Building A Plastic Deck: Cost And Construction

Building a deck is a great way to increase the value of your home, but it can be expensive depending on the labour and materials used. The cost of building a deck varies depending on several factors, such as size, shape, materials, labour, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. The average cost of building a deck is $20-$50 per square foot, but prices can range from $15 to $80 per square foot depending on the type of materials used. Composite decking, which contains recycled plastic and wood, typically costs $40 to $80 per square foot. On the other hand, wood decks have a national average cost of $53 per square foot. Building a larger deck can cost upwards of $20,000, while deluxe decks can cost up to $50,000.

Composite decking costs

Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance, and decorative appeal. The cost of building a composite deck depends on several factors, including the size, complexity of design, and chosen product line.

The materials for a composite deck typically cost between $5 to $18 per square foot, with higher-end options reaching up to $32 per square foot. The overall material cost for a composite deck can range from $21 to $30 per square foot when including the substructure, decking, fascia, hardware, and fasteners.

Labor costs for installing a composite deck vary depending on the contractor's rates and the complexity of the project. On average, labor costs range from $24 to $48 per square foot, with some sources stating a range of $10 to $14 per square foot. For a standard 360-square-foot deck, labor costs can be between $3,600 and $5,000. Elevated decks, multi-level designs, or custom features will generally incur higher labor costs.

Additionally, there may be other costs to consider, such as permits, which can range from $225 to $500, and other materials like railings, which can cost $20 to $60 per foot. Installing a drainage system can cost at least $1,000 to $4,000, and gravel under a raised deck can range from $0.85 to $2.80 per square foot.

Overall, the cost of building a composite deck can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of the project.

DIY vs. hiring a contractor

Building a deck is a complex task that requires expertise, precision, and careful planning. While doing it yourself may save you money in the short term, there are several reasons why hiring a contractor may be a better option.

Firstly, building a deck is a huge investment and not one to be taken lightly. Hiring a professional deck builder ensures that your deck is constructed correctly, safely, and to last. They have the experience and training to pay attention to the smallest details, which DIYers or unlicensed builders can often overlook. From ensuring that the deck boards are spaced correctly to proper drainage, licensed professionals leave no stone unturned.

Secondly, professional deck contractors have access to premium and top-notch materials to support the different parts of the deck structure that homeowners might not be able to easily get on their own. They also have access to the best tools, which can enhance the appearance and durability of your deck. Deck contractors often buy materials in bulk, which can result in savings that they pass on to their clients.

Thirdly, building a deck is labor-intensive, and the time and experience of a professional may justify the expense. Most professional deck builders offer labor warranties on their work, so if any defects or issues arise due to the construction process, they will address them at no additional cost to you. Additionally, many decking and outdoor living products come with a manufacturer warranty, but this is often only valid if a certified contractor installs them. A deck that isn’t built to code or lacks proper structural integrity can pose significant safety risks, including collapse, injuries, and even fatalities.

Finally, hiring a deck contractor can save you time and effort. They can take the guesswork out of the process, offering design services to ensure the best layout for your home. While you may be a talented handyman or skilled DIYer, you probably don't build decks every day—but they do! This means they can efficiently build a well-constructed, structurally sound, and beautifully designed deck that you can enjoy for years to come.

Permits and inspections

To apply for a permit, you will first need to identify the relevant authority, typically the Building Inspections Department within your City Hall or an independent inspector in rural areas. They will review your plans, ensuring code compliance and identifying potential problems. You will usually need to supply two copies of scale drawings of the framing plan view, and in some cases, an elevation drawing. Your deck plans should be as detailed as possible, including the locations, spacing, and sizes of frost footings, beams, and joists, as well as installation methods and materials used.

The Building Inspections Department may also require an official survey of your property, which you can create yourself by locating and verifying the iron spikes marking the corners of your property. Alternatively, you may need to hire a professional surveyor. If your property is on a street corner, you will need to adhere to more stringent setback requirements to maintain a certain distance from the street.

Once your plans are approved, you should not deviate from the design without prior approval from the inspections department. The permit applicant is responsible for scheduling all inspections, which will be conducted during the project to ensure code compliance and correct installation of materials.

Deck size and height

The size of your deck will directly impact the amount of material you'll need and the labour required, which will, in turn, affect the overall cost. The average deck is 300 to 400 sq. ft. in size and the average cost of building a deck is $30-$60 per sq. ft. This includes decking material, hardware, beams, labour costs, and other features like lighting, heaters, and railings.

The larger your deck, the more expensive it will be. A small 10x10 deck with pressure-treated lumber will cost $25 to $50 per sq. ft. installed. A 12'x12' deck costs $3,600 to $7,200 on average, while a 20'x20' deck installation costs $10,000 to $20,000. Building a larger deck has costs starting around $20,000, while deluxe decks cost closer to $40,000 to $50,000.

Square and rectangular decks are simpler to build and will be more affordable, whereas a curved deck will require complex metal frames and joists, which will be an extra cost. The height of your deck will also affect the cost of building it. A higher elevation adds complexity to the installation and requires extra post length.

If you're building a composite deck, the size of your deck will be a key factor in determining the cost. Composite decks last longer than traditional decks and can save you money in the long run by avoiding water damage and the recurring costs of sealant. The cost of composite decking is $40 to $80 per sq. ft. installed, while composite decking boards cost $5 to $18 per sq. ft. For a standard 360-square-foot composite deck, you'll spend between $5,400 and $11,500.

If you're planning to build a deck, it's important to get multiple quotes and consider the balance of price and quality. You can also start with your budget and ask your contractor to work within that amount, making design modifications to reduce the cost.

Flooring and materials

The flooring and materials you choose for your plastic deck will have a significant impact on the overall cost. The national average cost of a deck is $7,913, with a typical range of $4,141 to $11,713. However, the cost per square foot can vary from $20 to $50, or even $25 to $55 for deck replacement. The price per square foot for composite decking, which includes recycled plastic and wood, ranges from $15 to $32, with labor adding an additional $10 to $14. Composite decking is a more expensive option, with prices ranging from $40 to $80 per square foot, but it is a durable, low-maintenance, and water-resistant choice that can last up to 30 years or even longer with proper care.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, pressure-treated pine wood is a good choice, with material prices ranging from $14 to $28 per square foot. Cedar decking is another option, ranging from $8 to $15 or $30 to $47 per square foot, but it requires more maintenance and is prone to damage. For a truly long-lasting option, consider Ipe decking, which can last 40 to 70 years and costs $50 to $70 per square foot.

The size of your deck will also impact the cost of materials. A small 10x10 deck will require less material and be more affordable than a larger 20x20 deck, which can cost $10,000 to $20,000. Additionally, the height of your deck will affect the cost, as higher elevations require additional safety measures and longer posts.

When choosing materials, consider the substructure and surface materials needed. Substructure materials like lumber, hardware, and concrete, as well as surface materials like deck boards, railings, and fasteners, can all impact costs. A general starting point for material costs is between $9 and $16 per square foot, including the structure, railing, and other features.

It's important to note that labor costs can make up a significant portion of the overall expense, ranging from $11 to $22 per square foot. However, if you choose to DIY, you can save on labor costs but may need to budget for equipment and building code requirements.

Frequently asked questions