One exterior remodeling project that many homeowners look into is decking. Adding a deck can have many benefits from a place to host parties to adding property value. And for that reason one of the most common exterior contracting projects every summer is decking. But how much does a deck cost? Based on a homeowner’s budget constraints, there are many factors that need to be addressed before paying for deck installation.
Types of Decking Material
The primary factor in pricing is the material used. The two most common materials to build decks with are composite decking and wood decking. Both provide advantages and disadvantages, and while wood decking is the more affordable option, many homeowners still choose composite decking.
Composite Decking
Composite decking has been around since the 1980s. It uses a blend of wood fibers and plastic fibers. In its earliest iterations, homeowners were not happy that it looked plastic-y. However, over the years design for composite decking has greatly improved and has made it much more common. Although it is a higher upfront cost, composite decking requires much less maintenance compared to wood decking. Generally, a homeowner can expect to pay somewhere between $7 to $10 dollars per square foot of composite decking.
Wood Decking
Wood decking is the traditional choice for deck installation. Wood decking requires a considerable amount of maintenance from year to year. Wood decks have to be regularly sealed and stained on a yearly basis. Wood decks are susceptible to insect damage, whereas composite decks are not. Upfront, wood decking is considerably cheaper than composite decking. Wood costs vary depending on the type of wood and can range from $5 to $7 dollars per square foot.
Deck Size & Project Hours
The next important factor in pricing is the time needed to complete the project and the size of the deck. Obviously, the smaller the deck the lower the cost; both because of fewer manhours needed to complete the project and also fewer materials needed. Generally, a deck that is less than 200 square feet will cost around $5,000 total whereas a deck twice the size will cost closer to $9,000. It is important to know that the larger the deck the less money will need to be spent per square foot. This is due to the fact that larger decks require more materials on a 1:1 ratio but do not require more manhours on the same 1:1 ratio. A deck that is twice as large will not necessarily take twice as much time.
Contact Novus Exteriors
Looking to add a deck to your home. Work with Novus Exteriors. We offer financing options through Mosaic and Greensky and would be happy to discuss your budget and specifications that you need to know. Give us a call at (508) 251-1361 or contact us through our online contact form.
