How Much Does a Deck Cost in the Seattle Area?
Adding a deck to your home creates a great outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining, as well as increasing property value. It’s important to make sure you hire a reputable contractor that will take the time to build it right so it lasts for many years to come.
The cost of building a deck varies widely depending on several factors, including materials choices, size, and design complexity.
Important Note: Many generalized online estimates of deck pricing will underestimate the cost for the Seattle area as labor costs and the cost of living is much higher here than in many areas of the country. Keep this in mind as you collect quotes for your deck.
In this guide, we’ll break down the main factors that determine the cost of a deck and how much you’ll need to budget for your project. In general, most of the decks we build range from $35-$95/sqft, with the average around $50/sqft and the average total project cost of about $20,000.
Factors That Influence Deck Cost
1. Deck Size
The larger the deck, the more materials and labor will be required, which directly impacts the cost. However, very small decks often cost more per square foot because the same steps needed to build bigger decks are still necessary for a small deck. On smaller decks, however, the difference in cost between budget and higher-end materials is less noticeable due to the lower total materials required.
2. Decking
The choice of decking materials is one of the biggest cost factors; higher end decking can make up over half of the material cost of a deck. Below are the materials cost of various decking.
Tightknot Cedar - $3.50 - 7 / sqft
Composite decking (e.g., Trex, TimberTech): $6 - $21 / sqft
PVC decking: $10 - $17 / sqft
Hardwood (e.g., Ipe, Mahogany): $20 - $30* (the labor cost for installing hardwoods is higher than for other decking materials)
For more info on decking, check out:
3. Railing
We recommend railings on decks over 18” above the ground, and they’re required by code on decks over 30” tall, or even shorter in some jurisdictions. After decking, railings are the next biggest cost of a deck. Below are the general cost per foot of deck railings, with both labor and materials cost included.
Wood Railings (Pressure Treated or Cedar) - $60 - $75/linear ft (labor and materials)
Composite Railings - $125 - 150 / linear ft (labor and materials)
Aluminum Picket Railings - $135 - 180 / linear ft (labor and materials)
Aluminum w/ Stainless Steel Cable - $145 - 200 / linear ft (labor and materials)
For more info on railings, check out:
4. Stairs
Stairs can add significant cost to decks, depending on their height and length. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Stairs tend to cost about 40 - 70% more per square foot than the main deck.
For each 12” in height of the stairs, the stairs will extend about 19” horizontally.
We recommend installing 42” or wider stairs on most decks.
5. Additional Design Considerations
Permitting/Design: Permits and design costs can add 5 - 10% to a deck.
Deck Lighting - Low-voltage deck lighting can add a luxurious resort-like ambiance to your deck and is a feature we think is one of the best upgrades for your deck. Deck lighting systems usually cost around $750 - $2500 installed.
Built-in Seating - bench seating can be a great way to provide structure to your deck and a good alternative to railings on decks less than 30” tall. Typical built-in seating costs around $65 - 85 / linear foot installed.
Under-deck Waterproofing - A great way to add usable space under a tall deck is to add a waterproofing and gutter system to your deck. These systems range from $15-30/sq ft installed.
Deck Cover, Pergola, or Shade Structure - Adding a cover to your deck creates a space you can enjoy all year long, and gives a more cozy feeling. Uncovered pergolas range from $15 - 25 / sqft, transparent deck covers are usually between $20 - 35 / sqft, and full roofs can be around $30 - 50+ / sqft, depending on materials and design selections
Complex Designs - Rectangular decks are the simplest and cheapest to build, whereas complex decking designs or inlays, or curved, multi-level, or tall decks can add cost to a project.
Deck Demolition - If you need your old deck removed, this can cost between $2.50 - 3.50 / sqft, depending on height and site conditions.
Site Logistics - cramped or difficult to access building sites can add costs to a deck as well
Cost-Saving Tips for Building a Deck
Opt for a Simple Design: Avoid curves, angles, and multi-levels to reduce material waste and labor costs.
Choose Affordable Materials: Trex, Timbertech and many other companies offer affordable entry-level composite decking products that offer low-maintenance longevity with a price comparable to cedar decking. Pressure treated wood railings with a Composite Drink Rail offer an economical, strong, long-lasting, and low-maintenance option for keeping your deck safe.
Do Some Work Yourself: You can save money by handling demolition of your old deck, and clearing any vegetation or debris in the construction area.
Ask your contractor - Tell your contractor what features are most important to you and let them help you so you get the most bang for your buck. Some examples:
If Low Maintenance is top priority, but you don’t care about high end decking, you can save by using an entry-level composite, but splurging on composite or metal railings.
If you’re looking for a Resort-like Feel, consider adding deck lighting, an accent color border, and composite privacy paneling.
Love to host BBQs all year-round? Add a transparent Deck Cover, built-in bench seating, and Wood Railings with a Drink Rail to create a fantastic space for hosting get-togethers.
Add some Patio Furniture - A deck is only as good as what you use it for, so add some nice patio furniture and a firetable to create a gathering space that you’ll enjoy for years to come
Conclusion
The cost of building a deck depends largely on your choices, from materials to design complexity and labor. We know it can get a little overwhelming, so we’re here to help guide you in building the deck of your dreams.
Reach out below to schedule for a free estimate visit to discuss your project.
