In 2022, the average cost to build a deck in America was just under $8,000 — but the exact price of your deck will depend on factors like size, decking material, and location. For example, most homeowners in Pueblo spend slightly over $6,000 on their decks, but residents of Colorado Springs and Denver frequently dish out $10,000 or more.
At Krueger Brothers Construction, we’re passionate about building beautiful custom decks. That’s why we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the cost of building a deck in Colorado. Plus, if you stick around, we’ll even give you some key money-saving tips for your next decking project!
Ready to become an expert on Colorado deck pricing? Let’s jump in.
Average Cost to Build a Deck by Size
Unsurprisingly, the size of your decking project will have a huge impact on its final price tag. Though a modest attached deck could be installed for well under $10,000, a top-of-the-line wraparound deck might set you back $30,000 or more.
Check out this chart for an estimate of how much your deck will cost:
Deck Dimensions | Square Footage | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
8 x 10 | 80 | $2,000 to $4,000 |
10 x 10 | 100 | $3,000 to $5,000 |
12 x 12 | 144 | $3,400 to $8,500 |
12 x 20 | 240 | $7,000 to $12,500 |
16 x 16 | 256 | $7,200 to $12,800 |
14 x 20 | 280 | $9,500 to $14,500 |
12 x 24 | 288 | $10,000 to $15,200 |
16 x 20 | 320 | $10,800 to $16,000 |
20 x 20 | 400 | $12,000 to $22,000 |
Labor Cost to Build a Deck
Usually, the cost of labor falls between $10 and $30 per square foot. Remember, that’s just the cost of building the deck — it doesn’t include the price of your decking materials! Generally, labor accounts for about half of the total cost of a decking project.
The precise amount you’ll pay for labor depends largely on four factors: decking materials, deck type, home location, and terrain. Though we’ll explore these more thoroughly later, let’s take a quick look at how each factor affects labor costs.
- Materials: A popular material like pressure-treated cedar is easy for professionals to handle. On the other hand, exotic wood like ipe or Brazilian Tigerwood will push the price of labor toward the higher end.
- Type of Deck: From spectacular multi-tier decks to stylish rooftop decks, Krueger Brothers has experience with every deck type — so we know what it takes to get the job done. A complex decking project requires extensive planning and perfect execution, so it’ll come with a higher labor cost than a simple backyard deck.
- Location: Different cities have different labor markets. Homeowners in Denver will likely pay a different rate than folks in Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, or Pueblo.
- Terrain: An expert deck builder considers factors like soil density, slope, and frost depth when preparing for installation. If the ground around your home is rugged and uneven, you can expect to pay a premium for the added labor.
Cost to Build a Deck Based on Materials
Having experts install your deck is a great way to ensure quality — but a carefully installed deck isn’t worth much if it doesn’t look as fantastic as you’d imagined! To guarantee that, you’ll need to choose the right decking material. And you guessed it: There’s a wide range of prices on the market.
We’ve dropped materials into three convenient buckets: wood decking, composite decking or plastic, and aluminum decking. Here’s what you should plan to pay for each.
Wood Decking
- Pressure-treated wood: $2 to $7 per square foot
- Bamboo: $3 to $8 per square foot
- Cedar: $4 to $8 per square foot
- Mahogany: $8 to $12 per square foot
- Tigerwood: $7 to $15 per square foot
- Redwood: $5 to $25 per square foot
- Ipe: $10 to $20 per square foot
Composite Decking or Plastic
- Composite decking: $8 to $15 per square foot
- Trex decking: $10 to $15 per square foot
Aluminum
- Aluminum decking: $15 to $20 per square foot
Deck Costs by Type
Now that we’ve tackled location, labor cost, and materials, it’s time to cover the final factor that will influence the price of your decking project: deck type. From basic ground-level projects to multi-tier mega-decks, we’ll walk you through every deck design that Colorado homeowners should know about.
Ground-Level
As a rule of thumb, ground-level decks are the cheapest, with an average price range of $10 to $20 per square foot. They’re the least expensive type of deck because they don’t require posts, stairs, railings, or extra support.
If you want to be able to bask in Colorado’s beauty from just outside your doorstep, a ground-level deck is an excellent low-cost option.
Detached (AKA “Floating” or “Freestanding”)
Detached decks, so named because they aren’t connected to the house, cost between $20 and $60 per square foot. They’re usually slightly more elevated than ground-level decks, so they sometimes require additional framing and concrete footings.
Floating decks are wonderful for entertaining guests, especially for a morning book study or evening meal.
Second-Story
Second-story decks (also known as “raised” decks) will typically set you back $40 to $55 per square foot. These decks are attached to the second story of a home, which means that they need a sturdy foundation, complete with concrete footings and support pillars.
Second-story decks are one of the most popular varieties because they give you the opportunity to take in Colorado’s gorgeous landscapes from an elevated point of view.
Multi-Tier
In many cases, multi-level decks are the most expensive type, coming in at $30 to $75 per square foot. As the name suggests, multi-tier decks can span several stories, starting at the ground level and towering up past the third (or even fourth!) story of your home.
Though they’re great for just about everything — spending time with guests, grilling burgers, or stepping outside to enjoy the view — multi-level decks are also a major financial investment, so you’ll want a team of trained professionals to help with installation.
Covered Decks
It’s not exactly a deck type (it’s more of a deck feature), but adding a covering will ensure that you can enjoy your outdoor living space in snow, sleet, rain, or fog. Depending on the square footage of your deck, you can expect a covering to cost between $1,000 and $10,000.
Should I Build a Deck?
If you’re on the fence about investing in a custom decking project, the experts at Krueger Brothers are here to help. We’ll simplify your decision by breaking it down into six common scenarios.
You should strongly consider building a new deck if…
- Your existing deck is damaged. Nothing ruins a relaxing outdoor evening like warped deck boards, a splintered surface, or a shaky foundation. If your current deck is nearing the end of its lifespan, now’s the time to get a sleek replacement.
- You want more space for entertainment. There’s no better place for a charcoal grill, furniture set, or hot tub than an attached or freestanding deck.
- You need extra room for storage. Composite decks and wood decks aren’t just easy on the eye, they also offer plenty of practical value. You can lean your mountain bikes against your house or craft a storage space beneath the deck for firewood piles, tools, equipment, and a whole lot more.
- You’re undertaking a landscaping project. Decking projects can be integrated with your patio, sidewalk, stairs, and foliage to bring an added splash of personality to your outdoor living space.
- Your home needs a boost in curb appeal. A multi-level or wraparound deck will make your home the talk of the town, inspiring your neighbors’ admiration (or jealousy!).
- You’re ready to increase your home’s value. A superbly designed and installed deck will enhance the value of your home for decades to come.
DIY Cost vs. Hiring a Professional
After seeing how pricey building a deck can be, we’re sure you’re looking for ways to cut down on cost. One tempting way to achieve some serious savings is to install the deck yourself. But is it worth the risk?
Here’s the short answer: it depends.
If you’re building a basic backyard deck — say, a 12 x 12 ground-level deck made from pressure-treated pine — you might be able to install the deck without help from a contractor. You’ll have to do a lot of extra work, like securing the proper building permits and buying top-notch materials, but you could save several thousand dollars on labor costs.
If, on the other hand, your decking project is more expensive — for example, a multi-tier or wraparound project — it’s definitely worth the peace of mind to hire a pro. Professional deck builders like Krueger Brothers Construction have years of experience with custom decking projects, and they’ll guarantee that your deck is installed efficiently and carefully.
Tips to Save Money on Your Deck Build
Don’t worry, building the deck yourself isn’t the only way to protect your bank account! Try out these tips to reduce costs:
- Keep it simple. Foregoing fancy features and choosing a straightforward deck design is one surefire way to save.
- Pick a popular material. If you’re willing to pass on tropical hardwoods and luxurious materials like aluminum, you’ll save a bundle on your project.
- Look for seasonal deals. For the cost-savvy Colorado homeowners, the cheapest time to build a composite or wood deck is in late fall or early winter. Many contractors will be looking to wrap up their peak building season with a few last-minute projects, and building materials are often sold at a discounted price.
- Search for special offers. Whether it’s a 4th of July special or a payment plan with no interest, lots of deck building companies will work with you to find a pricing structure that fits your budget.
What Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Building a deck is a significant investment. Before you sign on the dotted line, you’ll want to certify that your contractor is worth the money by asking these questions:
- What’s your specialty?
- Do you subcontract?
- Do you offer a warranty?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Will I receive progress updates?
- How long should I expect my project to take?
If you’re not 100% satisfied with the answers, ask the contractor for references and a portfolio of their previous work. Reputable contractors will be proud to show off the beautiful projects they’ve completed for Colorado homeowners.
GET AN ESTIMATE FOR YOUR DREAM DECK
At Krueger Brothers, we live by a motto: You dream it, we build it. No matter the scope of your project, we’ll handle it with exceptional care and precision from start to finish. It’s what makes us the top deck builders in Colorado Springs.
Let’s unlock the possibilities of your outdoor living space with a beautiful custom deck.
- Set up a free consultation
- Plan your dream deck with one of our expert designers
- Get a quick, competitive quote
- Expect efficient and respectful deck installation
- Receive real-time progress updates through our digital portal
- Enjoy better outdoor living backed by our two-year workmanship warranty
Last Modified on 30 November 2022