Austin Deck Builders Fair: Crafting Your Perfect Outdoor Space

The cost to build a new deck is $25 to $50 per square foot total, depending on the material and type. Deck replacement costs $30 to $55 per square foot installed. Building a 12'x12' deck costs $3,600 to $7,200 on average. A 20'x20' deck installation costs $10,000 to $20,000

When building a deck on a budget, wood is the cheaper choice. Make sure you choose pressure-treated lumber as using untreated wood is just asking for trouble. Being exposed to rain, snow, sun, and wind will do a number on wood that is not properly weatherproofed.

Experts estimate that decks have an average return on investment (ROI) of 72%. This means that your deck will contribute to your resale value when it comes time to list your home.

12'0″ wide by 12'0″ deep is the most cost-effective size for a deck. The largest deck area that still complies with IRC standards and produces the least amount of material waste.

Naturally, the more elaborate the design and the choice of materials will affect the cost of the deck. Like any commodity, lumber prices can fluctuate. Also, you need to consider the cost of labor, hardware, building permits and finishing.