Home & Garden
Here's How Much It Really Costs To Build A Deck Or Porch
Decks, porches and gazebos let you enjoy nature, give you an awesome place to hang out and majorly improve your home's curb appeal.
Decks, porches and gazebos create great outdoor spaces where you can spend time with family and friends while connecting with nature. The right outdoor structure can also increase your home's curb appeal and add to its resale value.
As with any kind of addition, it's important to do your research and find an experienced contractor for the job. To help get you started, here are some essential things you need to know about building a deck, porch or gazebo and how much each stands to cost.
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Building a Deck
According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average homeowner spends $7,239 to build a deck. This cost will vary based on a number of factors including size, building materials and extras like lighting and seating.
Deck Size: Most deck builders charge an average rate of around $35 per square foot. This is in addition to the cost of materials. In most cases, a smaller deck will be less expensive to build than a larger, similarly structured one.
For example, Home Advisor's True Cost Guide states that the average cost to build a deck that's less than 200 square feet is $7,000. The average cost to build a deck between 200 and 500 square feet is $14,000, while the average cost for building one greater than 500 square feet is $24,000.
Deck Materials: There are three main options when it comes to choosing the building material for your deck.
- Composite decking is made of many different recycled materials, including hard plastic and wood. A composite deck requires almost no ongoing maintenance, but that convenience will cost you about $35 per square foot.
- Natural wood is often less expensive than composites, but it will require ongoing maintenance, weatherproofing and sealing. According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the most common natural wood used for new decks is redwood, which can cost anywhere between $5 to $30 per square foot.
- Pressure-treated wood is often the most economical option for building a deck, and it typically holds up well through the years. The disadvantage of using pressure-treated wood is that the chemicals used to treat it pose a potential health risk if the deck is not properly sealed and maintained.
Deck Extras: Anything beyond the basic framework of the deck could be considered an additional expense by your contractor. This includes painting, staining, sealing or waterproofing, as well as building stairs or adding balustrades to your railings.
Keep in mind that you may incur expenses before building begins if you need to remove an existing deck or level the land in order for construction to take place.
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Building a Porch
Where a deck is usually an open outdoor space, a porch is typically enclosed and at least partially covered by the overhang of the home's roof. According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average price to build a patio enclosure is $16,231.
This cost will vary based on a number of factors including size, enclosure type, roofing needs and whether you want windows or screens.
Porch Size: A bigger porch will cost more because it requires more building materials. When calculating the square footage or your porch, make sure to consider doors, windows and the flooring/foundation of the space.
Enclosure Type: Open porches are a more popular option for front porch design, while screened porches are more widely used in back porch design. Screens help keep bugs and natural elements out during temperate weather, while installing glass windows allows for more year-round usage.
Windows or Screens? According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average cost of adding screens around a patio enclosure is $278. If you choose to add glass windows, you can expect to pay about $1,200 and $3,200 for four windows.
Roofing Needs: Depending on the type and size of porch, you can choose between a traditional roof and an awning. A traditional roof is more expensive but will protect against weather like snow and hail. An awning will be far less expensive but not nearly as durable as a traditional roof.
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Building a Gazebo
According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average cost to build a gazebo is $6,292. This number will vary based on a number of factors including size, building materials and whether you create a custom gazebo or purchase a kit that includes everything needed for installation.
Gazebo Size: Just like with a deck or a porch, the larger the gazebo, the more it's going to cost. On the smaller end of the spectrum, the average 8-by-8-foot gazebo costs between $1,500 and $5,300. If you want to go big with your outdoor structure, the average 30-by-50-foot gazebo costs between $20,000 and $27,000.
Building Materials: Gazebos can be made of wood, metal, brick or synthetic materials like vinyl. According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, below are the average costs for each type of gazebo material.
- Wood - $4,000 to $7,000
- Metal - $3,000 to $8,500
- Brick - $2,000 to $3,500
- Vinyl - $4,000 to $7,500
Wooden gazebos offer excellent protection from the elements but require regular maintenance. Metal gazebos are typically made from aluminum, iron or steel, and although they are low-maintenance, they provide less protection from the elements and fewer roofing options than wood or vinyl.
Custom vs. Kit: If you have a specific design in mind or want an unusually sized structure, buying materials for a custom gazebo might be your best bet. If your needs aren't as particular, you can buy a kit that includes everything you need for the installation of your gazebo. Some stores even offer gazebos that are completely pre-assembled.
For a custom project, labor costs alone will account for an average of $4,000 to $9,000. With a kit, assembly and installation costs an average of $300 to $800, according to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide.
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Getting Permits
Depending on where you live, building a deck, porch or gazebo may require specific permits and inspections. A good contractor will be familiar with exactly what is required for your project and provide proper documentation that your deck, porch or gazebo is in compliance.
Adding Amenities
Chances are, you'll want your deck, porch or gazebo to have at least a few amenities. Your building contractor should be able to provide you with an estimate of how much add-ons will cost.
Lighting - Adding lights improves the ambiance of your outdoor space and doubles as an important safety feature. On average, deck lights run from $8 to $30 each.
Heaters - Many porches and decks have some form of wall-mounted, hanging or table-top heaters. The average cost is $100 to $300, depending on the style of heater and its output.
Misting Systems - A misting system is a great way to cool down a deck that's in direct sunlight. A misting system can cost anywhere between $1,800-$3,100.
Ceiling Fans - If the breeze alone isn't enough to cool off your porch, installing a ceiling fan can help improve air circulation. According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average cost to install a ceiling fan is $245.
Contact deck, porch and gazebo professionals near you to get a custom estimate for your project!
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