It can be difficult to accurately calculate the cost of adding a deck to your home. Yet, before you jump into this potentially expensive home improvement project, you’ll want to have a clear idea of what costs to expect. We’re going to break down how to calculate decking costs and how to consider the total value of your decking project so you can choose the right type of deck for your home.
How to Calculate Decking Cost
Many different factors can influence the total cost of your decking project, from the type of wood you choose to who installs your new deck. Four major factors that affect the total project price are:
- Deck Size: Larger, wider decks will cost more in materials and labor to build, but also consider that the height of your deck could increase costs to add stairs and railings.
- Materials: Decking materials vary in cost, not only between categories like wood vs. composite, but also between the types of wood you can use for your deck. Also, be aware that certain decking materials may require specialized equipment or fasteners to install.
- Extra Features: A simple deck design will be lower in cost than one with customized features, but don’t let that stop you from designing your ideal deck. The best deck for the cost will be one you enjoy using regularly.
- Deck Installation: The team that installs your deck can also affect the total cost of the decking project. Although you want to get the best value for your money, it’s important to choose the right installers to do the job right — which will save you money down the road.
All of these factors can vary depending on where you live, the time of year you’re installing your deck and the availability of materials. Contact your decking supplier for a detailed estimate to calculate decking cost more accurately.
Calculate Decking Cost Calculator
Trex developed a tool that can help you calculate decking cost for both wood and composite materials. It also breaks down the expected maintenance costs over a 25 year lifespan to give you an idea of how lifetime value can affect how you calculate decking cost.
Calculate Decking Cost as Total Lifetime Value
If you’re searching for the perfect deck to add to your home, you’ve likely noticed how different materials affect the total decking cost. However, calculating decking cost for materials and installation isn’t the only metric you should consider when choosing the perfect deck for you.
When you calculate decking cost, it’s important to factor in the maintenance and upkeep for different deck types, as these will affect the total amount you spend on your deck over its lifespan.
For example, if you choose to save on a cheaper deck material, you may have lower decking costs upfront, but you are likely to spend more making repairs, maintaining the deck’s appearance, and eventually replacing the deck. If you invest in a higher quality deck material, you’ll likely spend more to install the deck, but it may require less maintenance and last much longer than a cheaper material.
Calculate Decking Cost and Value by Material
Let’s take a look at a few common materials to help you get a general idea of how to calculate decking cost over the complete lifespan of your deck.
| Material | Maintenance Level | Avg. Cost/Sq. Ft. | Lifespan | Other Details |
| Cedar Wood Deck | High | $4-8 | Medium-Short | Resistant to mold, requires sanding and staining |
| Redwood Deck | High | $7 | Medium | Requires maintenance to prevent mold |
| Ipe Wood Deck | Medium | $10-15 | Long | Req. special tools to install |
| Tigerwood Deck | Medium | $6-15 | Long | Req. special tools to install |
| Composite Deck | Low | $10-15 | Very Long | No staining or sanding required |
| Trex Deck | Low | $8-20 | Very Long | No staining or sanding required |
To calculate decking cost, you’ll need to choose the material that best fits your lifestyle, preferred maintenance level, and lifespan expectations.
Calculating your decking cost isn’t always easy. Depending on the material you use, the size of your deck, and even your home’s location, your decking cost can change significantly. For help accurately calculating the cost of your specific deck, get in touch with the experts at Zeeland Lumber & Supply.