Being able to calculate your deck price means you are going to need to exactly what it is you are going to build. Will it be an 8×10 deck? Perhaps it will be something larger such as a 12×16 deck? There are many aspects to your deck that will affect the final cost. Lets have a look at just a few of those.
1. SizeWhat size will your deck be? Remember that it costs much less to build a deck that utilizes standard size boards. There is much less waste that way. The size of your deck will affect everything right down to the screws or nails you use.
2. MaterialIn todays market you have many material choices. You can choose from many different woods; you can choose vinyl; you can choose from many of the composite materials including fake wood.
3. RailsWhat type of railing are you looking to install and what material. You can get some fantastic looking railing that really gives a nice finished look. Of course it isnt cheap.
4. LocationNot only does the size of your deck play an important role in your cost it so does the location. A deck on a second floor is going to cost more than an entry level deck and a deck that goes around the corner of the house will cost more than a deck that stays on one side of the house.
5. Labor CostsHere you have a few options. You can do it yourself. You can have a deck building party and have your friends get together for a day. You supply them with some cold beer and great steaks and they supply you with their muscle. Or you can hire a contractor to do the job in which case you want to get three quotes to choose from.
6. KitsIf you are building a standard size you might be able to save some money by purchasing a deck kit. They come complete and you dont have the hassle of having to cut and measure.
7. Deck PostsHow many will depend on the size and although the posts themselves would be classified as materials you have the forms, concrete, and other related materials to install the posts.
8. PermitsDepending on where you live you may need a building permit. You may need other permits to and you might even need a building inspector to okay your finished product.
Find the answer to these eight main categories and you will be able to calculate the cost of your deck within 25%. So what are you waiting for?