The Average Estimate for Installing a Deck

Cedar

• One of the more common materials for wood decks is cedar, which ranges in color from a light brown to tan to pink. If untreated, it weathers quickly to a grayish silver and then a dark brown. Experienced do-it-yourselfers can tackle deck building but only after consulting with local building authorities for requirements and permits. Generally, the handy homeowner can install a 12-by-15 ground-level deck of cedar in 32 hours for $1,400, which is the cost of materials and supplies, at the time of publication. Professionals can typically complete the job in 32 hours for $2,315.

Staining

• For natural wood decks, construction is only the first part of the installation process. The second part involves staining, which is the only way to prevent the natural material from deteriorating under the seasonal pummeling of water, wind and temperature. A homeowner can stain the average deck for only $50 to $100, which is the cost of supplies. This must be done only after six months to a year after the initial installation to give the material time to dry out. A professional can stain a 500-square-foot deck for an additional $250 in labor. Staining shouldn’t take more than a day.

Composite

• Though a cedar deck is warm and natural, it requires staining and sealing every year for it to remain durable. A composite material can avoid the chore since the finishes are impregnated into the combination of wood and plastic materials. These decks can take many colors and textures to appear as any kind of stained wood. The only maintenance needed is an occasional washing with a garden house or power washer. Generally, homeowners can install a 400-square-foot ground-level composite deck in 130 hours at a cost of $2,500. Professionals will take 90 hours and cost $4,624.

Location

• Installing a wood deck changes according to location. The cost of professional installation of a 16-by-20 pressure-treated deck costs an average $10,973. In the western states of Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska and Hawaii, costs are higher than average at $13,827. In the west south central states of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, costs are cheaper at $10,102. In the Middle Atlantic States of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut, prices fall in between at $11,205.