Budgeting For New Deck

[amateurfishing]

Can anyne list pros/cons of difference between green treat and cedar for building a new deck? i know green treat will b cheaper but also figure will have to stain and seal where cedar has natural repellent properties and will just need sealing, right? All footings/joists can b green treat, right? thx

[fishindon]

Have you considered TimberTech or other type artificial material?

[Bobby Bass]

Over the years I have built several decks for customers and we have always gone with green treated for support and cedar for the decking. At home here I have a 20x20 that is 22 years old and it looks like it will hold up for another 20 years.

[leechlake]

I agree with Bobby. I would add that if you can afford it use iron for the spindles. The worst part of maintaining a deck is staining or sealing the zillion spindles.

[crothmeier]

Treated is cheaper than cedar, and can be stained to look like cedar. Cedar has weather resistant qualities but will fade to gray, so you will end up staining that every few years to keep the color if you want that look. Composites are 4-5x the price of treated.

Like mentioned above, a Dekorator-type baluster or an aluminum railing paired with treated or cedar decking is really sharp and cuts down staining time by all of 50%.

We sell very few all wood railings now, they are typically a mix of wood top/bottom rails and aluminum balusters or all aluminum railing.

One thing to watch on the aluminum, the good stuff is powder coated and very durable, the cheap stuff (save BIG money when you shop ....) is painted and scratches easily.

[amateurfishing]

At this point have no interest in composites due to previous experience and cost. I totally agree on green treat for supports, cedar for floor and rail, with metal spindles, im sure thats the look my wife wants. Any idea on cost for materials for 20 x 20 with 4 x 20 catwalk and 2 staircases?

[leechlake]

I'd guess $3000 for lumber, don't know what spindles cost.

[amateurfishing]

Anything I may need to buy that would fit in menards 15% off bag?

[leechlake]

a zillion screws. You'll be amazed how much you spend on screws.

[Bobby Bass]

Well a plan would be a good idea. Is this going to be a floating deck or an elevated one? Screws for sure but with a plan you could figure how many joist hangers, nails, bolts/washers/nuts. Nut and screw drivers.

[leechlake]

and you will need a plan to get the permit anyway

[ozzie]

may I ask what your negative experience was with artificial material? I am also building a deck this spring and was debating this same thing but was hoping to do artificial floor boards.

[amateurfishing]

I dont like the flex, chipping, fading, or slippery contact surface during frost or melt/refreeze temps.

WhAt kind of screws are needed? It will be 20x20 wrap around with 4x20 catwalk, catwalk and deck will connect at corner of house

[leechlake]

I'm not being smart when I say this...deck screws. There are many different types, different finishes with different heads etc.

I really think you should head to the lumber yard with your wife and sit down so they design it for you, costs nothing. You'll get an idea on the materials and a list. In a few hours most/all of your questions will be answered.

[amateurfishing]

K, thx

Ive tried that machine at menards in past but was not good with it. Any other places recommended for design?

[Bobby Bass]

You can ask someone in building materials for help with the deck program they will be glad to walk you through. Once you have a plan you will get a materials printout ( Usually these material printouts are over kill but remember anything you buy you can return the extra.)

Have you built a deck before? do you have deck tools? cut off saw, big levels, drill big enough drill to bore 1/2 holes for securing bolts and lag bolts? Concrete tools? Someone to help you? I mean if you really want a good idea of what it is going to cost call up for a couple of estimates. Take the labor cost and subtract any tools you need to rent or purchase and what your time and helps time will cost and then you have a good idea what a deck will cost ya. Pretty hard to really give you an idea with out seeing what you are thinking. So easy to add big bucks just by the style of railing you want on it and the elevation off the ground. Going with 2x6 cedar decking? 16 inch or 24 inch on center for your joists, which way are you going to have your decking running? makes a difference in how you frame it and the number of posts for support... Need a plan man

[delcecchi]

I dont like the flex, chipping, fading, or slippery contact surface during frost or melt/refreeze temps.

WhAt kind of screws are needed? It will be 20x20 wrap around with 4x20 catwalk, catwalk and deck will connect at corner of house

Treated wood needs either Stainless or special coated screws. A rough estimate is like 3 screws per square foot for the decking, plus whatever for the joists etc.

Also joist hangers and miscellaneous stuff.

What are digging conditions like at your place? Need a backhoe? or an auger of some kind? Digging those holes can be painful, especially if you have rocks in the soil.