What Makes Deck Installation Cost More?

If you’ve been thinking of having a deck installed for quite some time to make your backyard a lot more enjoyable and functional, then there’s probably one thing that’s been holding you back – money. Generally speaking, deck installation doesn’t tend to come cheap, and while some contractors might naturally be more expensive than others, this particular project is one that is bound to set you back a decent amount on the savings front. When it comes to deck installation, certain aspects can cause the job to end up being a lot more expensive than one might have initially anticipated. Mario Rappa is the proud owner of A-Z Nassau Construction Corp., a family-owned general contracting company that has been serving Long Island and the five boroughs of New York City since 1999, and according to him, the following are some factors that can end up making deck installation cost more money:

Material
The material used to construct a deck can play a huge role in determining its overall cost. Typically, homeowners will have two choices when it comes to decking material – wood and composites. Composites such as Trex and TimberTech are likely to cost significantly more than regular, natural wood. Additionally, the “wood” category also comes with some notable variances on the pricing scale. Pressure-treated wood, for example, can end up being costly, as can exotic woods such as cedar.

Height
Another factor that can easily add to the price of deck installation is the applicable height. As a general rule, the higher the deck needs to be, the more money is it going to cost. Part of the reason why elevated decks tend to be so expensive is that in many cases, an architect or engineer will need to be brought in to create a design and layout for the project (whereas most experienced general contractors will be able to design decks that are close to the ground on their own). Additionally, an elevated deck will require a staircase attachment, which can cost money on its own; and the higher the deck, the longer the stairs will need to run.

Railing
While decks that are lower to the ground don’t usually require railing, most elevated decks do need to come equipped with some type of protective border. Of course, since railing materials do cost money, it is highly unlikely for a contractor to be willing to simply throw in railing for free. Also, the more intricate one’s railing is, the more pricey the overall decking project is liable to be.

Design
Design can play a huge role in determining the overall cost of a deck. As one might expect, the more elaborate the design, the more money the deck in question is likely to cost. For example, circular decks tend to be considerably more expensive than square ones, and multiple level decks will almost always cost more than single-level decks. Additionally, those who desire patterns in their decking boards will probably end up paying for their distinctive tastes in the form of a whopping contractor’s bill.

Existing structures
One final element that can increase the cost of deck installation is the presence of existing structures in one’s backyard that need to be taken into account during construction. For example, if someone has a swimming pool in his backyard, then he might choose to have his deck built around it for maximum convenience and appeal. While it makes sense to have a swimming pool or hot tub serve as a deck’s focal point, the complexity involved in building around such items can cause the price of deck installation to increase exponentially.

While certain factors can easily add to the total price of deck installation, in many cases, such circumstances can’t be avoided. If you’re interested in deck installation but are concerned about the cost, then talk to an experienced contractor who is willing to do his best to work within your budget. However, if money does end up being an issue, then you’re probably better off putting your deck installation project on hold until your budget opens a bit. Remember, a backyard deck is a huge investment. So if you’re going to have one installed, then you might as well wait until you’ve got the money to do it right.