One of the great joys of homeownership is often a private backyard space. In fact, functional outdoor space is a must-have for many homebuyers.1
And a backyard offers benefits beyond hosting friends for barbecues. Studies show that access to outdoor spaces leads to better cognitive functioning and mental health. You may have experienced firsthand the sense of calm that comes from immersing yourself in a serene and well-maintained green space.2
One of the key components of a backyard oasis for many homeowners is a deck, which may be why adding or replacing a deck is such a popular home improvement project.
If your deck is older, it might be showing signs of wear, like rotting boards or wobbly railings. In that case, you might consider a deck upgrade to prepare for the warmer seasons—expect to spend about $4,400 to $10,100 for this project.3 The cost of repairing or replacing a deck depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the deck, the materials you use and the labor rates in your area.
If you're interested in building or replacing a deck and you're wondering about the cost, use this step-by-step guide as a starting point.
Signs you may need to repair your existing deck
If your existing deck needs a refresh, you may not need to replace the entire deck. To determine if you can fix or repair your current deck, start by assessing its condition. Look for the following defects to assess the state of your deck:
- Structural soundness: Are the railings wobbly? Are any deck boards broken or rotting?
- Presence of pests: Termites and carpenter bees can quickly damage an otherwise sound deck.
- Ledger board issues: If the deck is connected to your home's siding with a ledger board, is it in good shape? Is the flashing in good condition? Is there evidence of water intrusion?
- Sagging deck joists: Joists are the boards that run under your decking to support the floorboards. If the joists are sagging or weak, the entire deck may need to be replaced.
- Peeling or chipped paint or stain: If your deck is painted or stained, check the condition of the covering.
Once you have the full picture of your deck's condition, you'll know whether to make repairs or replace it. For example, if your deck has wobbly handrails and peeling paint, it may just need some repairs and a fresh coat of stain—not a costly replacement.
On the other hand, if your deck has sagging joists or evidence of pest damage, an entirely new deck may be in order. If you aren't sure, seek the input of a professional.
How much does it cost to replace a deck?
Replacing a deck can cost between $15 and $30 per square foot, on average.3 The final price varies, depending on the features, materials and whether you decide to DIY the project or hire a professional.3 Fortunately, a deck also increases your home's value. The average deck project adds about 70% of its cost to your home's value.4 Whether planning a small deck renovation or a complete rebuild, it's essential to budget for materials and labor, get at least three quotes and add 10% to 15% to your budget for the unexpected.
Average cost for different types of deck material
Modern-day decking is made from a variety of materials beyond pressure-treated wood. The right type of material for your situation depends on the climate where you live, how you'll use your deck and your budget. Here are some common materials used in deck construction and how they differ in price:3
| Deck material | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Bamboo | $3 to $4 |
| Cedar | $4 to $8 |
| Pressure-treated wood | $5 to $8 |
| Redwood | $7 to $8 |
| Composite decking | $10 to $15 |
| Trex® decking | $8 to $20 |
Cedar and pressure-treated wood are popular materials for decks, but these organic materials break down over time and require maintenance. While more expensive, composite and Trex® decking are long-wearing and require little upkeep.
Labor and installation costs versus DIYing
How much you'll spend upgrading your deck depends on two things: the material cost and the labor cost.
The labor cost is the time a professional takes to complete your deck project, and can make up a significant portion of the overall cost. The labor cost will vary based on the scope of your project and which customizations you choose.
The best way to budget for labor costs for your deck project is to get quotes from at least three local companies and ask them to itemize and break down the cost of labor and materials in the quote.5
To save money on labor costs, you may consider tackling your deck project yourself. Building or replacing a deck is within the scope of the average DIYer, and there are plenty of YouTube videos on the ins and outs of deck installation to fill gaps in your knowledge.
Keep in mind that if you go this route, you'll need to secure any necessary permits and be responsible for knowing and following local building codes. If your completed deck is structurally unsound, a building inspector will require you to rectify the problem at your own expense.
Cost for different deck features and accessories
Once you've identified the work that needs to be done, consider whether you want to make any improvements to your deck's current design. Perhaps you'd like to add a privacy screen or a pergola to provide shade cover. Here are some common add-ons (and their estimated costs):
| Deck add-on | Cost |
|---|---|
| Privacy screen or fence6 | $3,300 |
| Built-in seating3 | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Integrated lighting7 | $279 to $438 per light |
| Prefabricated pergola8 | $1,450 to $5,750 including labor |
| Custom pergola8 | $4,300 to $9,350 including labor |
| Built-in planters3 | $120 each |
| Wrap-around steps3 | $210 to $290 |
Be sure to factor whatever additions you'd like to make into your budget.
Budgeting for your deck project
You now have enough information to put together an approximate budget for your deck renovation. All renovation projects should include costs for:
- Basic materials
- Add-ons, like privacy fencing or integrated lighting
- Labor (if applicable)
- Unexpected expenses (10% to 15% extra)
Once you've reached a balance between what you can afford to spend and your vision for your dream deck, getting those three quotes from professionals is essential—even if you're leaning toward DIY. After all, a professional may see an issue that your less experienced eye has overlooked. For example, you may think your deck is structurally sound and only the deck boards need to be replaced, but a qualified contractor may notice that the footers on which the deck rests are crumbling. Or perhaps the existing deck doesn't conform to current code, meaning you'll need to tweak your design.
Finally, build a buffer in your budget for unexpected expenses, especially if you plan to DIY the project. Home renovation projects often don't go as planned, and you'll need extra funds to handle whatever surprises crop up.
5 tips to save money on your deck project
If you've tallied up the cost of your dream deck and it's a little (or maybe a lot) more expensive than you were hoping, don't give up just yet. There are strategies you can use to get the deck you want for less—and stay on budget.
1. Repair instead of replacing your deck
If your deck looks old and gray because there's a film of mildew on the wood, don't jump straight to replacing the entire structure. Consider repairing it instead. Many old decks can be given a new life with a pressure washer, some deck brightener, a fresh coat of stain and plenty of elbow grease. You can always try this strategy on a small test patch to see the results before committing to cleaning the entire deck.
2. Use the existing deck structure
It's common for deck boards to fail long before the structural joists do. This is because the joists are often sheltered from rain and snow, and their vertical positioning means water doesn't sit on them. Before completely replacing your deck, examine the structural elements to determine whether the entire thing needs to be replaced, or just the deck boards and railings.
3. Choose different materials
Trex® and composite decking are high-quality materials that can last a long time, but they come with a higher price tag. Consider switching to pressure-treated wood or cedar decking to reduce the cost of your project. Wood decking is less expensive and can last for many years if properly maintained.
4. Consider prefabricated kits
While custom-built railings, seating, pergolas and privacy screens can make your deck a luxurious space to relax, expensive add-ons can drive up the price of your deck project. Get the same look for less with prefabricated kits from big-box stores. A prefabricated pergola costs an average of $1,450 to $5,750, including the labor to assemble it.8 In contrast, a custom pergola can cost between $4,300 and $9,350 with labor.8
5. DIY instead of hiring out
Finally, tackling the project yourself will reduce labor costs to nothing. But remember that if you have no experience with deck building, it will likely take longer than you expect. You'll also be responsible for permits and ensuring the deck complies with local building codes.