Planning your outdoor living area often includes installing durable and visually appealing high-quality decking. Establishing a realistic budget requires understanding that the cost involves more than just the material price; it includes professional design, labor, and foundational costs. In the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, area, the total installed cost for high-quality decking can range significantly depending on the material and complexity of the design. Factors like the type of material you choose, the size of your area, and additional features like railings and lighting will determine your final investment.
What Factors Impact the Total Cost of High-Quality Decking?
The price of a new deck and outdoor living area is a function of its size, the materials selected, the foundation type, and any added features. Understanding these elements will help you create an accurate budget.
- Pressure-Treated Wood: Most budget-friendly; requires regular sealing and maintenance; susceptible to warping and cracking over time.
- Natural Wood (Cedar/Redwood): Beautiful, natural aesthetic; mid-range cost; requires annual maintenance like cleaning and sealing.
- Composite Decking: Low-maintenance; made from a mix of wood fibers and recycled plastic; highly resistant to rot and insects; available in various colors and styles.
- PVC/Vinyl Decking: Minimal maintenance; highly resistant to moisture, mold, and fading; entirely synthetic composition.
- Exotic Hardwoods: Premium cost; extremely durable and long-lasting; naturally resistant to decay; requires specialized installation.
Composite decking materials are an excellent choice for balancing initial cost, long-term durability, and minimal maintenance, making them a popular option for high-quality outdoor living areas.
How Does Deck Size and Structure Affect the Budget?
The square footage of your deck is a direct multiplier of your material and labor costs. However, structural details are equally important to the budget.
- Size: A larger outdoor living area requires more materials for the deck boards and the underlying frame, increasing both material and labor expenses.
- Foundation and Height: A ground-level or floating deck is often less expensive than a deck that is elevated and requires complex support posts, railings, and stairs.
- Complexity: Customized designs, such as curved edges, multi-level platforms, or integrating the deck around features like trees or pools, will require more planning and specialized labor, increasing your overall budget.
Are There Other Costs to Include in My Outdoor Living Area Budget?
Beyond the main deck boards, you must account for all the essential and optional features that complete your outdoor living area.
Essential Components
- Structural Framing: The substructure of beams, joists, and posts, typically made from pressure-treated lumber, is a necessary cost for every deck.
- Stairs and Railings: Any deck elevated above a certain height requires railings and often stairs for accessibility. Costs vary widely based on materials, from simple pressure-treated wood to composite, cable, or glass railing systems.
- Fasteners and Hardware: High-quality projects use premium screws, fasteners, and often specialized clips for a clean, hidden-fastener look, which adds to the material expense.
Enhancements and Features
- Built-in Seating or Planters: Adding custom features like benches or integrated planters will require additional material and skilled construction labor, impacting the total budget.
- Lighting: Deck lighting, including post cap lights or recessed stair lighting, enhances safety and ambiance for your outdoor living area.
- Pergolas or Awnings: Adding a covered element for shade or weather protection is often part of the project scope and represents a significant added cost.
Choose Rock Construction for Your High-Quality Decking Project
When you are ready to invest in high-quality decking for your dream outdoor living area in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the surrounding regions, partner with a contractor who understands both design and lasting construction.
Rock Construction is a family-owned and operated company with over 30 years of experience. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. Together with our customers, we deliver landmark projects that are built to last.
Whether it is that new patio space to entertain your family and friends or that dream addition you’ve always wanted, we are here for you to make your inspired projects a reality.
Give us a call today at (225) 250-7475.