Why are deck prices so high?

A national shortage of lumber has driven up costs for decking by as much as 150 percent in the past year. It is now significantly more expensive to build anything that uses wood, including traditional decks. More than half of all decks built in America are wood.

How much should a 20x20 deck cost?

How much does it cost to build a 20×20 deck? A 20 x 20 deck installation costs approximately $14,000 on average. Using more economical materials like bamboo or cedar deck boards can knock the price down. In contrast, high-end decking materials like composite decking will increase the price.

Will lumber prices go down in 2023?

Prediction 2: Lumber demand will drop again 2023

This follows consumption dropping by an estimated 1.6% (0.8 BBF) in 2022, which was driven by a sudden weakening in new residential construction activity in the second half of the year and a major correction in do-it-yourself (DIY) lumber demand.

Why is deck wood so expensive?

They're an Investment

The first reason why composite decking is expensive is that they're not an expenditure. They're an investment. They require much less maintenance over time as compared to normal decks. Composite decking materials are designed to be resistant to mold, mildew, and rot.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck right now?

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.

Why is everything getting so expensive?

Do decks increase property value?

According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine, a deck addition is a top 10 outdoor home improvement. A wood deck, which will cost on average about $16,766 will recoup about 68% of its value, and a composite deck, which will cost about $22,426, will recoup about 63% at home sale.

How do I reduce the cost of my deck?

Keep it simple: Eliminating curves and other fancy design features will make a difference, but reducing the overall size of the deck is where you'll likely find the biggest savings, Wormer said. Matching deck dimensions to standard lumber lengths and using premade concrete piers, or footings, can also reduce cost.

How much should you budget for a deck?

Expect to pay about $21 per square foot for a deck. The average cost to build a deck is $7,320, and most homeowners pay $3,920 – $10,540. However, some large and lavish decks cost as much as $17,000, and some small decks cost as little as $1,600. Expect to pay about $21 per square foot for a deck.

Is Trex cheaper than wood?

“Wood decking can be more expensive than composite in the long run,” says Trex's Adkins, “once you account for the annual time and labor costs required to sand and stain a wood deck and railing.” Maintenance on a composite decking is minimal, which is one of the material's main selling points.

How long until lumber prices return to normal?

About a year ago, it cost around $888. Despite the recent slight increase, pricing is still down -34% YOY. Stuart Katz, CIO at wealth management firm Robertson Stephens, said the price of lumber could reach its pre-pandemic level by mid-2022.

Are lumber prices back to normal yet?

The price per 1,000 board feet of lumber has dropped to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the first week of the new year. In March 2022, the price of lumber was around $1,460. On January 6, 2022, prices fell to $354. Consumers may not see the entirety of the drop reflected at retail home improvement stores immediately.

Are lumber prices back to normal now?

According to Witzeling, lumber is about 75% back to its normal prices across the board. Beyond lumber, Modern Builders also supplies other home essentials, such as doors and windows, but unlike lumber, items such as doors and windows fluctuate in cost with fuel, shipping, and labor, among others.

Is it cheaper to concrete or deck?

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.

Is it cheaper to slab or deck?

Decking is more affordable, quicker to install but doesn't last very long. Paving slabs can be pricier, take longer to install but require little-to-no maintenance and will last for a long time.

What size deck is most cost-effective?

Here's another tip: most decks are built in increments of 2 feet. That's because building materials are usually sold in even lengths of 8, 10, or 12 feet or longer. Check the cost per linear foot of the lumber you're considering; typically 12-foot boards are the most cost-effective.

Is Trex decking worth it?

Yes, composite materials on decking and trim are worth the money. The labor to install composite is the same as the labor to install wood, which will rot and require a lot of maintenance. For example, the labor to replace a deck with Trex or wood might both be $4000. The only difference is the cost of the materials.

How long does a wood deck last?

THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WOOD DECK: Typically 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan of your wood deck will depend on the type of wood you've chosen and how well you keep up with wood's rigorous maintenance schedule.

What is the cheapest wood 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.

What is the cost of a 12x24 deck?

A 12′ x 24′ composite deck with railings costs most homeowners between $5,821 and $10,826 to install.

What is the labor cost to install a deck?

The average labor cost to build a deck is between $8 and $22 per square foot. This makes up about half the total deck cost per square foot. At that rate, you might consider making your deck project a DIY. In this case, you can eliminate the labor costs and only have to pay the deck material costs.

How much does a 12x16 deck cost?

12x16-foot Raised Deck: You could build a 12x16-foot treated-lumber raised deck with stairs, for about $3,100 in materials. Hiring someone to do the work for you brings your total cost from $3,700 to $9,500.

What adds more value to a home a deck or patio?

Both a deck and a patio offer an impressive resale value. However, patios are usually less expensive, and their resale value is 100%—slightly higher than a deck's 76% resale value.

Should I replace my deck before selling?

Replacing or updating your deck before listing your home for sale makes a better impression on buyers—and adds to its value. Think of a deck as an extension of your home. Potential buyers want to picture themselves enjoying summer evenings with friends and family, sipping coffee and even working in the outdoor space.

Are decks expensive to maintain?

Most deck repairs cost $10 – $50 per square foot, meaning decks with a lot of square footage typically cost more to repair. Based on these costs, if you have 100 square feet of deck that needs repair, expect to pay: $1,000 – $3,500 for board replacement (depending on material)