How to Build a Deck on a Budget – How To Plan Out and Build An Amazing, Budget Friendly Deck

by | Jan 6, 2025 | Deck Construction

When enhancing your backyard, a deck is a promising option. It can expand the usable square footage of your home, be a place to host barbecues, birthdays, and other casual events, and increase your house’s property value. However, decks can be relatively expensive. Good-quality decks can cost an average of $8,000 or more. In this helpful guide, we will help you with useful advice on building a cost-effective deck by cutting costs through three major phases: planning, building materials, and labor. With this helpful info, we can help you make your backyard deck ideas into a reality!

Plan on How to Build A Deck

When it comes to building a cost-effective deck, strategy is your key to success when it comes to keeping costs down. Choose a simple, straightforward design for your patio deck that also covers all or most of your requirements. Complex shapes require more materials, as well as increased labor costs. That doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate additional features, like built-in seating, planters, or outdoor decor.
Adding those features to a simple design will make it as good as any fancy deck. There are still other alternative options when it comes to building a patio deck. For example, a floating deck is easier to construct, doesn’t require additional permits, and gets rid of the need for railings and stairs. You can research and determine which deck will be right for you. For example, a floating deck might be a great option. But not the best option if you have severe arthritis.

A raised outdoor deck surrounding a pool.

Build a Deck with Cost-effective Materials

Cost Effective Materials

When it comes to what deck material you choose, you will find that only some of the materials are priced equally. For example, pressure-treated wood costs $1.40 per linear foot, while composite decking costs $2.40 -$9.00 per linear foot. With deck materials it can vary depending on how big your deck will be, what materials you will use, and where you are located. Some of the most affordable decking materials would be pressure-treated wood, composite decking, PVC decking, Cedar or Redwood Decking, and recycled materials. Choosing which kind of decking material you want will greatly influence the cost of your deck-building project. Researching the pros and cons of different deck materials will help you better understand how costly your project will be and if it will fit your budget.

Rent or Borrow Tools

Besides investing in budget-friendly deck materials, renting or borrowing tools is another way to cut costs to build your backyard deck. Essential tools to build a deck are a tape measure, chalk line, a circular saw, jigsaw, shovels, and hammers. It is more cost-effective to rent a tool than buy one. It doesn’t require storage and can help you save money. Many local hardware stores or rental companies often have competitive rates. You can also consider borrowing tools from your family, friends, or neighbors if you return their equipment after you finish. Consider utilizing your social network as a budget-friendly option!
A stone porch deck in front of a house.

Build a Deck and With Cost-Effective Labor

The average labor cost to build a deck usually costs between $11-$35 per square foot, depending on how complex the project is. YouYou can lower labor costs by building your pergola during off-peak seasons like winter or early spring. Contractors might offer seasonal discounts. You can also use platforms like Craiglist or local Facebook groups to find skilled laborers who charge lower costs. You can even consider building your own DIY deck if you are knowledgeable and have some basic construction and carpentry experience. If you decide to build your deck, you could hire hourly workers to help you with certain specialized tasks. Building a DIY deck would require more effort, but it would be less costly than hiring a company. Ensure you aren’t penny-wise and dollar-foolish as you plan your deck. Having a large room for error will cost you time and materials if you aren’t sure what you are doing.
A pool deck on top of a green lawn.

Conclusion

When building a cost-effective deck it’s important to factor in the cost of materials, labor costs, and how big your deck is. You can take the DIY approach if you consider yourself fairly knowledgeable in the construction industry. You can also rely on the help of family and friends for labor or resources. However, if you prefer a hands-off approach and trust reputable professionals’ help, consider Southern Love Landscaping. Southern Love Landscaping & Design is about giving you top-notch services. Our team is dedicated and always aims for the best results. We take the time to listen to what you want and use our skills to make it happen. You can call us at or contact us for a free quote. Our top priority is making YOU fall in love with your landscaping!

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