Learn about the cost of projects in the Decks & Porches category.

Done right, decks add to the look and value of your home. They are usually open air and built in the back or side of the home. Working out a budget before you start is essential. Before you nail down the costs, you'll want to make some important decisions about your project.

You'll spend between $500 to $10,000 on decking, not including framing lumber and hardware. You can expect to pay an equal amount in labor and materials.

Once you find what you want, its time to check deck lumber prices. Keep in mind that bulk wood pricing fluctuates throughout the year and regionally. The following sections break down the prices of planks per square foot and do not include framing, foundation, hardware or labor.

Pressure treated wood costs $2 to $5 per square foot. Its affordable and durable if treated every two years. It usually comes treated with anti-rot and insecticide agents and is available in colors like tan or brown. If enhanced with stain, and it will last for decades.

Other features include:

Bamboo decking costs $3 to $10 per square foot. This sustainable hardwood isnt a wood at all, its a grass. Its environmentally responsible because it grows faster than any wood. Other benefits include:

Higher-end wood decking can run from $3 to $30 per square foot depending on its species. They offer exceptional aesthetic appeal over pine. They should last 15 to 20 years. Some versions of redwood and cedar are naturally rot-resistant, while others will require special stains and treatment to last.

Wood plank prices per square foot:

Mahogany planks cost $8 to $11 per square foot. This North American hardwood is known for its deep and rich appearance. Always check with your supplier about responsible sourcing methods. While its more expensive than other woods, it has a few benefits.

Composite decking costs $12 to $22 per square foot. Its strong, doesnt rot, and is easy to install. It boasts extremely low maintenance. There are various colors and textures to choose from.

Other features include:

Aluminum decking costs $15 to $20 per square foot. Steel isnt used for decking but for framing and accent pieces. Gapless aluminum systems make excellent structures above outdoor living areas since it doubles as an awning. Many have gutter systems to divert runoff. While very expensive, they have a few definite benefits over wood.

The cost of materials for a deck runs anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more. Before you start planning, decide on materials, understand deck construction and read our guide to decking materials.

Although decking material looks great and wears well for traffic, its not always the best choice for the foundation, framing or accents. Use the following table to understand the best uses for each material type.

Designing for a unique look means mixing and matching materials. It also means the only way to price out your unique project is to contact an installation professional for a quote.

Deck design examples include:

Its often best to consult with a licensed outdoor designer or deck installation professional to understand all your options.

Adding a deck covering or enclosure can run anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. If you decide to cover your outdoor space, it will cut down on maintenance and the effects of inclement weather conditions. This will increase its lifespan and open up possibilities of what you can do with the it in the offseason.

The different cover options and their costs include:

The cost of these different coverings will vary by materials, square footage, climate conditions and the professional hired to install.

A covered veranda roofcosts $3,000 to $10,000 for materials and labor. Its a large project that requires adding on to the framing, attaching the covering onto the structure of your home and potentially getting a permit from the city. Building permits average between $350 and $1,800.

Screening in your porch costs $1,000 to $1,900 for materials and labor, assuming you already have a roof. Adding screens that open and close can double that price. Screening-in uses the already existing frame of the roof and posts to secure screens.

Awning installation costs $1,200 to $3,700. For DIY installations, the awning alone runs $200 to $1,000. Theyre an inexpensive, premade retractable cover. They come in different materials, styles and sizes at local home improvement stores.

Patio enclosures cost $8,000 to $25,000 including all parts and labor. Enclosing a patio costs more because there is no existing structure to tie into. This pricing assumes there is no existing roof or frame of any kind.

New deck installations cost most homeowners $4,000 to $10,500, though it can reach $20,000 or more. Knowing what kind you want will help determine price.. Plan ahead by adding 20% to your budget to adjust for these varying factors:

To keep it in good condition so that it lasts for a long time, you will need to maintain it. Check with a professional to understand if and what type of maintenance you need.

Deck repairs cost $700 to $2,600 depending on the type and extent of the damage. Before you seal or stain, make all necessary repairs. Sometimes, extreme damage might call for total replacement.

Deck replacement costs $4,000 to $16,000. If your homeowners insurance is covering repairs or replacement, theyll likely determine which is needed.

What kind of treatment should you apply to your wood? The two most common types arestainandsealer. Both protect wood by repelling moisture while allowing the wood to breathe.

This makes an excellent weekend project for many DIYers. Find out how to stain a deck to save some labor costs.

Stains and sealants are sometimes interwoven because you can get stains that have sealant properties. You can sometimes use a non-sealing stain and cover it over later with a sealant. Both are used to protect the wood and composites against UV rays and inclement weather conditions, along with mold and mildew. Which you choose is just a matter of which fits your conditions better.

This process involves removing old surface sealants and stains, making any necessary repairs and then staining, painting or sealing. This process corrects multiple conditions your wood is exposed to, which include:

Thinking about how you're going to use this outdoor (or semi-outdoor) space will help you and your contractor determine a design, location and materials needed. Some of the many uses include:

When planning for your new outdoor space and what youll use if for, consider the myriad upgrades available in your initial plan and in the future. So how much do these extra pieces cost to transform your outdoor living space into something more? Some feature costs include:

Understanding the difference between these related terms helps when talking to a pro and planning out your project.

Deck vs. Patio

The two most notorious terms mean completely different things.

Lets look at the other related terms:

Extending a roof over a deck runs anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. However, the size of the cover and materials determine the final price.

It could range anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 or more to enclose a balcony. Consider all the factors:

Youll need about 20% more decking than the measured area for overage and waste. This depends on the configuration you lay the planks. Horizontal patterns with offset seams produce less waste than a herringbone pattern.

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Learn about the cost of projects in the Decks & Porches category.