Does seeing photos of happy families relaxing on their backyard deck make you green with envy? If so, you’ll be glad to know that building a DIY deck is easier and less expensive than you think.
Not only does adding a deck expand your usable space, but it also adds measurable value to your home. While you can easily drop tens of thousands of dollars on a professional build-out, it’s not a requirement! With a little elbow grease, you can create a beautiful backyard deck that’s sure to make an impression. Follow these simple tips to build the deck of your dreams without breaking the bank.
DIY Outdoor Deck: Project Overview
How much does it cost to build a deck? Like most things, the answer to this question varies widely. Generally, to have a deck professionally installed, you can expect to pay $20 to $40 per square foot. This means that for a standard 300-square-foot deck, you’re looking at a cost of about $6,000 to $12,000. However, by doing your own labor and using some creative design tips, you can often build a deck for just a few thousand dollars.
The design and materials you choose will impact both the cost and the amount of time it will take you to build a deck. Generally, you can build a beautiful platform deck in a single weekend – especially if you can recruit a few friends to help.

