Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? You may want to consider adding a deck to your backyard. A deck is a great place to gather family and friends for a barbecue cookout, especially when the weather warms up. If you want to relax after a long week at work, a deck can also be used as a quiet lounge area to rest and enjoy the fresh outdoor breezes.
However, purchasing and building a deck can be a challenging process. There are plenty of things to consider, one of which involves costs.
Materials
In general, there are three common choices for deck materials: wood, composite and plastic. While there are many choices for flooring, trim, stairs and railings, most home contractors recommend pressure-treated wood for the frame of your deck. Pressure-treated pine, meanwhile, is one of the least expensive options, but it shrinks and splinters over time. Cedar and mahogany also look and work well, but they cost more and require yearly treatment. For easy-to-maintain materials, synthetic materials such as composites and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are ideal.
Size
The size of your deck is another important contributing element to the overall cost of your deck. A small 8-by-8-foot deck is cheaper as it needs fewer materials and labor than a 16-by-20-foot deck. Remember that if you double the size of a deck, you double the price. However, enlarging it by only a few inches may increase its cost disproportionately. The extra inches may require more footings, a part of the structure that supports the deck, which may significantly increase the overall cost of the entire structure.
Design
Amenities, which may include multiple levels, elaborate railings or built-in benches, can increase the overall cost of your deck design. However, keep in mind that these amenities, especially the railings and benches, may enhance your deck’s functionality and safety. As such, these are certainly worth the investment. Also, take note that a deck built on a second story may also be more expensive than a deck on the ground floor.
Freestanding vs. Attached
Since they do not require an additional structure to function, freestanding or detached decks are relatively cheaper compared to their attached counterparts. This is because attached decks rely on the structural integrity of your home for stability. For this reason, this may not be an ideal solution if your home is older. Your home contractor may suggest a freestanding deck for your home as it can be built to whichever specifications you prefer.
Turn to the experts at Northside Construction Services! We provide top-quality remodeling and exterior renovations, including deck construction and home additions. Call us today at (404) 392-5858, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Evans and Augusta, GA.