Decking Prices

A deck is a flat platform that’s built outdoors and usually attached to a home. The type of materials and add-ons you choose will affect the overall cost.

Low-maintenance composite materials offer an alternative to traditional wood at a more affordable price point. Other popular options include ipe and cedar.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a beautiful and durable decking material that resists insects and rot. It is also resistant to splintering, which makes it safe for children to play on. It has a rich dark reddish color and a dense wood grain pattern.

Another alternative to mahogany is meranti, which has similar appearance but better resistance to insect infestation and decay. Meranti is also less expensive and easier to work with than mahogany.

Like other types of wood, mahogany requires regular upkeep to retain its beauty. Staining your mahogany deck every couple of years will keep it looking great. It’s a good idea to use a pre-staining sealer to help protect your investment.

Tigerwood

Tigerwood is an exotic hardwood that looks stunning on decks. It is available in a variety of golden colors with dark streaks. Often, it is used as an alternative to Ipe wood because it costs less.

It has a Janka hardness rating of 2,160 and is highly resistant to scratches, dents and everyday wear. Its forests are sustainable and most countries where it is harvested control harvesting so that the species doesn’t get depleted.

It is easier to maintain than Cedar or Pine. However, it does require periodic reapplication of a clear sealer to protect the surface from dirt and weathering. You may also want to reposition furniture occasionally to ensure that the sun hits all areas of the deck evenly and doesn’t cause fading over time.

Cedar

Cedar is a soft wood that easily accepts protective stains and carries a beautiful natural color. It also resists rot and insect infestation in outdoor climates without the need for preservative chemicals.

The most popular choice of cedar decking is western red cedar. It’s dimensionally stable, lays flat and straight, has an even grain pattern and is aromatic. It also ages to a silver gray appearance that’s appealing to many home improvement enthusiasts.

You’ll need to reseal your deck every two or three years. Typically, this costs between $550 and $1,200. Other costs to consider include the foundation, permits and standard extras like an entrance stairway and railings.

Redwood

Redwood is expensive, but it’s long-lasting and rot-resistant. It also adds natural beauty to any deck design.

It requires less maintenance than woods that need a chemical treatment, so you’ll spend less on labor. Redwood also has good dimensional stability, which means it stays stable and doesn’t warp easily over time.

Other durable hardwoods include ipe (pronounced ee-pay), which comes from Central and South America and is extremely dense and rot-resistant. It costs about $18 per square foot, but it lasts longer than other wood types and can be stain-free.

Ipe

Ipe decking prices are a bit higher than other types of wood, but this resilient material is worth the investment. It looks great and can last for decades. It also resists fungus and insects, so it requires less maintenance than other materials.

This tropical hardwood is also known as Brazilian walnut and ironwood. It’s a durable choice for decks and siding, docks and marinas, cladding, facades, and roofs.

A reputable contractor should be able to estimate your ipe deck cost accurately. Ask for a quote that includes all labor and material costs, as well as any extra features like stairs or railings. For the best value, choose a simple deck shape to keep labor costs down.

Synthetic lumber

Many homeowners choose to go with synthetic lumber in order to save time on the upkeep required for natural wood decks. These products are essentially made out of recycled plastics and waste wood, and they’re molded to look like wooden planks. They don’t attract wood-boring insects and won’t rot or mildew.

Other synthetic decking options include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and wood-plastic composites. Both offer a more durable surface and can mimic the appearance of exotic hardwoods, although premium designs may cost a bit more.

The cost of building a deck can also vary widely depending on the complexity of its design. Railings and stairs can increase labor costs, while a multi-level design may require more materials.

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