Karl’s Basic Deck Questions
1. How do you expect to use your deck most often? Will you entertain or do you want a nice place for the family to relax quietly?
2. Do you want to add a Hot Tub or other features to expand the number of uses?
3. What types of furniture will you use?
♦ Size and type of furniture
♦ The size of the grill you may have
♦ Fountains or other ornaments
4. What will be the height of your deck?
♦ If two feet or less, no rail is required
♦ If over two feet in height, rails are required
5. Do you want a bump out for grills or other reasons?
6. Do you need stairways or ramps? How many and what length are they?
7. Do you want benches?
8. Do you want planters?
9. Do you want special things done to accommodate landscaping?
10. Do you want multiple levels?
11. Do you want decorative accessories such as post caps or contoured hand rails and spindles?
12. Do you want built in lighting?
There are a number of different ideas to consider, individually and in combination, that can change the look and function of your deck and those decisions can impact the cost of your deck as well. For example, a standard 14' x 16' deck with no frills (no stain, no stairs, two feet from the ground, no stone or weed fabric, no planters or lighting, etc.) built with treated lumber would start around $4,000, cedar $5,200 (30% more than treated lumber) and composite $7,200 (80% more than treated lumber). What usually happens, however, is that the material costs become a lower percentage of the total project cost because custom accessories and other issues in the building process (excavating, landscaping or siding removal) contribute heavily to the total. The real issue often becomes the look the homeowner wants and the ongoing maintenance.
Material Maintenance Average Life Expectancy
Treated Wood Stain........every 2 years......15-20 years
Cedar Stain....................every 2 years......15-20 years
Composite Wash.............when needed.......20-25 Years
Decks are a great way to get more enjoyment out of your home. And, down the road, if you decide you would like a sun room, you already have a head start on its construction. The best way to get the most out of your deck is to is to put thought in to it before you build. You’ll get what you want, enjoy it more and save money.
