The Basic

Building a deck can vary dramatically in price, and the largest factors in deck pricing are: square footage, height, and material choice.

The square footage of your deck makes a tremendous difference due to material costs.
Deck height affects deck pricing because of materials, as well as the complexity of building taller decks. If you put a roof on your deck, the cement footers under the structure will be larger and thus cost more.

Finally material choices are another major determinant. Treated lumber is more affordable than composite decking, but it will not last as long and will require regular maintenance. Over the lifetime of the deck, the higher upfront costs associated with composite materials could cost less in time, replacement materials, and headache than traditional lumber construction.

That’s why at Hawkin’s Carpentry, we build decks only with composite materials.
By way of example, Hawkins Carpentry’s packaged decks make deck pricing incredibly easy. A 12 x 12 basic deck with durable composite materials (handrails and stairs included) is about $12,000.

Our pricing is transparent, our decks look incredible, and we build decks fast.

Learn more on our Packages page.

Durably!

At least at Hawkins Carpentry. Our decks are built to last.

Basic deck construction is similar to home construction in some ways, with joists (usually 2×8 or 2×10 depending on length) laid 16 inches or 12 inches on-center.

This flooring substructure sits atop of vertical 4×4 or 6×6 treated lumber that either sits on poured concrete piers (above grade) or are set with concrete in the ground themselves.

Decking material is attached over top of the joists. This can be either 1×6 treated deck boards or 1×6 composite material.

If you’re thinking about building your own deck but none of these terms make sense…hiring a pro might be the best option.

Hawkins Carpentry has been building decks, porches, and additions for more than X decades in and around Chester County. Our skilled craftspeople are comfortable with any deck situation, unique grades, atypical structure and more.

We’ve built all kinds of decks, and our deck packages are the culmination of years of experience working with discerning homeowners across the region. We know that building a deck can be both exciting and a little nerve-racking, and our packages help take the headache out of the process, with transparency, clear communication, tried–and-true materials, and a simple selection and customization process.

Build a deck with the experts at Hawkins Carpentry.

Treated lumber was the go-to in decking material for decades. That’s changed, and for good reason.

We typically use composite materials for decks for the following reason:

• Last longer. In fact, the materials we use have manufacturer warranties out to 50 years!
• Require less maintenance. No more staining and sealing your deck every 4 years.
• Look beautiful. With many color and finish options, composite materials offer unfading beauty and durability.
• Are stronger. Last longer, are more durable, and require less maintenance. They even resist stains from common “spills” like mustard and ketchup.
• Allow for hidden fasteners. With the right materials, you won’t even see screwheads or unsightly nails. No rusting!
• Are no longer substantially more expense. Composite materials used to cost significantly more than treated lumber, but not any more. With advancements in manufacturing techniques and the more recent rise in lumber costs, composite decking materials are priced well for the perceptive homeowner.
• Flexible. Some composite deck planks are flexible enough to be heated and then shaped, allowing for rounded corners and railings. Imagine decking like that around your pool!

In our experience and depending on size and material selection, a new deck and a new paved or stamped-concrete patio are often similar in price. If you want an entertaining space with railings that’s up off the ground (or even way off the ground), a deck is your only option.

Wood decks require sealing and/or staining about every four to five years, though some may require maintenance every two years depending on climate and exposure to elements. We use a semi-transparent, water-based stain on wooden decks.

Local codes vary, but any deck over 30″ off of grade definitely needs railing. We recommend railings on decks, both to contain chairs in windy conditions and to keep them child-safe.

Wood deck boards will shrink and expand by about ¼-inch through the year as moisture causes expansion and contraction.

Decks are built with deck boards, generally 1×6 material that has a small gap between the boards.

Porches are a more narrow structure with a lean-to roof.

Whether you choose a porch or a deck may depend on factors like the size of your home, the aesthetics you’re looking for, and functionality you need.