6 Ways to Save Money While Building a Deck
If you are looking for a way to save money while building your deck, then this is the article for you. Building a deck can be an expensive project, but there are some things that you can do to save money without compromising quality. Here are six ways to save money while building a deck.
Building a Deck is Expensive
If you’ve ever done the research, you know that building a deck can get expensive. One study found the average cost to be over $20,000. For many people building a deck becomes an all-or-nothing venture when it comes to saving money. You either have enough saved up for everything or there’s no point in doing anything at all.
One way to save money while building your deck is by ensuring that you don’t spend too much where it doesn’t make sense. Areas around the outside of the home can be those places, especially if there’s no view from windows or doors in that location. For example, railing and balusters can cost nearly $300 per ft . You don’t want to spend that much just to have the deck surrounded by a three-foot-tall concrete block wall.
Consider the Type of Wood
Wood such as pressure-treated lumber is less expensive than cedar or redwood but also less durable. It will need to be replaced sooner, which can mean more money spent in the long run. Redwood and cedar are very expensive, especially if you choose one pre-stained or pre-treated by a professional company. However, these woods are much longer-lasting than pressure-treated wood and are less likely to need replacing. There are also other types of decking you can use as well.
What about Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a great alternative to traditional wood. It looks like real wood, but it won’t rot or splinter and will never need staining or refinishing. Composite decks are made of recycled plastics that have been formed into boards that look very much like lumber. They are easy to clean with soap and water and will never need to be painted or stained. Composite decking is a great choice for anyone looking to save money while building their deck and still end up with an attractive final product that requires minimal maintenance.
Use pre-fabricated pieces if possible
Using pre-fabricated pieces will cut down on labor time and materials costs. Pre-fabricated pieces are designed to be used together and will save you a lot of time. If your deck has stairs, for example, purchase the stair stringers that come with an attached railing system rather than building them yourself from scratch.
Check with Local Suppliers about Discounts
When you begin your project, make sure to check with local suppliers about any discounts or promotions that they may be running. You could save a lot of money by taking advantage of these types of offers, and doing so will also help them stay in business which is good for the community as a whole.
Find a Local Business to Build the Deck
Check with your family and friends to see if they know someone who can build the deck for you. You might be surprised by how many people have a friend or family member with the skills and tools needed to construct a deck. These types of arrangements can save you money because you won’t need to rent equipment, buy building materials, pay for permits or hire professional workers.
Building your deck is an expensive project, but there are ways that you can save money while still getting the deck that you want. Just think of ways to cut costs where it doesn’t make sense and always ask for discounts whenever possible. Use these tips, and your new deck should fit nicely into your budget without sacrificing quality or style.
