What is the cheapest way to do a deck?

Pressure-treated wood is generally the cheapest material to build decks from. For up-front savings, that seems great, but don't forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance such as staining or painting, and they'll often break down quite quickly if you fall behind on maintenance.

What is the cheapest option for a deck?

Pressure Treated Wood Is a Solid, Cheap Decking Material.

The most economical decking material, by far, is pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood is superior to regular wood because it has been infused with chemicals that help it resist decay and rot, as well as damage from certain types of insects.

Is it cheaper to build your own deck?

How much does it cost to build a deck? For basic deck designs using the least expensive lumber, you can expect to pay from about $8 to $10 per square foot (depending on the material) if you do the work yourself. You'll pay about $30 per square foot if it's professionally installed.

What is the cheapest way to make a patio or deck?

The most affordable and easy to install material to build a patio is gravel. If you want more of a high-end appearance, either stone or flagstone can be used, but it's more expensive. However, brick paver patios are cheaper than stone and could look just as nice.

How much does it cost to build a cheap deck?

The average cost to build a deck is around $7,500, but like most construction projects, the costs associated with a new deck will break down to deck material and labor costs. On the low end, you may pay only slightly more than $4,000 for a small, basic deck.

How To Build An Affordable Deck

Is a deck cheaper than concrete?

It's cheaper to build a concrete patio in terms of both the initial cost to lay a concrete patio, as well as its cost of maintenance over time. A concrete patio costs only $4 per square foot, while a deck costs roughly $6 per square foot for lower-cost pressure treated lumber.

Which is cheapest decking or slabs?

When choosing between decking or paving, consider that decking materials tend to be more affordable than paving materials. However, these costs can be offset with the maintenance costs of decking that paving does not require.

Are pavers cheaper than a deck?

Cost. Depending on the material you choose, a patio is a more affordable option than a wood deck. Concrete pavers have an average cost of $4 to $12 per square foot (before installation cost), while natural stone can go up to $30 per square foot.

Are pavers cheaper than building a deck?

For a ground level construction, concrete pavers are a better option, providing a quicker, easier and less expensive construction process. If additional construction is necessary, however, a wooden deck may offer a less expensive alternative.

What is a good deck size?

The standard or average deck size is between 300 and 400 square feet for most homes. Your deck must be large enough to support guests while still providing space for anything you want to place on the deck, like a grill or a hot tub. The height of your deck is another factor and is determined by the height of your home.

Is a deck a good idea?

There's a 76% return on investment for a wooden deck on average, higher than all indoor home renovations. Depending on the material, decks need to be power washed, stained and sealed every couple of years. Decks can be installed on any type of land, even if your yard is not level.

What is a floating deck?

A floating deck, also known as a ground level or freestanding deck, is a deck that is not attached to any building or structure. It is a standalone structure that is built on top of the ground and is not anchored into the ground like a traditional deck.

What can I have instead of a deck?

How to afford a deck?

If you're planning a new deck or patio, the first step is to decide how you'll pay for it. Cash is the interest-free way to pay, but if you need deck financing, your options include a personal loan, home equity loan or line of credit, credit cards and contractor financing.

Can I use plywood for decking?

This type of plywood, often made from Douglas fir, is made stronger by adhering its layers with a waterproof glue. Exterior plywood can be used on decks and walkways (think: a sturdy path down to a beach), a shed, outdoor shelving, and for outdoor structures and furniture, like a gazebo, bench, or planters.

Can I build a deck directly on the ground?

Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground. There are many reasons to want a very low deck, including that at certain heights the deck may not require stairs or guardrails.

Which is less expensive cement or pavers?

As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.

What type of decking is best?

Composite decking is the best decking material for several reasons. First, it doesn't require painting or staining as wood does. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Second, composite decking is more durable than wood.

How long does decking last?

Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

Which is cheaper composite or PVC decking?

It's important to compare boards of similar quality and price range. Generally, PVC decking is more expensive than composite decking. The average price of PVC decking ranges between $10 and $15 per square foot; composite between $4.50 and $13 per square foot.

Is it expensive to build a deck?

The average cost to build a deck is $20 – $50 per square foot. This includes both decking material and labor costs—with anywhere from half to two-thirds of the expense coming from the latter. Opting for cheaper material, such as pressure-treated wood, can bring the price down to around $20 per square foot.

Is wood or cement cheaper?

Are Concrete Floors Less Expensive Than Wood? Because material costs for polished concrete floors are six to eight times lower than that of high-quality hardwood floors, polished concrete is significantly less expensive than wood in new residential construction.

Is concrete deck a good idea?

Concrete patios not only look fantastic, but they also perform very well too, which saves you money in the long run. You may run into some issues with wood or composite decks that you won't with a concrete patio, including warping and splintering. But there is always the risk of your concrete patio cracking.