Home » Blog » Costs of Building a Deck. Part 1.

COSTS OF BUILDING A DECK

Part 1. The main elements of the deck and how they affect the cost of the deck.

Artem Snitko
August 11, 2023
Last Updated August 20, 2023

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Thinking about building a deck? Want to understand the generation of the cost of building a deck? Look no more! Our Toronto-based company offers expert advice on building a deck that fits your needs and budget. We take a detailed approach to pricing and use only the best materials to ensure your deck is safe, durable and aesthetically pleasing. From foundation to railing, our team of professional builders will work with you to create a custom deck that fits your individual style and taste. Get started building your dream deck today!

The building of a deck is one of the best home improvement projects that can add value to your property while providing a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor living space for relaxation and entertainment. However, building a deck is not an easy task and requires careful planning, design and execution to ensure that your deck is safe, durable and aesthetically pleasing. We understand the importance of building a deck that fits your needs and budget while exceeding your expectations. That’s why we take a detailed approach to pricing, considering all aspects of the design, including the size of your deck, shape, height, decking type, and overall appearance. This ensures transparency in building the cost of the deck every step of the way. To make sure your deck stands the test of time, we use only the best materials for the job. Our decking cost process includes a number of steps that take into account every detail of your project, from the foundation to the railing. Let’s take a look at each aspect of our decking cost estimating process.

DECK FOUNDATION COST

The foundation is the most critical aspect of any deck, and choosing the right foundation is important to ensure that your deck is stable, safe and durable. We use two types of deck foundations: concrete or helical piers.

Concrete is the classic and most commonly selected foundation. When it is done right, it can be an excellent choice in many cases. Concrete foundations are among the least expensive and have been used for decades as deck foundations.

Helical pile systems are more expensive than concrete foundations, but look less bulky. They have a greater load capacity, allowing the number of columns to be reduced. Helical is a permanent foundation solution that lasts a lifetime. These foundations are used in the construction industry to provide support for everything from tiny lighthouses to massive engineering projects.

Choosing the right type of foundation is critical to the longevity of your deck, and our experts can help you make the right choice based on your needs and budget.

Deck Foundation Type	Cost	Average Lifespan (years)	Pros	Cons
Concrete	●●○○○	up to 30	Permanent Strong and stable Low material cost	Labor Intensive Waiting for concrete drying/curing times
Helical piers	●●●○○	up to 75	Easy and fast installation No drying time Not much disturbance of the soil Very strong and permanent	You can’t install them yourself Expensive compared to other footings

DECK STRUCTURAL FRAME COST

The structural frame of your deck is the backbone of your entire deck. It holds everything in place and supports the weight of the deck. There are two main types of structural frames: wood and metal.

Wood is the most common material for a deck’s structural frame, and for good reason. It’s reliable, affordable and has a long history of use. The wood frame has a long history and has established itself as a reliable and affordable material.

Metal framing is the next evolution in deck framing. It’s weather-resistant, fire-resistant and moisture-resistant. The metal frame is very durable and can last up to 60 years. Our deck experts can help you choose the best material for your deck structure frame based on your preferences and budget.

Deck Structural Frame Type	Cost	Average Lifespan (years)	Pros	Cons
Wood	●●○○○	15-25	Easy installation Affordable cost Natural look Poor conductor of heat Low material cost	Prone to rot and insect damage without proper maintenance Requires regular maintenance, sealing and painting Durability is lower than metal Low fire resistance
Metal	●●●●●	up to 60	Durability, can last up to 60 years Strength, less prone to sagging and collapse Fire- and insect-resistant A smart investment Low-maintenance	High cost of materials Difficulty of self-installation, special tools are required Heats up a lot Less natural look

DECK FLOORING COST

The right deck flooring is essential to the overall look and feel of your deck. There are many deck flooring options to choose from, each with different lifespans and installation systems that work for different styles and types of applications. Our deck experts can help you make the right choice for your preferences and budget. Pressure-treated decking is the more affordable choice. It’s resistant to insect attack and rot, so it lasts a lot longer than untreated wood. Cedar is a durable wood that is innately resistant to decay, insect attack and moisture absorption. It’s an excellent choice for people who prefer to avoid chemical treatments. Composite decking is virtually low-maintenance and is made of wood fiber and plastic film. PVC or vinyl decking is made entirely of synthetic materials and has the highest rating for durability. Exotic wood decking, such as IPE, offers a natural, stunningly luxurious look, extreme durability and longevity. Our decking experts will help you choose the best decking option for your preferences and budget. They will also explain the benefits and drawbacks of each type of flooring so you can make an informed decision.

Deck Flooring Type	Cost	Average Lifespan (years)	Fire Resistance (NFPA)	Hardness (JANKA, lbf)	Regular maintenance	Description	Pros	Cons
Pressure-treated wood	●○○○○	15-20	A-B (depends on the processing	600	High	Generally made of pine wood and treated to give protective properties	Cheap Most affordable Looks Natural	Regular maintenance Shorter lifespan Contains toxic chemicals
Cedar wood	●●○○○	15-20	B	900	High	Natural wood	Greater aesthetic appeal Naturally water and mold resistant	Regular maintenance Shorter lifespan
Composite decking	●●●○○	20-25	A-C (brand-specific)	Brand-specific	Low	Generally made from a combination of wood and plastic	Low-maintenance Durability Recycled	High heat retention Higher initial costs Fading and damages
PVC or vinyl decking	●●●●○	25-35	A-B (brand-specific)	Brand-specific	Low	Generally made of polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride	Real wood look Low-maintenance Mold and scratch-resistant	Most expensive synthetic option Difficult to repair Low joist spans
IPE (Exotic wood)	●●●●●	50+	A	3680	Medium	Natural wood	High class aesthetics Beautiful color Heavy and durable	Most expensive Requires maintenance

DECK RAILING COST

The deck railing is not only a safety feature, but it can also add to the overall look and feel of your deck. A deck railing is a safety railing designed to prevent homeowners from falling off the deck and emphasize the style of the deck. Railings can come in different types and materials such as wood, iron or aluminum, glass, composite or PVC railings. Our experts will help you choose the railing that meets your needs while being easy to maintain and clean. We want to make sure that your deck is not only beautiful, but also safe and sustainable.

Deck Railing Type	Cost	Average Lifespan (years)	Pros	Cons
Wood	●●○○○	15-20	Traditional, natural look Low-cost Can be stained or painted	Short lifespan High maintenance Can be damaged by insects over time and the wood rots
Aluminum	●●●○○	lifetime	Lightweight, durable Resistant to corrosion and rusting Available in a variety of colors	Modern look that does not fit all flooring styles Bad restaining
Glass	●●●●○	lifetime	Low-maintenance cost Does not obstruct the view (but can be matted) Will not rot, corrode, stain, fade or rust	High cost Can heat up May require frequent cleaning
Composite	●●●●○	20-30	Low maintenance Will not rust, stain, fade or dent High lifespan	May seem bulky High cost
Metal	●●●●●	lifetime	Strong and durable Can be painted in multiple layers Long-lasting choice	Heavy Require additional maintenance

IN CONCLUSION

Our deck building cost process involves a series of steps that take into account every detail of your project. We work with you to select the best deck foundation, structural frame, decking and railing options for your preferences and budget. We understand that every project is unique, and we will make sure that your deck reflects your style and personality. Every part of the deck can be made of different materials and different qualities of those materials. In each case, it is an individual customer’s choice based on budget, design, personal preference, or driven by the city’s building code.

As you have learned, calculating the cost of a deck requires a project inspection or asking the homeowner for details (if they can provide them) to understand the types of materials to be used and the construction time. Because of this, estimating a project without a professional inspection or based on average prices will not be accurate. And the difference can be thousands of dollars. Rest assured that Demex Decks will provide you with the best recommendations for materials and design. You can also view initial deck prices or request a quote for your project.

To sum up, building a Deck is a significant investment, but one worth making. It’s a project that can add value to your property, enhance the quality of outdoor spaces, and provide a place for you and your family to relax and unwind. At our Toronto-based company, we are committed to providing quality projects and expert deck building. Contact us today to find out how we can help you build the deck of your dreams.

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