Who doesn’t want to have their own customized outdoor space where they can spend all seasons enjoying the passing weather? But, the biggest hurdle in the way to fulfilling your imagination can be the expenses attached to it.
It is a fact that building a deck can be costly and often out of the budget for many homeowners. However, you’d be surprised to know that you can create your fun outdoor space without spending a lot from your pocket. Let’s dig in for the cheapest ways to build a deck in 2022!
One of the cheapest ways to build a deck in 2022 is by doing the task yourself. It will reduce the labor and professional help costs. Other alternatives include picking a basic design plan, choosing maintenance-free materials, and installing the deck in off-season months. Besides, sealing the deck on time will help cut future repair costs.
Extending your outdoor living space in a deck form doesn’t need to cost so much. I’ll discuss in this guide some of the inexpensive ways to build your deck that will make your home appear ten times more exciting.
Is It Possible To Design A Low-Cost Deck?
A well-designed deck is a perfect way to add functional and fun space to your home. During warmer months, a deck offers a usable spot where you can arrange different activities such as eating, relaxing, or cooking on the grill. And, when the colder months arrive, you can utilize this extended part of the home for enjoying the weather.
Also Read: How to Build a Deck Without Digging Holes? Step by Step Guide
Along with providing tons of advantages, decks also remain aesthetically appealing and make your home look even more attractive. However, planning to build your ideal outdoor space can feel overwhelming due to the high-cost factor involved. If this thought makes you step behind in fulfilling your goal, I am happy to tell you that you can install a deck within a budget.
Some elements that increase the cost of building a deck include complex designs, expensive materials, hiring a professional for installation, labor work, plus maintenance requirements. You can curb these factors by choosing alternative options such as simpler designs, budget-friendly material, or even going for a DIY deck. This way, you can dramatically reduce the costs and make your dream come true.
Plan Your Deck Efficiently To Make It Less Expensive:
Before installing a deck in your backyard or some other part of the home, the foremost step is to plan everything before. Doing so will help you have a rough idea about the aspects that can affect your deck installation and how you can benefit from this outdoor space in the future. Moreover, it will also clarify your budget plus the overall expenses.
1. Know Your Limits:
As a deck is supposed to be a permanent part of your home, its addition must follow the rules and regulations of the area you live. Some places have zoning codes that can limit the size and scope of your project, and it is of utmost necessity not to break the rules.
In addition, you also have to take the deck size into account so that it sits well with the rest of the property. Ensure that the deck isn’t too big or small for the rest of the home. This outdoor space can change the whole appearance of your house, so you must consider a balanced deck design.
Also Read: Best Wood For Decking
2. Come Up With A Budget:
Start with a list of the requirements you look for in your deck and the amount you want to spend on this new project. Furthermore, think about the ideal size of the deck plus how much value it can add to your home. If you want to opt for a specific material for it, let’s say wood, compare its recent prices and see if it affects your budget or not.
You can add as many must-have elements to the deck design as your budget can bear. At this stage, you can also make the necessary changes and go for alternative options, so everything aligns well with the amount you have at your hand.
3. Weigh The Cost With Benefits:
While the primary goal of installing a deck is always your comfort and the addition of functional space, a few nice side effects attached to it can benefit you. It is especially true for those individuals who plan to resell their property in the future. Thus, if you also bear similar intentions, you need to weigh the cost with the benefits.
You might have to spend more on materials such as composite decking or installing railings that will uplift the home’s resale value and attract many potential buyers. This way, you can double the profit of your initial investment. On the other hand, if you do not want to resell, you can stick with the options within your budget.
4. Search For The Right Contractor:
Most of the amount goes on hiring a professional for deck installation, including the labor work required. So, it is crucial to thoroughly search for the right contractor that doesn’t burden your budget a lot. Also, sometimes going for a pro might prove expensive in the beginning. But, it can reduce the need to do constant replacement and repairs after expert work.
On the contrary, an unprofessional contractor might save you a few bucks. However, the low-standard work can cost you a lot more in the shape of future maintenance.
Also Read: Should A Deck Be Level Or Sloped?
How To Build A Deck On A Budget; Tips To Reduce Cost!
Keep The Design Simple:
When you search online for deck design images, you might come across many intricate ones that can look super appealing. However, the more complex design you opt for, the higher the cost will go, and chances are it might not even suit the rest of your property.
The best way to keep your deck building cost as low as possible is to go for the more basic design options. Another good thing about simple decks is that they require less decking material and installation time than a fancier design. Besides, going for decent sized-deck is also going to help you in lowering the overall cost.
Low-Cost Material VS Maintenance-Free Materials:
When it comes to picking the material for your deck project, you need to make the correct decision to lessen the expenses. One of the cheapest materials to build a deck is pressure-treated wood decking boards on Amazon such as Construction Premium Douglas Fir Board Stud Wood Lumber (Affiliate Link) , proving a budget-friendly option. However, wood decks require constant maintenance such as staining, painting, and pressure washes which can add to the long-term costs. If you do not look after them, it can cause significant damage, eventually leading to replacements and repairs.
So, treated lumber might be a cost-effective option for deck installation, but investing in composite deck boards will save both time and money over the longer run. They can look on the pricier side when you make the initial purchase, yet it will allow you to save the extra money you spend on maintenance requirements. Composite decks also last for about 20-30 years, much more than their wood counterparts.
Go For Off-Season Building Time:
You may already know that warmer months are usually the peak time for deck installation. During this period, the contractors have the busiest schedule, and they are working continuously from May to August. If you plan your deck building in the off-season months, it could be a great way to save some money.
In the colder time, starting from November to March and April, the local deck builders have more time on their hands as they have fewer jobs to do. Thus, they may offer reduced rates to gain some projects for the winter season. In addition, your deck would get completed quicker and ready before the next summer arrives. So, you can enjoy your outdoor space at the exact time without waiting for too long.
Buy Fasteners And Hardware In Bulk:
Once you start working on your deck project, it is always better to purchase fastener and hardware in bulk as this can have many advantages. Firstly, you might get a better deal while buying them in a large amount. Many online platforms offer such bulk deals. Secondly, this will save a lot of time that you would otherwise spend going back and forth to the market, which could delay the installation process.
Seal Your Deck:
When you seal your deck every three years, especially wooden decks, it can prove beneficial for you in saving extra money. The frequent exposure to sun and other weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and snow can significantly damage the deck. If you skip sealing, this will cost more to replace the deck boards, and you want to avoid it from happening.
Amazon offers deck sealers, such as the Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer for Wood. (Affiliate Link)
Also Read: Deck VS Patio: Differences, Costs, Pros and Cons
Do It DIY:
Many homeowners think that opting for a professional to build a deck is worth it as it gives you peace and satisfaction. It is correct to a certain extent because the pro builder will create a perfect deck for you in less time. But, it will be much more expensive. Thus, a cheaper way to construct an outdoor space is by doing it yourself.
If you have handled construction projects before and have some knowledge about them, you can go with designing your deck. It will reduce all the unnecessary costs. You can also take assistance from your friends and family and have some fun time together while working on it.
Is It Cheaper To Build Your Own Deck In 2022?
Building a deck yourself saves all the labor costs that can otherwise add thousands of dollars to the expenses. If you are skilled enough and have confidence in yourself, you can definitely give it a try. One of the cheapest ways to achieve your ideal outdoor space is by sticking with simpler deck designs and using less expensive materials.
If you decide to build your deck yourself, you’ll need tools such as a drill, circular saw, and level. Amazon has various tool sets available, such as the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Drill & Home Tool Kit (Affiliate Link)
For example, a ground-level free-standing deck is less costly than the one raised from the ground and attached to a house that has similar dimensions. So, when you take the duty of building a deck, the labor becomes free, and the cost of materials is the only expense. Nevertheless, you might need a building permit if needed in your area. It is usually a fixed price based on the size of your project that you have to pay anyway.
As for tools, you can further save the budget and borrow or rent them if possible. Besides, you can also find free and cheap deck plans online or from books. However, try not to go for complicated designs if you think you are not skilled enough for them. Always select a plan that you feel comfortable making yourself. This way, you will be able to build your very own deck for a lower price in 2022.
Also Read: Deck vs. Interlock: Which One To Use and Where?
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Deck In 2022?
As of now, deck building can cost around $15 -$30 per square foot. It means you are most likely to spend between $4,380 to $10,080 to install a deck from scratch, which is quite a lot. The average homeowner has to pay $2,200 to construct a 10×10 foot and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck.
Coming to the decking material, the cost to install a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite can be around $25 per square foot, including installation costs. The prices can go higher depending upon the type of material you use, the size of the deck, the level built on, and other extra options like railings, built-in seats, or stairs. So, overall, it is not cheap to add an attractive outdoor space to your home in 2022.
Conclusion:
Everyone loves to have an attractive outdoor space to enjoy quality time with their friends and family. However, it can be expensive to install a deck in 2022 as the prices for decking materials are going up day by day. Also, hiring a professional for the task proves costly, and the whole process might require a big budget to complete.
In such a situation, you don’t have to be hopeless because there are many ways through which you can make your dream outdoor space that too within your budget. One effective way is to build your deck yourself if you have some prior constructing experience. Besides, you can opt for cheaper materials such as pressure-treated wood that will help you cut down the additional costs.
Also Read: Deck Blocks Vs. Concrete Footings: Which One Is Best?
Other alternatives to reduce deck cost would include simpler designs, avoiding extra additions like railings or stairs, and opting for ground-level decks. Furthermore, building your functional open air space would cost relatively low if you plan it in the off-season months.
FAQs:
How Much Value Does A Deck Wood Add?
The study suggests that a new wood deck will recover 106 percent of its initial value when you sell the house. For instance, if the estimated construction sot of the deck is around $9,450, then there is a probability that this new outdoor space will increase its sale value to about $10,000.
What Is Considered A Large Deck?
A small deck supposedly holds a dining table, and it should be at least 12 feet by 12 feet. On the other hand, a bigger deck space provides more design space. The average deck size can be between 300 and 400 square feet. Moreover, the deck should be wider than its depth, and the longer dimension should be running along with the house.
Are Composite Deck Prices Going Up?
With time, the prices of composite decking are increasing rapidly. Trex decking prices have also witnessed an increase of five percent in recent years. A hike of the same scale in composite deck costs will make them more expensive than their wood counterparts. Still, they are considered the best choice for outdoor spaces.