A wooden deck is one of the best investments for your outdoor space. Warmer than concrete, more natural than pavers, and you can build it yourself in a weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Which Wood for Your Deck?
| Wood | Price per sq ft | Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $1.50 – $3 | 15–20 years | Cheapest, needs staining |
| Cedar | $3 – $6 | 15–25 years | Naturally resistant, beautiful |
| Douglas fir | $2.50 – $5 | 15–25 years | Strong, affordable |
| Redwood | $5 – $10 | 20–30 years | Premium look, naturally resistant |
| Ipe (hardwood) | $8 – $15 | 25–40 years | Extremely dense, minimal maintenance |
| Composite (WPC) | $5 – $12 | 25+ years | No splinters, low maintenance |
Best value: Cedar or pressure-treated pine offer the best cost-to-performance ratio for most homeowners.
DIY vs. Contractor
Build It Yourself (16×20 ft / 5×6 m)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Decking boards (cedar) | $400 – $700 |
| Pressure-treated framing lumber | $200 – $350 |
| Concrete deck blocks or piers | $50 – $100 |
| Stainless steel screws or hidden clips | $60 – $100 |
| Weed barrier | $20 – $40 |
| Wood sealer/oil | $40 – $70 |
| **Total** | **$770 – $1,360** |
Your hourly rate: With 32 hours of work and $4,000 saved vs. a contractor: $125 per hour.
Hire a Deck Builder (16×20 ft)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $770 – $1,360 |
| Labor (50–80 hrs at $50–80/hr) | $2,500 – $6,400 |
| Overhead + markup | $300 – $800 |
| **Total** | **$3,570 – $8,560** |
Your savings: $2,800 – $7,200
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Determine size and layout:
Plan around standard board widths to minimize waste. Cedar decking commonly comes in 5/4×6 in boards.
Check for permits:
Most states require permits for decks attached to the house or over 200 sq ft. Freestanding ground-level decks often don’t need permits. Always verify with your local building department.
Prepare the ground:
- Remove sod or vegetation
- Add 3–4 in of gravel for drainage
- Lay weed barrier
Step 2: Build the Frame
The frame carries the deck load. Use pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact (UC4) for all framing.
Frame components:
- Rim joists (outer frame): 2×10 in
- Interior joists: 2×8 in at 16 in on center
- Posts/piers: support points at max 6 ft intervals
Build order:
- Set concrete deck blocks or pour piers
- Install outer rim joist frame
- Check square: measure diagonals (must be equal)
- Add interior joists with joist hangers
- Level everything with a long level
For an attached deck: A ledger board bolts to the house rim joist. This requires flashing to prevent water infiltration — don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Lay the Decking Boards
Board spacing:
Leave 1/4–3/8 in gap between boards for drainage and wood movement. Use a screw or spacer block for consistency.
Fastening methods:
Face screwing (traditional):
2 screws per board at each joist. Countersink slightly for a clean look.
Hidden fasteners (cleaner look):
Clips grip the board edge — no visible screws. Adds time but results look professional.
Pro tips:
- Crown up: install boards with the crown facing up so they don’t cup
- Align the first board perfectly — everything follows from it
- Cut all ends flush after all boards are down — gives a clean, straight edge
Step 4: Railings and Stairs
When do you need railings?
Most building codes require railings when the deck is 30 in or more above grade. Even for lower decks, railings add safety and definition.
Common railing options:
- Wood balusters: classic look, matches the deck
- Metal balusters: low maintenance, modern aesthetic
- Cable railing: contemporary, unobstructed views
Stairs:
- Tread depth: 10–11 in
- Rise height: 7–7.5 in
- Minimum 3 steps for drops over 18 in
Step 5: Finish and Maintain
Immediately after building:
Apply a water-repellent sealer or oil. This protects from moisture and UV right away.
Maintenance schedule:
- Cedar/pine: re-seal every 2–3 years
- Hardwood (Ipe, Cumaru): oil once a year
- Composite: just clean with soap and water
Cleaning:
Spring cleaning with a deck cleaner and soft brush. Low-pressure washing (max 1,500 PSI) is fine — high pressure damages wood fibers.
Cost by Size
| Size | DIY Cedar | Contractor | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×12 ft | $450 – $750 | $2,200 – $5,000 | $1,750 – $4,250 |
| 16×20 ft | $770 – $1,360 | $3,600 – $8,600 | $2,830 – $7,240 |
| 20×24 ft | $1,100 – $1,900 | $5,000 – $12,000 | $3,900 – $10,100 |
The 5 Most Common Deck Mistakes
1. No weed barrier
Without it, weeds grow through the gaps within a year — almost impossible to remove once established.
2. Insufficient ventilation
Framing directly on soil traps moisture and accelerates rot. Always allow at least 6 in of clearance between soil and framing.
3. Wrong screws
Regular steel screws rust and leave ugly brown streaks. Always use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized screws for exterior decking.
4. No board spacing
Wood expands. No gap = buckling boards after the first hot summer. Minimum 1/4 in, ideally 3/8 in.
5. Skipping the sealer
The underside and cut ends of boards are most vulnerable. Seal all sides — including the bottom and cut ends — before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Depends on your location and deck specs. Attached decks over 200 sq ft almost always require permits. Check with your local building department before starting.
How long does it take to build a deck?
Two people can build a 16×20 ft deck in 2 weekends. With good prep (plans, pre-cut material), it goes faster.
What’s the most low-maintenance deck material?
Composite decking (WPC) requires the least maintenance — just clean it once a year. Ipe hardwood is the most durable natural wood option with minimal upkeep.
Can I build a deck over an existing concrete patio?
Yes — use concrete anchors to attach post bases to the slab, then frame on top.
How long will a DIY deck last?
Cedar with regular sealing: 20–25 years. Pressure-treated pine with maintenance: 15–20 years. Hardwood or composite: 25–40 years.
Conclusion: Build a Deck This Weekend
A wooden deck is one of the best DIY projects for your home. It adds living space, increases home value, and you can build it yourself for a fraction of what a contractor charges.
All you need is a good plan.
Fred’s DIY Plans includes complete deck plans in all sizes — each with full instructions, material list, and cut list. One-time purchase. Lifetime access.