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There Is No Single Number
When customers ask what a deck costs, the honest answer is, it depends. A small wood deck in a flat yard with simple stairs is one number. A large multi-level composite deck with a covered roof, custom railings, and lighting is another. The range can run from the low five figures to well into the six figures.
The most useful thing we can do is walk you through what drives the cost so you can plan with realistic numbers.
Decking Material Is the Biggest Variable
Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable. Cedar is a step up. Composite ranges from mid-tier brands like Trex Enhance up to premium products like TimberTech AZEK at the top. The choice of material can change the price of the same deck by 30 to 50 percent.
When customers tell us their budget, the material conversation is usually the first place we look to fit it.
Framing and Foundation
What you see on top is only part of the build. Underneath is pressure-treated framing, footings, and ledger boards anchored to the home. A small low-deck on a flat yard needs less framing than a tall multi-level deck on a steep slope.
On steep North Georgia lots, the framing alone can be a significant share of the project cost. We never cut corners here because the deck is only as strong as what holds it up.
Railings Add Up Faster Than You Think
Standard pressure-treated wood railing is the least expensive option. Composite balusters cost more. Black aluminum and stainless cable railings are at the top end. On a deck with a long perimeter, the railing can easily be one of the larger line items.
We help customers see this trade-off so they can spend their dollars on what matters most to them.
Stairs, Landings, and Multi-Level
Stairs are labor-intensive. Each stair tread requires precise framing, cuts, and finishing. A short flight off a low deck is much less than a long staircase from a tall second-story deck. Multi-level decks add another level of framing complexity.
When you compare quotes, make sure each builder is sizing the stairs the same way. Differences here can explain a lot of the price gap between estimates.
Add-On Features
Lighting, screened-in sections, covered roofs, pergolas, hot tub framing, and outdoor kitchens all add to the cost. The good news is most of these can be designed in now and built in phases.
We routinely build a deck this year and come back to add a pergola or screened section the following year. Planning for it up front keeps the total cost lower than retrofitting later.
Permits, Inspections, and Cleanup
Every quality build includes the cost of permits, inspections, debris removal, and site cleanup. If those things are not in your estimate, ask why. Builders who skip them are often skipping other things you cannot see.
We include all of those items as standard. You should not have to chase them down or pay extra after the fact.
Get a Written Estimate
The only way to know what your specific project will cost is a free in-home estimate. We come out, measure the space, talk through your goals, and put a real number on paper. No high-pressure sales. Just a clear picture of what your deck will cost so you can make a good decision.
Pro Tips From Our Crews
• Set your budget before you fall in love with materials. Otherwise the materials will set the budget for you.
• Allocate 10 to 15 percent of your total budget for unexpected items uncovered during construction.
• Ask each estimator to break out optional features so you can see what you can add or trim to hit your number.
• Composite decking costs more up front but the long-term math usually favors it if you stay in the home.
• Phasing a project over two years can let you build a higher-end deck without taking on the full cost at once.
We help our customers think about budget in terms of what really matters to them. Some homeowners would rather have a smaller deck with premium railings and lighting. Others want maximum square footage with simpler finishes. Both are right answers depending on the customer.
Common Questions From North Georgia Homeowners
How much should I budget per square foot?
Wood decks typically run from 30 to 50 dollars per square foot installed. Mid-range composite usually lands between 50 and 80 dollars per square foot. Premium composite with custom features can run 100 dollars per square foot or more. Site conditions and add-ons affect every project.
What features add the most cost?
Covered roofs, screened sections, hot tub framing, premium railings like cable or glass, and outdoor kitchens are the biggest cost adders. Each can add thousands of dollars to a project. Knowing which matter most to you helps us prioritize within your budget.
Serving North Georgia
We design and build custom decks, screened porches, covered decks, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces across North Georgia. That includes Pickens, Cherokee, Gilmer, Fannin, Dawson, Forsyth, Bartow, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Lumpkin, Murray, Paulding, Union, and Gordon counties. If you are anywhere in our service area, we would love the chance to come walk your property and talk through what we can build for you.