck. Prices vary widely, and each material offers distinct pros and cons.

We recommend investing into a high quality decking material that will not deteriorate within a few short years.

Here are some options to consider:

Composite decks

A synthetic or composite deck is manufactured from three types of materials:

– polyethylene ( $7.85 per sq.ft.)
– polypropylene ($8.65 per sq.ft.)
– PVC (hollow core – $7.60 per sq.ft. and solid core – 9.45 per sq.ft.)

This deck is made from a blend of 30 to 50 percent recycled plastic with real wood fibers, and is virtually indestructible.

Many can be installed with concealed fasteners, similar to dense hardwoods. Popular manufacturers include Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon.

Pros:

– superior durability and resistance to warping, rot, mold and UV rays.
– virtually zero maintenance
– No staining or sealing necessary
– PVC is resistant to mold
– Available in a wide range of colors and can replicate the look of real wood
– Hollow core options allow electric wiring to install lighting, stereo sound, etc

Cons:

– very expensive material
– may release highly toxic chemicals in the event of a fire
– hollow-core material is more prone to deterioration over time compared to a solid-core deck
– traps and emits heat when the ambient temperature is very high so it may not be comfortable
– Polyethylene is the least durable material compared to polypropylene and PVC
– flammable material unless treated with fire retardant chemical: not great for installing a fire pit on the deck

Wood Deck

Natural wood is a classic decking option. There is a wide range of species to consider, at different price points. Bamboo and cedar are budget friendly, while Redwood and Douglas Fir are moderately priced. Exotic species that are most expensive include Ipe, Tigerwood, Lacewood, and Cumaru.

If you are considering a wood deck, make sure that its sustainably sourced. Many places that offer discounted wood get it from suppliers that use unsustainable logging practices and contribute to deforestation in US and around the world.

Pros:

– offers the best resale value
– natural beauty that cannot be matched by synthetic materials
– overtime turns into an attractive silver grey color
– can last for decades if properly cared for
– quality woods such as redwood are naturally resistant to warping
– can be stained and painted in a wide range of colors
– earth friendly and recyclable

Cons:

– requires staining, weatherproofing, sealing and regular maintenance to maintain both looks and durability.
– high maintenance translates to ongoing extra costs
– susceptible to rot, mold and termites if not properly treated
– better wood grades and exotic species are very costly
– cedar wood dents and scratches easily: should not be installed on a ground-level deck

Pressure Treated Wood (PT)

If you are on a very tight budget, but still want to construct a new deck for your house, pressure treated wood may be the best option. Pressure treated wood is infused with harmful chemicals, so you should use a lot of caution and expect high maintenance if you want to safely enjoy this deck.

Pros:

– most affordable material for a deck
– can last as long as 30-40 years with good maintenance
– resistant to insects
– does not easily scratch or dent on impact
– good for both ground level and elevated deck designs

Cons:

– treated with a toxic chemical and therefore requires a special oil based sealer coat every year to protect from harmful emissions
– susceptible to rot and mold without proper treatment
– releases toxins when burning
– if PT wood deck is not sealed, its best to avoid walking on it barefoot.
– since it is wood of the lowest quality, it will tend to warp, crack and split much faster than other types of wood.

Deck Return on Investment (ROI)

While offering all the benefits of expanded outdoor living space, a deck can actually increase your house value. On average, you can recoup about 70-80% of your investment into a high quality deck.

While it may be very tempting to splurge on an oversized deck, you may not be able to recoup as much you would hope to.

Most homeowners don’t really need a huge deck and are not willing to overspend on a house that has one. Moreover, unless you have a very large, high-end home, there is really no reason to invest into a fancy, oversized deck.

Despite the fact that there are other durable decking options, real wood sill offers the best ROI.

However, this figure largely depends on where you live, and how much time people in your area spend outdoors.

Expert builders and realtors would advise against constructing a deck just to boost house value, as most homeowners view it as a nice extra, rather than a necessity.

If you have an existing deck that is in poor condition and is not very user friendly, it is worth it to remodel it. This type of update usually bodes well with prospective buyers.

However, if you do build a deck for your personal pleasure, you will likely get back a large chunk of the money you spent, if you decide to sell your home withing 3-5 years after completing this project.