A deck of 14×20 could be viewed as somewhat of a larger addition to a home, providing functional outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment. A 14×20 deck is a major investment that can massively enrich your outdoor living area.
Careful material selection, design planning, and budgeting for labor and features will help to create an attractive and functional deck within your budget. Knowing how much a deck costs to build will let you make better decisions about how to spend your money and get the best value for it.
Here’s a breakdown to give you an estimate that better suits your wallet.
Factors Affecting 14×20 Deck Cost
Here are some of the factors that commonly affect the cost of constructing 14×20 Deck:
1. Materials
Your price is drastically affected by the kind of decking materials used. Some of the more pocket-friendly choices are discussed below.
- Pressure-Treated Wood: This is the cheapest option, at $10 to $15 per square foot. For example, a 14×20 deck—280 square feet—would run $2,800 to $4,200 for the material cost. Pressure-treated wood is rot- and insect-resistant, hence durable, but periodic maintenance with staining and sealing is required.
- Cedar or Redwood: These represent the mid-level products offering natural beauty and decent decay resistance. Prices range from $15 to $25 per square foot, so for a 14×20 deck, that would be in the $4,200 to $7,000 range.
These woods require maintenance to keep them looking their best, but they are ideal for a natural appearance.
- Aluminum or Stainless Steel: For example, stainless steel or aluminum are solid with corrosion resistance, but they can also be very expensive. The cost per square foot of aluminum or stainless steel decking ranges from $10 to $20.
- Composite Decking: A composite material is a blend of wood fibers and plastic designed to resemble wood without all the maintenance. Composite decking runs between $20 and $30 per square foot. A 14×20 would run $5,600 to $8,400 for material alone. The low-maintenance and incredibly resilient make this a very popular choice.
- Exotic Hardwood: Exotic hardwood will cost between $9 and $16 per square foot. It’s known for its incredible durability as well as its stunning good looks.
2. Labor Costs
It may be higher or lower based on your area, deck design complexity, and the contractor. This suggests that the average runs from $5 to $10 per square foot. For a 14×20 deck, work may amount to anything from $1,400 up to $2,800. Straightforward, simple designs are usually pretty less expensive, while complex ones with added features can bump up labor costs.
3. Location
The next driver of variability in deck prices would be location. This is because the cost of living varies from location to location, including the difference in labor price and availability of materials in that location. If you are living in any area where there is a low cost of living, then you will find cheaper labor and materials. The same goes for the city areas or places that have a higher demand for construction services prices seem to be a little more expensive.
4. Permits
Most communities require a building permit to build a deck. It depends on your area, and the permit fees range from $50 to $200. Be sure to contact your building department for requirements and exact costs.
5. Deck Styles
Deck types vary greatly in price and style to accommodate almost any budget and need.
- Hovered decks: The flexibility of this deck will provide a perfect location beside your pool or even in a shady corner of your yard. Nevertheless, the cost is also slightly higher, from $20 to $60 per square foot.
- Ground decks: Ground-level decks require fewer supplies, like posts or railings, so it is relatively cheap. It only costs $10 to $20 per square foot when attached directly to the ground.
- Level decks: These are attached right at ground level, and since they are comparatively easy to build, they are well-suited for do-it-yourself projects. If contractors have to be brought in, the average cost is around $2,200.
- Elevated decks: This very common variety is built just a little off the ground with railings and stairs and can range from $30 to $60 per square foot, depending on the size and materials used.
- Multi Level decks: These are more complex and reach a price range of $30 to $75 per square foot, depending on the size and material used. They offer much-needed visual appeal and practicality, especially in homes that have raised doorways.
6. Complexity of design
Complexity in your deck design will increase the price. Therefore, the rectangular simple deck is going to be cheaper than a deck with numerous levels, customized railings, and built-in features like benches or planters. More elaborate designs add to the cost while enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the deck.
Additional Costs
Several additional costs may arise depending on your specific project:
| Add-ons | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Railings | $10-$20 per linear foot |
| Stairs | $100 to $200 per step |
| Hot-tub | $4,000-10,000 |
| Planters | $100-$400 |
| Lighting | $100 and $500 (depends on number of fixtures) |
| Fire-pit | $500-$2000 |
| Furniture and Accessories | $200 to $1,000 (depends on the quality of items) |
Total Cost
Here’s a rough estimate of the total cost of building a 14×20 deck, considering more budget-friendly options:
- Low-End Estimate: $4,750 – $8,200
- Mid-Range Estimate: $6,250 – $11,200
- High-End Estimate: $7,750 – $12,900
Construction of Deck: DIY or Professional
The choice between a DIY and professional deck installation contractor will have to be based on your budget, skills, and the time available. Though DIY can help save on labor costs, materials alone cost between $2,800 and $8,400 for a 14×20 deck. It assumes you have significant carpentry skills and hundreds of hours—plus the risks involved if you don’t do it right.
Although professional installation is more expensive, $4,200 to $11,200, it has the benefit of expertise, quicker completion, and often a warranty that makes the cost worth it to people who want to have it installed for convenience and quality of work.
If you’re in the Houston, Texas area, Smart Remodeling LLC is a trusted name for deck construction and home additions. With 14 years of experience, we offer a comprehensive deck service as part of their home improvement solutions.Whether you’re aiming for a simple, elegant design or a complex multi-level deck, Smart Remodeling LLC ensures a high-quality build that meets your expectations and enhances your outdoor space.
Final Words
In conclusion, building a 14×20 deck is a big project that can really improve your outdoor space. The final cost will depend on the materials you choose, the design’s complexity, labor costs, and any extras you add.
You can save money by building the deck yourself, but it will take time and skill. Hiring a professional will be more expensive but ensures the job is done right and often comes with a warranty. No matter what choices you make, a well-planned deck will give you a great space to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.
