EAST BAY AREA DECK CONTRACTOR, DECKING AND DECK BUILDER INFORMATION.

Planning on Building a Deck?

How much will deck construction cost?
What decking options do I have?
How long does it take to design and build a deck?
Level of difficulty to attempt building it yourself

The Cost of Building a deck can vary greatly and it took some time and research to understand why some factors could double or triple the costs. We asked 6 licensed deck builders and contractors to help us design and provide bids for 2 Bay Area Deck projects and we found out some very important facts. All of the contractors seemed to be knowledgeable in basic construction, yet each one offered different ideas and perspectives into the project, making this one of the most difficult comparisons we have done. As one contractor put it, "some deck builder just build, and others pay attention to all the little details". After learning about all the materials and options available a deck can truely be a work of art, adding lighting and railing design, mixed with other creative ideas can make a deck a truely beautiful addition to any home.

• Most decks require a permit which requires a set of plans. Adding this to the project added 15%- 20% to the overall cost
• 3 of the 6 Contractors gave estimates without asking about a permit, plan or drawing.
• Railing styles and materials can increase or reduce the cost of the deck greatly, only 2 contractors talked about various railing options. Composite railing systems added a significant cost over a wood or metal railing.
• Composite decking added slightly more to the cost over redwood and when redwood decks included staining and sealing this percentage seemed to make composite decking more attractive.
• Other items that came up included top screws, versus under pinning fastners, the direction of surface boards horizontal, angular or other, drainage, deck lighting, skirting, deck benches and other decorative additions and options
  
  
  Deck Construction cost example: We included the sample bid cost we recieved from a reputable and local deck builder
  
  2011 Sample bid specifics
  Job Location -Residence back yard
  Site Access- easy access
  Work area - dirt (no demolition or excavation needed)
  Job type- Backyard Deck attached to house 14'x18' 268 sq ft (with steps to upper yard), Redwood Common and optional Trex Composite Decking
  52' of 40" redwood post and picket railing stained and sealed, 48" 4 step stairs leading to upper yard ( deck itself was 1 step above the ground and had no railing)
  Top screw mounted, treated wood support structure
  Average contractor Price Redwood $12,000 Trex Accents ($13,500)
  Expected Job duration 10-14 days

*Sample bid estimates are based on bids from California licensed contractors only. Contractors who were unable to provide license information, start the job within 90 days, or did not provide complete estimates were not included. Click Here to view more sample project bids

The value of front and backyard Decks

Many real-estate agents will agree that one of the best outdoor improvements you can do for your home is a backyard or front porch deck. Decks can be built using redwood, composite lumber such as; Trex, Truedek, Choice Deck and others, or hardwoods to create enhanced living space and a great location for outdoor entertaining. Building a deck does require general construction knowledge and planning, but the reward of having a beautiful deck can add value, beauty, and usable space to your home.


Level of difficulty to attempt it yourself

Smaller ground level decks may be simpler projects for a home owner to attempt, but with steps lighting, benches, railings, or other deck elements, building a deck may be something better left to a professional.

Bay Area Decking Contractors
Sponsored Listings

Ramos Roofing and Decking
Serving the Entire Bay Area
510 847-8828
www.bayarearoof.com/ramos

Santay Deck Design and Construction
Hayward, Ca 94542
Tel: 510 461-0424
Serving the Entire Bay Area 510 925 209 650 415

Jose Cruzman
Decks Patios and Walkways
Oakland Ca
(submit inquiry form)
Oakland, Berkeley, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Alamo

Deck Materials

Redwood
The most common decking wood here in Northern California.
Pros: Natural looking, beautiful color, Materials easy to locate, Lower construction cost
Cons: Some redwoods may not be eco-harvested, requires sealing and semi-annual maintenance, splinters.

Hardwoods
New decking hardwoods like IPE and Batu decking are sold for outdoor and indoor decks, these decking materials can be attractive but also require some maintenance and are heavier than other materials
Pros: Beautiful darker colors when new , wood is hard and durable.
Cons: Construction cost, Ipe and batu hardwoods may not be eco-harvested, require more maintenance than composites, usually only available in random length boards

Composite woods
todays most common Decking. Composites are a popular alternative to lumber. Numerous colors sizes and styles are available and offer a very low maintenance option from wood.
Pros: very low maintenance, design options, trex decking offers many more colors and textures compared to a few years ago, easy to clean.
Cons: Higher initail costs, some colors may fade, high priced railing systems, heavier material

Painted wood
Many painted decks or porches are built using white woods like fir or pine rather than treated woods or Redwood. Although this may save you a little money in construction cost, Pine and other white woods will decay much faster. Painting all surfaces of the wood can provide a barrier against moisture, but moisture eventually gets in, and the wood will decay.
Pros: Price of Lumber, Fir materials can be as low as 1/3 the cost of redwood, and painting cost are comparable to staining.
Cons: Shorter life Span, suseptible to moisture and termites, needs to be repainted, softer wood scars easily.