QA

Question: How To Build My Own Deck

Is it cheaper to build your own deck?

For basic deck designs using the least expensive lumber, you can expect to pay from about $8 to $10 per square foot (depending on the material) of deck area if you do the work yourself or pay about $30 per square foot if the material is professionally installed.

Can I build my deck myself?

It may seem overwhelming at first, but if you have the time and a solid understanding of basic construction principles, you can build a pretty incredible deck all on your own. Just keep in mind that while a DIY deck project might be a great option for some, it’s not the solution for everyone.

Is it hard to build a deck on your own?

Building a deck is not as hard as you might think, and if you follow some basic guidelines it can be a great DIY project. Decks are built to add living space to a home and every one of them should be built nice and level.

How much does it cost to build a 12×12 deck?

A 12 x12 deck can range in cost from $2 200 to $13 000, but the average will be $6 000. Costing $40 a square foot but can be as little as $15 or as high as $85, depending on the deck’s features. A pressure treated deck is the most economical, with composite being the more expansive option.

How much does it cost to build a 20×20 deck?

The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

What’s the cheapest way to build a deck?

Pressure-treated wood, or chemical-treated wood, decks are generally the cheapest material to build decks with.

How much does it cost to build your own deck?

The Basics. The average price range of building a new deck in the United States can be anywhere between $4,000 and $11,000. Including materials and labor, a standard deck will cost roughly $30-$60 per square foot. That means, for a standard 14 x 20 foot deck, you can expect to pay around $6,000.

Can a beginner build a deck?

Decks can be single level or multi-level; they can be some of the simplest “first” projects for a beginner, or elaborate examples of sophisticated craftsmanship. Decks are quite often the first project many beginning do-it-yourselfers tackle, but it’s important to understand the basics of deck construction.

Do you need permission to build a deck?

You (Usually) Don’t Need a Permit to Build One A traditional deck is considered a modification of the house. It is also considered a raised platform that is potentially a fall hazard. This is why traditional decks need approval from the local authorities to attain building permits.

How long does it take to build a deck yourself?

The average deck runs about $7,000. You can save most of that cost by putting in some serious time and sweat equity. A 12 x 24-foot one typically requires two people to complete and will take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on experience and skill level.

What is the hardest part of building a deck?

Hold on tight.

How much lumber do I need for a 12×12 deck?

A 12 -by-12-foot deck will need 144 lineal feet of decking. The amount of individual boards will depend upon the size and type of decking your choose and the amount of space you plan to leave between decking boards.

Is a 12×12 deck big enough?

A 12×12 deck is the perfect starter size, offering plenty of room for an outdoor furniture set. Enjoy an intimate evening with a friend or a solo night catching up with your favorite author’s latest.

How many posts do I need for a 12×12 deck?

Before starting to build, the first question is: How many footings do I need for a deck? For an attached 12 x 12′ deck, you’ll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you’re planning on building stairs with it.

How much does a 400 sq ft deck cost?

The most pressing question is how much does it cost to build a deck? Surprisingly, this is a reasonably priced construction project, with average costs ranging from $5,000-8,000 for a 250 to 400 sq. ft. deck.

How do you quote a deck job?

Labor costs will total just about two-thirds of the total project cost. With contractors charging, on average, about $35 per square foot. For an average deck size between 200 and 500 square feet, you can expect to pay out between $7,000 and $17,000 just for installation and labor.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck or patio?

The most affordable and easy to install material to build a patio is gravel. If you want more of a high-end appearance, either stone or flagstone can be used, but it’s more expensive. However, brick paver patios are cheaper than stone and could look just as nice.

Is it cheaper to build a wood deck or pour concrete?

Overall, a concrete patio will generally be cheaper to install compared to a deck. While your specific house and yard set-up may determine which is cheaper for your individual needs, a wood deck is likely to have a better return on investment compared to a concrete patio.