Why do decks cost so much

Modern materials are one of the single most influential factors in the cost of a contemporary deck design. They tend to be the nicest and the most expensive. Stainless steel, for example, is a very common fixture in new decks because it offers clean lines, a monochromatic metal palette, and high-quality durability.

Stainless steel cables are not overly expensive, and they can lend a deck that modern flourish. Glass is another common fixture in modern decks, but it can come with a similarly high price tag. The decking can expensive as well, though upscale products are used for both ends of the new deck design spectrum. Because of its hassle-free maintenance, visual appeal, and durability, Zuri is a common choice for modern decks, though it can be pricey.

Materials such as vinyl that often show up in more traditional decks tend to be more cost-effective at the cost of a contemporary look. Beyond the materials, certain workmanship issues also create a more expensive project. A large, luxurious home might look funny with a small, simple deck. And an oversized deck with lots of personal features may not make sense for a small house you might outgrow in a few years.

Work with a professional builder to fit as many must-have elements into the design as your budget will allow, Wormer said. Long-term costs like taxes and insurance belong in your deck budget, too. A call to the local tax assessor's office and your homeowners insurance company during the planning stages can prevent unpleasant surprises.

Balance cost with benefits: When planning a deck, increased comfort and living space should be the main goal.

Should you ever refinance or sell, improved home value and marketability may be a happy side effect. Anything that creates more space outside, where people can envision themselves hanging out with friends, can really help sway the market, says Ryan Lundquist, a certified residential appraiser in the Sacramento, California area. Find the right contractor: Peace of mind and a workmanship warranty are usually worth the added cost of hiring a pro.

Still, some homework is required to find the right one. Make sure to:. Compare quotes from three or more deck contractors to ensure a fair price. Read credible reviews of all potential contractors as well as the materials they use.

Confirm that contractors are bonded, licensed and insured if required by contacting your local building department or state consumer protection agency before hiring them. Matching deck dimensions to standard lumber lengths and using premade concrete piers, or footings, can also reduce cost.

Investing in pressure-treated wood or a composite deck could save time and money later, especially if you plan to stay in the house for a long time. Time it right: The warmer months are most popular for deck building, so scheduling your installation in the offseason could be a way to save. A far more affordable option for those interested in adding a deck to their home is a floating deck. Floating or free-standing decks aren't attached to any structure. They're built on top of the ground. Because of this, they don't require any frost-depth footings or concrete posts, making them generally a lot easier and quicker to build.

Even better, floating decks don't necessitate that you acquire a building permit to start your project, making them a DIYer's dream come true. Labor costs make up about two-thirds of the total cost of adding a deck to your home.

One sure way to save some cash is to tackle the deck project yourself. Building a deck yourself is not as hard as you might imagine. With the proper tools and a little knowhow, you can construct your own deck in a short amount of time — provided you have a solid plan of attack.

Before you start, it's important to check with your local building department or homeowners association to obtain any necessary approvals and permits that you may need in order to build.

Some elements of the project might involve an inspection, so be sure to plan your work around that eventuality. You'll also want to consider the size of your deck project. Generally speaking, a deck should be wider than it is deep — some standard measurements for decks are 14 x 20 feet or 16 x 20 feet.

In any case, you want to make sure there's plenty of space for outdoor furniture and for people to move around and enjoy themselves. You also want to make sure you consider the design: Decide if you'll need steps and, if so, how many.

Also, be sure to keep railings and handrails away from doors and windows, as that can cause major functional issues. Although having a basic understanding of the associated materials and costs can help as you begin to envision your new deck, the most important thing you can do before hiring a contractor — or building it yourself — is to create professional plans for your project. Luckily, there are several helpful online tools that can help create plans and accurately estimate the price.

Home Depot's Do-It-Yourself Deck Designer program allows you to choose from 70 deck templates and adjust them to your specific needs. The program will also generate and insert a three-dimensional image of your deck design into a picture of your home. What's more, the tool will calculate and print a list of every tool and material you'll need to complete the project — incredibly helpful if you choose to do the work yourself.

For quick estimates of decking costs, several websites offer decking calculators where you can simply enter the surface size of your deck and other preferences like the size of your boards and how much gap you'd like between each plank. Although not perfect, these calculators can give you rough estimates of costs and materials. Building a deck enhances your home in so many ways. It increases the livable space of your house and provides an open-air space to entertain guests.

Moreover, a deck can add substantial resale value and aesthetic appeal to your home. By carefully considering what kind of deck you want to build — and whether you want to build it yourself — you can add a deck to your home that's both within your budget and a valuable addition to your house.