Deck and Patio Cost Guide 2024 - How Much to Budget?

Rebuilding a deck or patio space means choosing from a vast range of materials, making the choice quite difficult at times. How can you select the right material from all the options available? What factors are likely to affect project costs? While material-specific characteristics are key in choosing the right material to build your new deck, price points will also be a deciding factor.

This article details deck-building material characteristics and costs while answering fundamental questions, such as How much should you budget for deck-building materials?

How Much Will It Cost to Build a Deck? Material and Installation Estimator

Affordable Options Per Square Foot

Redwood Cedar

This wood species has a very distinct smell and is coated with natural oil, protecting the material against pests and mould. In keeping with a growing number of green-minded customers, note that redwood is a renewable wood species. Its appealing wood grain is also a huge selling point.

However, make sure your deck is adequately protected from the sun’s rays as this type of wood is likely to fade. To offset this drawback, you can dilute a zinc oxide-based product in your paint before application, which will help guard the original wood colour from the sun. Applying a clear finish can also help the wood retain its natural sheen longer.

Moreover, consider applying a dark-coloured, clear dye, which helps absorb ultraviolet rays faster than other dyes. And, since redwood cedar is a soft wood, it can be damaged more easily.

In terms of pricing, building a deck using redwood cedar costs $4–$5 per square foot. If you hire a licensed professional to design and build your new deck, prices will range from $40 to $60 per square foot.

Pavers

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Available in a wide array of colours and sizes, pavers are exceptionally durable and don’t require much maintenance. However, this material can only be installed at ground level, meaning it’s more suited to a patio-building project. Pavers typically cost between $4 to $12 per square foot, while a professional installation will cost roughly $20–$30 per square foot.

Composite Wood Decking—Prices and More

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Made with recycled wood and plastic waste, composite wood has proven to be an increasingly popular option over the years. Composite decking is fairly low-maintenance while displaying great resistance to moisture, rot, fungi, insects, and even termite infestation. Cleaning the surface twice a year using a cleaning product with an anti-mould additive ensures the decking’s safeguarding.

During the material’s lifespan, estimated at roughly 25 years, it's likely to withstand fading and cracking. Last but not least, note that its non-slip boards remain cool underfoot during the summertime, which is a major advantage as you won’t experience the feeling of burning feet as you tread barefoot on the decking.

Despite all the upsides mentioned, composite decking does have a few drawbacks. Note that this material has a limited colour inventory. Also, it’s rather heavy, meaning quite a bit of physical strength is needed to carry and install this type of decking.

Lastly, note that it’s a rather expensive sort of decking. It’s crucial to remember that composite wood is prone to dilation, meaning you’ll have to space out each board accordingly. For information purposes only, costs typically range from $6 to $12 per square foot to build a new deck using this material. If you want your deck’s design and installation done by a trusted professional, plan on spending anywhere between $70 and $85 per square foot.

Torrefied Wood

Under the spectrum of torrefied wood, one can find a wide selection of wood species, such as cherry, ash, oak, poplar, and aspen, including grey and white pine. Unlike pressure-treated wood, torrefied wood benefits from the heat generated through baking, protecting against the adverse effects of insects and mould.

Heat also waterproofs the wood, allowing for its texture to shine through. Its greatest advantage material-wise, is probably its inability to rot. Plan on spending $6 to $12 per square foot. If you hire a professional deck builder to carry out the installation, budget between $50–$70 per square foot.

Standard-Priced Products

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Ipe Wood

As for ipe wood, it has decent mould, fungi, and insect resistance. Its natural shade is quite simply stunning, making for a significant aesthetic statement. With a lifespan nearing 50 years, this Brazilian wood species costs roughly $12–$15 per square foot. 

However, its hardness makes it particularly difficult to work with. And, this high-end material isn’t suited to all budgets.

Teak

Teak has bright, yellowish colouring and, much like ipe, is considered an exotic wood species. Rot-proof, it's one of the best options in terms of overall durability. 

Its oily texture paired with the natural beauty of its colouring makes it particularly elegant, looks-wise. Bear in mind that teak should be coated in a layer of oil to help seal in and preserve its colouring. As the colour begins to fade, apply another coat of the oil.

For $12–$14 per square foot, it’s an obvious pick if you're looking to build a luxurious or multi-level deck. Also, note that teak is corrosion-proof and won’t be affected by metal exposure. Given its price range, it’s a rather expensive option.

Fibreglass Deck or Balcony

The benefits of a fibreglass deck are undeniable. First, a fibreglass deck requires very little maintenance, and a simple soapy water solution will keep it looking clean. For a deeper cleaning, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush should be enough to get the job done. Since fibreglass is perfectly waterproof, no need to worry about water permeating the material and damaging your deck.

Given the way fibreglass is manufactured, you can build a deck of virtually any footage and thanks to the large selection of colours, you can end up with something rather unique. Moreover, fibreglass is highly UV-ray-, fire-, and corrosion-resistant, and fares rather well in temperatures below zero. On another note, bear in mind that a fibreglass deck lasts 20 to 25 years, which is a testament to its above-average durability.

While you can easily select a dark shade for your fibreglass deck, opting for a lighter hue is best, while it may not suit all aesthetics. This recommendation stems from the fact that darker shades absorb more sunlight, rendering surfaces hot to the touch, and making the decking uncomfortable underfoot.

Additionally, said very heat will dilate the fibreglass, leaving visible cracks on the surface. All cracks should be sealed immediately to avoid water permeating the surface, worsening the damage. Note that a fibreglass deck isn’t the most sustainable or eco-friendly choice given that it’ll end up in a landfill at the end of its lifecycle.

Something else to consider is that fibreglass can get especially slippery in wintertime. Tread cautiously. Recommendation-wise, spreading sand on top of the decking helps melt the ice and limit the likelihood of slipping. Also, note that leaving items or patio furniture year-round on the deck risks marking the surface, especially if said items are metal.

A fibreglass deck costs, on average, $14–$20 per square foot while refinishing the decking (sanding) will cost between $3–$4 per square foot.

High-End Options

Pressure-Treated Wooden Deck

Pressure-treated wood is treated with quaternary alkaline copper to prevent fungi, insects, or termites from contributing to its premature deterioration. Although the products now used to protect wood are arsenic-free, the wood technically still undergoes a chemical process. As a result, it’s unlikely to have unanimous approval among environmentally conscious customers.

Since some pressure-treated wood is of the spruce variety, it can cause some downsides. Since the wood isn’t dried, it causes it to ooze excess product applied for preservation purposes, including a bit of resin during its first year. Note that white pine is an option if you want to avoid such a drawback.

Moreover, this wood species is easy to work with, courtesy of its tenderness and its uniform appearance. It’s also rather easy to maintain and has a lifespan ranging from 10 to 15 years.

Price-wise, treated wood costs roughly $25 per square foot. In terms of design and installation, plan on spending about $50 per square foot.

Concrete Deck or Patio

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From the outset, note that concrete benefits from its heftiness. Indeed, its considerable weight contributes to its great stability. And, contrary to what one might think, concrete is far from boring; it’s available in a wide array of finishes. 

As such, you may choose to build a patio or deck using stamped concrete. The latter is achieved by imprinting the surface with a pattern, giving it the look of another material, such as wood, ceramic, or even brick.

One of concrete's biggest advantages is, without a doubt, its exceptional durability. Resilient to cold weather and temperature changes, concrete isn’t likely to crack. The materials used to fill in minor cracks that may surface over time are also rather easy to use.

Still in terms of upsides, concrete is low maintenance and skid-proof. Maintenance-wise, pressure wash the surface when you see fit.

As for drawbacks, concrete isn’t a cozy material like wood by any stretch of the imagination. Also, it isn’t retailed in a slew of colour options, which can be a deal-breaker for some. In other words, building a concrete deck or patio isn’t necessarily an easy DIY project. It’s best to hire a licensed professional, which will, without a doubt, incur additional labour costs.

If you’re hoping to build a concrete deck or patio, budget for a fairly expensive project. You’re looking at a $60–$80 per square foot investment (including labour and patio rebar).

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Deck-Building Project?

Material

One of the primary factors affecting the overall cost of a new deck is the building material used. Based on the selected material, project costs can vary significantly. It’s important to consider both the desired aesthetic and budget when choosing a material.

Size

No surprise here, but the bigger your deck, the more expensive it’ll be. Apart from the additional material required to build it, higher upfront costs are due to the extra working hours needed.

Labour

Deck-building labour costs can vary according to the project's complexity and the local contractor's service rates. As such, getting multiple quotes to ensure a competitive and fair price is essential while guaranteeing quality results.

Deck Design

The deck’s design will have a considerable effect on the project’s total cost. More elaborate designs, those including custom or architectural features, are more likely to present higher upfront costs given the prep work, whereas straightforward and functional designs can help meet budgetary requirements.

Accessibility

Deck accessibility can also influence cost, especially since hard-to-access sites can mandate specific building methods or additional equipment. Make sure to assess site accessibility during the planning stages of your project as it can affect both building and labour costs.

What Are the Additional Costs?

Additional Features

Adding extra features, such as a firepit, partition wall, or outdoor lighting, can increase the cost of your deck. Even though such factors have aesthetic and functional value, it’s important to assess your budget prior to making important decisions.

Permits

Obtaining the necessary deck-building permit is a crucial step that can also affect the project’s overall cost. Permit fees vary based on your area of residence and local requirements. As such, we recommend looking into it ahead of time to avoid unforeseen expenses. 

Landscaping

The landscaping surrounding your ground-level deck or patio can come as an additional step, which can also incur extra fees. Features like greenery, walkways, or water features need supplementary resources and labour, which must be considered when planning your overall budget.

Our Tips to Make a Well-Informed Decision

In a nutshell, material selection and detailed planning are essential when working out a deck or patio building project to stick to a pre-determined budget while creating an outdoor space that meets your needs. Whether you opt for wood, pavers, or concrete, every material has specific advantages, disadvantages, and price points. Don’t forget to consider costs related to labour, permits, and potential additional features.

To learn more about the average cost of different home renovation projects, check out our 2024 Home Renovation Price Guide.