How Much Does a New Deck Cost?

Planning for a new deck? What to expect and how to stay in-budget!

QUICK ANSWER

Lovewell deck projects generally start around $12,000-14,000, with $18,000–$30,000 being a realistic budget for many professionally installed, low-maintenance decks. Larger elevated, multi-level or highly customized projects can exceed $30,000.

Deck Pricing & Cost Guide for Eastern Iowa and the Quad Cities

The cost of a new deck can vary significantly depending on its size, height, materials, railings, stairs and overall design. For homeowners planning a professionally installed, low-maintenance deck, understanding what drives the price can help you set a realistic budget before requesting an estimate.

At Lovewell Fence & Deck, we specialize in TimberTech Advanced PVC decking and professionally installed deck systems designed for long-term performance with minimal maintenance.

Deck Enhancements

Structural Upgrades

PWT Treated LVL Framing
Steel Framing
Aluminum Framing

Treated wood is often used for deck framing. For the best longevity and for high moisture locations, structural material upgrades can increase the cost but can highly protect your investment as well.

Decorative Upgrades

Custom Color Choices
Border Options
Special order
Coordinating Drink Railings
Color Match or Coordinating Fascia
Deck Skirting
Post Wraps

View photos or in person showroom displays to see what upgrades make the biggest impact for your space!

Lifestyle Upgrades

Shade Pergolas
Covered Pergolas
Outdoor Kitchens
Multi-Level Spaces
Stair Landings
Privacy Screens / Walls
Built-In Benches
Under Deck Storage

These upgrades can have a huge impact into how you use your space and how much more you can utilize your deck.

It can be easy to get caught up in all of the great options for your deck, but examining which ones make a true impact on your lifestyle and deck location can save you money when starting a deck project. It's always great to have your must-have features and wants noted so that a deck designer can build a deck in your price range and give you pricing for your extra wants - then you can decide if they make sense to add-on to your project.

What Determines the Cost of a New Deck?

There isn't one reliable "price per square foot" that applies to every deck. A 300-square-foot ground-level deck with no railing is a very different construction project from a 300-square-foot second-story deck requiring stairs, railings, larger structural posts and additional footings.

Here are the biggest factors affecting your deck price:

1. Deck Size

Not surprisingly, larger decks require more decking, framing and labor. However, doubling the square footage doesn't necessarily double the total price because some project costs remain relatively fixed.

Think about how you actually plan or want to use the space. A deck designed for a small seating area has very different requirements than one intended for dining, grilling and entertaining.

14 x 20 deck with furniture for reference on size.

16 x 20 deck with furniture for reference on size.

2. Decking Material

Material choice is one of the largest factors affecting both the initial price and the long-term cost of owning a deck.

Wood Decking

Wood generally offers the lowest upfront material cost. The tradeoff is ongoing maintenance and limited life span. Depending on the wood and exposure, homeowners should expect periodic cleaning, staining or sealing, along with the possibility of splintering, warping, cracking and eventual replacement.

Composite Decking

Composite decking combines wood fibers with synthetic materials. It eliminates much of the maintenance associated with traditional wood and is available at a variety of price points.

Because composite contains wood fibers, its composition and moisture performance differ from PVC decking, which contains no wood fibers.

Advanced PVC Decking

Lovewell installs TimberTech Advanced PVC, which contains no wood fibers. This vinyl decking material is highly resistant to moisture and does not require sanding, staining or sealing. It carries a Limited Lifetime Product Warranty and 50-Year Fade & Stain Warranty. The best in the business!

The upfront investment is higher than wood, but homeowners are purchasing a premium, low-maintenance deck designed for long-term performance.

What does PVC decking cost?

For budgeting purposes, the Advanced PVC decking portion of a Lovewell project typically averages around $50–$58 per square foot installed. This should not be interpreted as the total cost per square foot for a completed deck; framing, footings, stairs, railings, demolition and design upgrades can significantly affect the final project price.

3. New Deck vs. Deck Resurfacing

You may not need to replace your entire deck.

If the existing posts, footings, framing and other structural components are still in solid condition, deck resurfacing may allow you to retain the structure component while only replacing the old deck boards, railings and finishes!

Lovewell's experience has been that resurfacing rather than completely rebuilding can sometimes reduce the overall project cost by approximately 10–15%.

Keep in mind that installing decking designed to perform for decades over a structure nearing the end of its useful life doesn't make much sense. The existing deck should first be evaluated to determine whether keeping the structure is a sound long-term investment.

Not sure whether your deck can be resurfaced?

Schedule a Deck Evaluation →

4. Deck Height and Structure

Two decks with identical dimensions can have very different prices.

A low deck built just above grade generally requires less structural material and labor than an elevated deck constructed over a walkout basement.

Cost can increase with:

Taller or larger structural posts
Additional footings
Beams and structural reinforcement
More complicated framing
Difficult site access
Elevated construction
Engineering requirements
Additional stairs and landings

The intended use of the deck matters, too. A hot tub, outdoor kitchen or other heavy features may require additional structural support. Be sure to discuss any of these plans with your deck designer so the proper structural requirements can be included in your design and estimate.

5. Stairs Can Add More Than Homeowners Expect

Stairs are one of the easiest deck costs to underestimate!

A ground-level deck may require only a step or two, while a second-story deck can require a full staircase; additional framing, railing and possibly a landing.

The more elevated the deck, the more significant this portion of the project can become.

Even on a ground level deck, full wrap around stairs can be an impactful feature but can increase your overall project price.

This is why simply comparing two contractors' "cost per square foot" can be misleading. One deck may have no stairs while another has an entire staircase system.

6. Deck Railing Cost

Railing is another major variable as most decks are going to include a railing around 2-3 sides of the deck.

Lovewell offers several railing options, including:

Vinyl Railing
A durable, low-maintenance option and generally the most economical of our railing choices. Vinyl railing costs typically runs around $80/linear foot.

Aluminum Railing
Offers a slimmer profile and more open view while maintaining low maintenance.

Cable Railing
A premium option that creates a contemporary appearance with minimal visual obstruction.

Glass Railing
Ideal when preserving the view is a priority.

7. Design Upgrades and Finishing Details

The difference between a standard deck and a polished outdoor living space often comes down to the details.

Optional upgrades can include:

Contrasting deck borders
Double borders
Fascia
Coordinating post wraps
Vertical deck skirting
Privacy panels
Premium railing
Built-in design features
Pergolas and shade structures

These upgrades aren't necessary for every deck, but they can significantly change both the appearance, enjoyment and total investment of your project. For example, adding post wraps and deck skirting can increase your project by 10-15%.

8. Removing Your Existing Deck

If you're replacing an existing deck, demolition and disposal need to be included in the budget.

The cost depends on the deck's size, construction and accessibility. A small ground-level deck with easy backyard access is considerably easier to remove than a large elevated structure behind a home with limited equipment access.

Some homeowners choose to handle demolition themselves to reduce the project cost. Others prefer to have the installation contractor handle the entire process. It's good to factor in an additional $1,000 for removal costs when budgeting.

9. Permits and Local Building Requirements

Permit requirements and fees vary by municipality.

A deck in Cedar Rapids may have different requirements than one in Iowa City, North Liberty, Davenport, Bettendorf, or Moline.

When permits and inspections are required, Lovewell provides the necessary project documentation and coordinates required on-site inspections. But it's always smart to educate yourself on the deck permit and building requirements for your specific location so you know what to expect.

How Can I Keep My New Deck Within Budget?

A premium deck doesn't have to include every available upgrade. If you're trying to maximize your investment, start by prioritizing the parts of the project that are difficult or expensive to change later.

Keep the footprint straightforward.
Complicated shapes and multiple levels will add structural, material and labor costs to your project.

Choose an in-stock decking color. Lovewell stocks several popular TimberTech Advanced PVC colors, which can offer better value and availability than special-order options.

Evaluate resurfacing.
If your existing structure qualifies, keeping it may reduce your investment.

Be strategic with railing. Premium railing can make a huge visual impact, but the amount and style of railing affects cost.

Add decorative upgrades selectively.
A border or upgraded feature in the right place may create more impact than adding every available option.

Plan future additions now.
If a pergola, privacy screen or other feature might be added later, tell your deck designer. Planning for it during the original design can prevent expensive modifications later!

Is a Low-Maintenance Deck Worth the Higher Upfront Cost?

For many homeowners, the decision isn't simply about finding the cheapest way to build a deck.

It's about what the deck will cost, and require from you, over the years you own it.

A wood deck can provide a lower initial investment, but it comes with recurring maintenance. Premium PVC decking costs more initially but eliminates sanding, staining and sealing while offering significantly longer warranty protection.

The right choice depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in your home and how much maintenance you're willing to perform.

Lovewell specializes in the premium, low-maintenance side of that equation: build it well, use materials designed to last and spend your summers enjoying the deck instead of maintaining it!

Explore our deck design, material and installation options →

Get an Exact Price for Your Deck

Online deck cost calculators and price-per-square-foot estimates can help establish a budget, but they can't account for your home's elevation, existing structure, access, stairs, railing, local requirements or the design you're trying to achieve.

That's why Lovewell provides a free on-site deck consultation.

We'll evaluate your space, discuss how you want to use your deck, review material and design options, and prepare a detailed proposal based on the actual project.

Serving homeowners throughout the Quad Cities, Iowa City & North Liberty, and Cedar Rapids & Marion, as well as surrounding Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois communities.

ON SITE DECK

ESTIMATE

DECK DESIGN & PROPOSAL SENT IN 48HRS

INSTALLATION BY YOUR TALENTED LOVEWELL PROS

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Deck Pricing FAQs

How much does a 12x16 deck cost?

The footprint alone isn't enough to accurately price a deck. A ground-level 12x16 deck without railing can cost substantially less than an elevated 12x16 deck with stairs and railing. Material selection, framing and site conditions also affect the price.

Is PVC decking more expensive than composite decking?

Premium Advanced PVC generally carries a higher upfront cost than many composite products. In return, PVC contains no wood fibers, offers excellent moisture resistance and requires no sanding, staining or sealing.

Is PVC vinyl decking hotter than wood or composite decking?

All decking materials can become hot in direct sunlight, and color plays an important role in surface temperature. However, TimberTech Advanced PVC is engineered to reflect more sunlight, retain less heat and cool down faster than many traditional composite products. According to TimberTech, several Advanced PVC colors can stay up to 30°F cooler than many traditional composites.

Is it cheaper to resurface a deck or replace it?

If the existing structure is in excellent condition, resurfacing can cost less than a complete replacement. Lovewell has found that qualifying resurfacing projects may save approximately 10–15%, although actual savings depend on the condition and configuration of the existing deck.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

Traditional wood typically provides the lowest initial material cost. Cheapest and best aren't often intersecting qualities however. Homeowners should consider ongoing staining, sealing, repairs and eventual replacement when comparing long-term costs.

Does a deck add value to a home?

A well-designed outdoor living space can improve both the usability and appeal of a home. The value isn't purely financial—a deck can also expand the space available for dining, entertaining and relaxing.

Do you offer financing for new decks?

Yes. Find out more about our easy financing options!