How Much Does A New Deck Cost: Best Materials To Get Your Money’s Worth

If you’re planning on adding a deck to your home, you’re probably wondering: “how much does a new deck cost?”

The answer, of course, is that it depends on a few factors including the size of the project and the materials involved. 

The average cost of a new deck tends to be around $6,000. 

This includes the materials and labor for a basic design. 

If you want something more elaborate, the price can go up to $10,000 or more.

If you want more expensive materials, more features, and/or more customization, that price can go up further.

I know, it all sounds very vague.

Luckily, there are some ways to get a general idea of how much your new deck is likely to cost, and what materials will get you the most bang for your buck.

Why Get A New Deck?

There are many reasons to get a new deck. 

A deck can increase the value of your home, make your outdoor space more enjoyable, and be a great place to entertain guests.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, a new deck can be a great investment. 

It can add value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. 

If you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, a new deck can still be a great addition to your home. 

It can provide you with an enjoyable outdoor space where you can relax and entertain guests.

Whether you’re looking to increase the value of your home or simply want to create a more enjoyable outdoor living space, getting a new deck is a great option.

What Affects The Cost?

There are several factors that will affect the cost of your new deck. 

The size and location of the deck are the two biggest factors. 

If you have a small yard, you may be able to get away with a smaller deck. 

But if you have a large yard, you may need a larger deck to make the most of the space.

Or vice versa.

It’s really up to you.

It’s your house after all.

Enjoy it and have fun with it.

The other major things that affect the cost are…

The Cost Of Materials

*Note: All of these prices may have changed due to inflation and/or supply shortages.

The types of materials you use will also affect the cost of your new deck and they will be the next most important variable when asking the question of how much does a new deck cost.

Bear in mind though that cheaper materials will tend to degrade and wear out faster while also needing to be repaired and maintained more frequently.

Depending on your situation, it may make more financial sense to simply pay more upfront for materials that will last you longer and cause you fewer headaches.

We know, we have not forgotten the question that this article is focused around.

“This is all fine and good but how much does a new deck cost though?”

Well, if you’re planning on building a new deck, one of the first things you’ll need to factor in is the cost of materials. 

The average cost to build a new deck is around $6,000, with most homeowners spending between $4,000 and $10,000. 

The cost of materials will vary depending on the type of wood you choose for your deck. 

Pressure-treated wood is the most common type of decking material and costs between $2 to $5 per square foot for the cheap stuff. 

Cedar and redwood are two popular choices for decking material and typically cost between $3 to $6 per square foot. 

Composite decking is another popular choice for those looking to build a new deck. 

Composite materials are made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic and usually cost more per square foot but also tend to last longer and require significantly less maintenance and repair.

The Cost Of Labor

If you are planning on building a new deck, you should be prepared to spend a decent amount of money on labor. 

The cost of labor can seem high but remember that you are hiring professionals to do a professional job for you so that you don’t have to worry about all the hassle (or risk) of trying to do it yourself. 

In the same way that you would probably be willing to spend a bit more on laser eye surgery, you might do well to consider spending a bit more on labor to ensure that you get the best quality work and that you don’t have to spend even more money to fix any mistakes.

We recommend that you get quotes from several different contractors before you decide to build your deck so that you can get an accurate estimate of what the cost of labor and everything else is in your area.

The cost of labor is often one of the most expensive parts of a home improvement project and can be one of the costs which varies most by location. 

Remember though that you don’t necessarily have to choose the contractor that offers you the cheapest rate because, as the saying goes, you tend to get what you pay for.

Instead, get a general idea of what things cost by getting multiple estimates and then select the contractor who is the best fit for you.

As a side note, homeowners should generally be prepared to pay for their new deck in full before work begins.

That way, there will be no risk of having to stop midway through construction due to lack of funds.

The Cost Of Permits

The cost of permits for a new deck can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the size and complexity of the project as well as the location since every municipality has its own codes, regulations, taxes, and fees.

A permit fee is typically a percentage of the total project cost, so a larger or more complex deck will cost more to permit.

Permits are typically required for all decks over a certain height and/or with certain features, such as a hot tub or stairs. 

The relevant local government department will review the plans for the deck to make sure it meets all code requirements and then issue the permit.

The permit fee is generally due when the application is submitted and must be paid before work can begin on the deck. 

It’s important to factor in the cost of permits when planning a new deck, as it can add significant expense to the project.

Fortunately, this process is something that a professional contractor can help you go through so that the weight of that stress is off your shoulders.

The Return On Investment

As we’ve said, a deck is a great way to add value to your home both in terms of resale value and in terms of quality of life while you are still living there. 

If you want an even more specific breakdown of costs, you might be interested in this guide from HomeGuide. 

The return on investment (ROI) for a deck can be commonly estimated at around 65% but that number varies tremendously on too many things for us to list here.

The primary variable in this is the degree to which the deck remains in the same condition when you sell the property as it was when you built the deck. 

Other variables will of course include the materials used and the size of the deck.

For example, composite decks generally have a higher ROI than wooden decks simply because they tend to last longer and be made of more expensive material to begin with.

Let’s assume an ROI of 65% for now just for the sake of doing the math and you can adjust the percentage yourself to whatever seems realistic to you.

Given an ROI of around 65%, if you spend $9,000 on a new deck, you can expect to see a return of about $6,000 when you sell your home. 

As with anything else regarding home renovation, be sure to talk to a few different contractors to get estimates as well as get suggestions on how to maximize the ROI on your deck. 

It is also good to consider the long-term maintenance costs of a deck before making your final decision.

Is A New Deck Worth The Money?

If you’re considering adding a new deck to your home, you might be wondering if it’s worth the investment. 

How much does a new deck cost? 

The answer to that question depends on several factors, including the size and location of the deck, the materials you choose, and whether you hire a professional contractor or do the work yourself.

On average, a new wood deck can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. 

If you opt for composite materials instead of wood, the price tag will be slightly higher. 

Likewise, if you hire a professional to build your deck for you, expect to pay for what you get.

After all is said and done though, you can probably expect a decent ROI on your investment as well as the ability to enjoy your new deck while you are still living at the property.

So is a new deck worth the money? 

Ultimately, that’s for you to decide. 

If you have the budget for it and you think it will add value to your home, then go for it.

Conclusion

This is a bit more than just “how much does a new deck cost?” but we like to be as helpful as we can here.

Building a new deck can be a great way to improve your home’s value while also providing you with a beautiful and functional outdoor space. 

With a little planning and some elbow grease, you can have a brand new deck to enjoy for years to come.

And of course, the best way to get your money’s worth is to choose the right materials and, most importantly, the right professionals to help you. 

Good luck out there!