How to Estimate a Price on Building a Deck for a Home

Decks can add value to a home.

Many homeowners struggle with the idea of whether to build solo or to hire a contractor when deciding to build a deck for their house. If they do go with a contractor, they have to figure out if the cost estimates are on the ball or a little inflated. There are many options to consider.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Paper
• Material costs

Instructions

1. Measure the area you plan to build a deck on. Measure the length first and then the width. Multiply those two numbers to get the total area of the deck. Next measure the perimeter of the proposed deck site to get the length needed for railings. Next measure how far the deck will be off the ground. This will let you know the length of support beams.

2. Look at material costs. Composite products will cost more than treated wood and treated wood will cost more than untreated wood. Use the measurements of the area, railing length and support beam lengths to get an estimate on the needed main materials.

3. Factor in the cost of support materials. This means the number of nails needed, the material for support beams and the materials needed for steps and a gate. Depending on the surface you are building on, you may have to factor in the cost of concrete footings and ready mix concrete to support the deck.

4. Estimate the cost of construction supplies. While most do-it-yourselfers have basic equipment such as hammers and saws, a deck could require a lot of tools. Factor in the cost of buying or renting an automatic nail gun, a power saw and the like.

5. Think about time. A contractor will factor in the amount of time on a project in his budget, which normally will make the work cost more than just pricing the material. If going alone, estimate how much cost and aggravation it will bring on you.

Tips & Warnings

• Most large building supply stores will put prices on their websites, which will cut down on trips to the stores.

• Make sure to check local building codes before starting any work.

References

• Do-it-Yourself Deck Building
• Olympian Cares: Deck Building
• Patio Estimates Website.
• Home Depot Deck Building Guide

Resources

• Lowe's Home Improvement
• Home Depot
• 84 Lumber Company