Building A Deck Without Dismantling A Budget

Learn tips for building a deck on a budget so you can have the deck of your dreams without overspending. 

What is the Least Expensive Deck You Can Build?

The challenge: how to build a deck on a budget but still check all the right boxes when it comes to safety, durability, and aesthetics. Here are a few ideas on finding the cheapest way to build a deck:

• Ground-Level Deck: When it comes to affordable deck design, a ground-level deck is one of the simpler ways to go. There’s no need for support posts or an extensive framework and the reduced material and labor costs make it easier to not break the bank.
• No Railing: In most areas, a deck that’s less than 30” in height does not require a railing. Be sure to verify this with your local municipality.
• Simple Design: Rectangular or square decks are the most cost-effective. It’s best to stay away from curves or intricate patterns that will complicate construction and increase expenses.
• Standard Sizing: Where possible, stick to typical lumber lengths (12”, 16”, and 20”) to reduce waste and eliminate the need for custom cuts. 
• DIY-Friendly Construction: Opting for a design that’s easy to put together yourself will save you on labor costs and minimize the need for specialized tools. Assembly kits and modular systems, like Trex’s premium deck railings, simplify installation even more.
• Low-Maintenance Materials: While the upfront costs may be higher, you’ll recoup the additional expense with years of low maintenance. Materials like composite decking pay for themselves with their endurance and undemanding, easy care.

What to Expect if You Build a Cheap Deck

Budget-friendly decks are tempting for homeowners, but are they worth it in the long run? While saving money is important, it shouldn’t be the only priority. There are certain elements that shouldn’t be compromised: safety, functionality, and durability.

For example, pressure-treated wood has a limited lifespan, is susceptible to weather damage, and requires frequent, costly maintenance and constant repairs to combat wear and tear. Cheaper materials can lead to structurally unsound construction and inefficient support, compromising the safety of your deck and potentially leading to accidents.

Your outdoor space is meant to be a safe haven where you can have fun with loved ones in the sunshine or snuggle together on cozy winter nights, creating memories that last for years. A cheap deck can diminish these good times with its unpolished looks and expensive ongoing repairs, making it unrecognizable from one year to the next. Even decades after its construction, you should be able to look proudly at your deck and reflect fondly on the wonderful memories it holds for you and your loved ones.

One only has to see the impact made on the Rose family to understand the importance of building a safe, functional deck that brings joy to all who use it. Looking out at his old wooden deck that was in dire need of replacement brought unnecessary stress to Jim Rose’s life. Safety concerns, lack of functionality, and continuous, expensive upkeep were just some of the factors that urged Jim to tackle a major deck upgrade. He turned to composite decking and hasn’t looked back since. No splinters, no staining, and a screw-free deck that can be safely explored by their little one. “The idea of a composite deck where you never have to stain it, it's clean, you can power wash it, and it's good as new, seemed like the perfect way to go," Jim explained. Not only has Jim saved on his annual maintenance, he’s been rewarded with more quality time with his lovely family.

A Better Way to Build A Deck on a Budget

Building a deck on a budget means you’ll have to make some choices about the deck’s design and the materials you’ll use. Is it possible to build your dream deck without breaking the bank? Unequivocally, yes, if you make the right selections. For example, lowering your deck a few inches means you can forgo costly railings, allowing you to use those extra funds to choose quality materials. And you don’t have to do everything now. Perhaps opt for a simple design to begin with, and add features as your finances and lifestyle permit.  

Selecting material that requires constant maintenance and can be damaged with typical wear and tear or weather conditions puts a burden on your wallet, which may leave you considering replacing your deck. A comparison of how much you save when you opt for composite decking over wood shows that any initial costs are quickly recouped when the only maintenance that’s required is a bit of soap and water. A deck adds value to your home, so it’s worth stretching your budget to ensure it’s a point of pride, not a pain.

DIY With Ease

With labor costs making up ⅔ of a project budget on average, a little sweat equity is an obvious place to start saving money. If you’re uncertain about tackling a project like this, why not start with something straightforward, like a ground-level deck? No heavy lifting, low risk of injury, and minimal investment in basic tools means you’ll have an outdoor entertainment space in no time. Keep in mind that there are certain aspects of your deck that may require professional installation, such as staircases, electrical or light fittings, and waterproofing or drainage. Be sure to call in the experts for these. 

While having a bit of building experience is a plus, our resources can help you fulfill your DIY deck ideas on a budget.  Be sure to consult our installation guides and videos, or reach out to our Trex customer service reps via email, chat, and telephone, so you feel confident before digging that first post hole. 

Here are some resources you should check out:

• Trex® Deck Design Tool & Online Deck Planner: Bring your vision to life with this comprehensive software that allows you to compare materials, colors, and layouts.
• Trex Academy DIY Building Guides: From foundation to finishing touches, our guides can assist you throughout your build.
• DIY Deck Checklist: There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a project and realizing you’re missing a vital component. Use our checklist to ensure you have all the right tools before you start your build.
• Common Deck-Building Mistakes: Stay informed with these cautionary tales and learn what to do if things go awry.
• Deck Permits: Adhering to building codes and regulations is the basis of a safe build, so make sure your paperwork is in order.
• Cost Calculator: Tally up your expenses before you start laying the foundation to ensure you haven’t exceeded your budget.

Choose Cost-Conscious Boards

When it comes to creating an impressive budget-friendly outdoor space that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics, Trex Enhance® decking features our hallmark high-performance shell at an affordable price. With Enhance, you get the same fade and stain resistance, easy clean-up, and beauty that comes with our premium options.

Trex Enhance gives you an affordable deck with all the perks of composite decking: an authentic wood-grain finish without the hassles of wood, durability backed up by a 25-year Limited Residential Fade & Stain Warranty, and a palette of seven different colors from which to choose. If you opt for Trex’s latest shades, Tide Pool and Honey Grove, you’ll also benefit from our heat-mitigating technology* that’s usually found in our premium products. All this for an affordable deck that will last for generations.

*Although Trex decking products with heat-mitigating technology are designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar color, on a hot sunny day, it will get hot. On hot days, care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs.

Refinish

If you think your old deck may still have some mileage on it, you could benefit from a deck refinish. Here’s how to assess whether you should replace or refinish your existing deck. 

You should consider a total replacement if you have any of the following problems:

• Extensive rot or damage: If this is present in your beams, joists, ledger boards, or posts, your substructure has been compromised - you’ll need a new deck, without question.
• Unstable structure: Wobbling, sagging, or shifting are all bad signs - out with the old, in with the new.
• Termite or insect damage: Typically found in wood decks, these little critters weaken the wood, calling for an entire substructure replacement.
• Outdated materials or methods: Building codes and regulations are regularly updated to ensure a safe build. If your deck doesn’t comply with current standards, consider replacing it.
• Water damage or poor drainage: This can quickly lead to a weakened substructure, compromising the safety of the deck.

If rot or termite damage is localized or there’s only surface wear and tear, you may be able to replace part of the deck, maintaining much of the original structure.  

If you have a wood or early-generation composite deck  and your old substructure is still sound without any of the problems listed above, there’s no need to start from scratch. Our wood-composite boards make it easy to resurface your old foundation, potentially saving you thousands of dollars and a great deal of time, as it can easily be completed over a weekend. But before you remove your old deck boards, learn how to resurface a deck from our resource library. 

For an affordable deck makeover that won’t deplete your bank account, see how this family resurfaced their deck with Trex.

DIY and Professional Build

Building your DIY deck ideas on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have a high-quality outdoor space. Combining your skills with those of a professional will result in a deck that is not only cost-effective, but also finely crafted and a structure to be admired. Here are a few of the tasks you should be able to tackle on your own:

• Site preparation: Cleaning out the area where the deck will go, leveling the ground, and removing grass and debris are easy for anyone to complete.
• Source and transport materials: Research the best prices for materials and components and cart them to the site yourself.
• Finish it: Sanding, sealing, and staining are simple tasks that even the most novice DIYer can complete. Adding elements like benches or planters can also be done without the help of a professional.

As a DIYer, it’s tempting to take it all on but some things need a professional eye. Partnering with a professional is key when it comes to planning, permits, and code compliance. Any structural work related to framing, foundations, and load-bearing features are best left to the experts to ensure your build stands the test of time.

Allow us to help you find a builder who can provide customized services to suit your needs.

Multi-Level Design with Platforms

There are plenty of creative solutions that you can employ when you’re building a deck on a budget. One involves constructing a multi-tier deck instead of one large deck. But how does this save you money? For one, your excavation area will be smaller, as multi-level decks follow the natural slope of the land. So you’re saving money on excavating and grading costs. Another benefit is that stairs can often be eliminated. By cleverly placing your platforms, you’ll be able to create a raised deck that doesn’t require costly steps. These smaller, independent platforms also equate to less material and lower labor costs compared to a large, intricate deck.

With a multi-level design you can build your deck in phases, depending on cash flow and how much time you have available as a DIYer. It’s also a flexible design that can change and grow as your lifestyle changes. By spreading the cost and build time out, you can ensure that you end up with the deck you always imagined, built with quality materials and professional input.

Avoid Unnecessary Features

When you’re determining how to build an inexpensive deck, the more nonessential items you can remove, the better. While it would be great to add fancy fittings and advanced technical features, keeping it simple will go a long way toward allowing you to build a quality deck within your budget. Custom lighting, elaborate railings, and pergolas may look amazing, but they’ll put a serious dent in your savings. 

Don’t make your deck footprint too large. Keep your design tight, maintaining a functional area just big enough to address your needs. Any extra space will need to be filled with furniture or fittings to prevent your deck looking sparse. And speaking of fittings, cross off the fireplace and outdoor kitchen - a decent-sized BBQ will do the trick!