Cost to Build a Cedar Deck – 2021

| Last Updated: August 21, 2021

National Average Improvement and Repair Cost

Pro

DIY

Hours:

45

60

Cost:

$ 3960

$ 1500

Would you do this project? According to our survey, 63% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.

Photo credit: improvenet.com

The average price to Build a Cedar Deck noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.

How much does it cost to build a cedar deck? The contractor cost to build a cedar deck is $3,960 vs. doing it yourself for $1,500 and saving 62 percent.

A deck is one of the most popular additions to a house because it expands the living space by incorporating the yard and garden into an outdoor room.

Whether you read a book, take a nap, dine al fresco or simply enjoy the pleasure of being outdoors, a deck will become your favorite place. While a deck made of cedar is more expensive than other woods, its rich color complements any style of architecture, and its natural preservatives help to withstand insects and nasty weather conditions.

To build a basic 12-foot-by-15-foot ground level deck made of mid-grade cedar, a contractor will charge $3,960, which includes labor and material. If you’re an experienced carpenter and have the tools, you can buy the decking materials and fasteners for $1,500 and build it yourself, saving 62 percent. The building process is extensive and involves planning the design, laying o

Cut the deck for size and height, locating the posts, installing joists and bracing, attaching the deck to the house, installing the foundation piers, installing the decking, and finishing the deck with stairs or a railing if needed.

Before you consider the design, check with your local building department to learn about building code requirements. And check your property survey to make sure you know exactly where your property lines are.

Be inspired by Pinterest’s board about 25+ Ideas about Cedar Decks.

Now you know the average cost to install a build a cedar deck, which includes the labor and material, and what’s involved, so you can decide to do it yourself or hire a contractor. 

Welcome! We hope you’ll find the job costs of home improvement projects useful when you’re deciding whether to do a job yourself vs. hire a contractor. We’re the authors of 20 home improvement books, most notably Home Improvement for Dummies©, Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies©, Carpentry for Dummies©, Plumbing for Dummies©, and Painting and Wallpapering for Dummies©. Our most recent book Fix It and Flip It is in its second edition. We’ve appeared as home improvement experts on television programs such as CNN, Dateline, the Today Show, HGTV and many others.