5 Types Of Outdoor Decks And Their Prices, Plus How To Choose (2024)

When picking an outdoor deck, several factors come into play, including your home style, lifestyle and budget. Here are some critical considerations:

• Material: The market has various decking materials, each with unique features, benefits and drawbacks. Some common materials include wood, composite, PVC and aluminum. It’s important to consider the material’s durability, maintenance requirements and overall cost when making a selection.
• Location: The location of your deck is another essential factor to consider. Will it be attached to your home, built around a pool or freestanding? The view from your deck and its privacy will also affect the best type for you.
• Size and Layout: The size and layout of your deck depend on how you plan to use it. Determine the minimum size for furniture, grills and other outdoor accessories. You can add multiple levels or built-in seating to maximize your outdoor decking area.
• Color and Finish: The color and finish of your decking material will significantly impact your deck’s aesthetics. It’s best to find one that matches your home’s exterior so it adds curb appeal.
• Budget: Decking costs vary depending on the material and complexity of your design. Consider how much you can spend to narrow your search to a decking option that fits your budget.

There are several outdoor decks to choose from, usually broken down by type of material or style. These are some of the most popular types of outdoor decks in the market.

Wood Decks

Wood decks are a traditional and popular option for outdoor decks. They can be made from various wood types, including pressure-treated lumber, cedar and redwood. They offer a warm, natural look and feel and can be stained or painted to match your home’s exterior. Here’s what you need to know about wood decks.

Best for: Homeowners who value a natural look and feel and don’t mind regular maintenance

Price range: $25 to $35 per square foot, depending on the type of wood used

Pros:

• Natural look and feel
• Easy to work with
• Can be stained or painted to match your house’s style

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance such as staining, sealing and cleaning
• Prone to cracking, splintering and warping
• Can be susceptible to rot, insect damage and weathering over time

PVC Decks

PVC decks are made of 100% plastic materials and are highly durable and low-maintenance. They resist fading, staining and scratching. Plus, they are available in various colors and finishes. Here’s what you need to know about PVC decks.

Best for: Homeowners who want a low-maintenance deck resistant to moisture and insects.

Price range: $30 to $50 per square foot.

Pros:

• Extremely low maintenance
• Resistant to scratches, stains and fading
• Does not require painting or staining

Cons:

• More expensive than wood and some composite decks
• Can be prone to expansion and contraction in extreme temperatures
• Limited color options

Composite Decks

Composite decks are made of a blend of wood fibers and plastic materials. They are durable, low-maintenance and resistant to fading, staining as well as scratching. They are available in a range of colors and finishes and can be made to resemble wood. Here’s what you need to know about composite decks.

Best for: Homeowners who want a low-maintenance deck with the look of natural wood

Price range: $35 to $45 per square foot

Pros:

• Low maintenance and durable
• Does not rot or splinter easily
• Can be made to look like natural wood
• Eco-friendly options available

Cons:

• More expensive than wood decks
• Can be more slippery when wet
• Can scratch or stain easily

Aluminum Decks

Aluminum decks are made of lightweight and durable aluminum materials. They are resistant to rust, corrosion and moisture, making them ideal for outdoor use. They are also low-maintenance and available in various colors and finishes, giving you a sleek and modern look. Here’s what you need to know about aluminum decks.

Best for: Homeowners who want a stylish and low-maintenance deck option that’s lightweight and durable

Price range: $10 to $15 per square foot for materials, $30 to $45 per square foot installed

Pros:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Resistant to fire, insects and weather
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than other materials
• Can be slippery when wet
• Limited color options

Fiberglass Decks

Best for: Homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance deck that is slip-resistant and safe for children and pets

Price range: $8 to $12 per square foot for materials, $25 to $35 per square foot installed

Pros:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Slip-resistant surface
• Safe for children and pets

Cons:

• Can be significantly more expensive than other materials
• Limited color options
• May not be suitable for extreme temperatures

There are a variety of outdoor deck styles to choose from to enhance your outdoor living space. Each style offers unique features and benefits that cater to specific preferences and needs. These are some of the most popular styles of outdoor decks.

Pool Decks

Pool decks are explicitly designed for use around swimming pools to provide a comfortable and safe area for sunbathing and entertaining. They are typically made of concrete or pavers and offer slip-resistant surfaces for safety. They can be customized to fit any pool shape or size. Here’s what you need to know about pool decks.

Best for: Homeowners who want to enhance the safety and functionality of their swimming pool area

Price range: $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the size, materials and design features

Pros:

• Increases the functionality of the pool area
• Provides a safe and slip-resistant surface
• It can be made to match the design of the pool

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance, such as cleaning and sealing
• It can be susceptible to fading and discoloration
• May require a building permit and approval

Rooftop Decks

Rooftop decks are built on top of buildings and offer fantastic views of the surrounding area. They can be made of various materials such as wood, concrete or composite. Rooftop decks are ideal for urban areas where outdoor space is limited. Here’s what you need to know about rooftop decks.

Best for: Homeowners who want to maximize their outdoor living space in urban areas

Price range: $25,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on materials, size and design features

Pros:

• Maximizes the use of outdoor space in urban areas
• Provides a private outdoor oasis
• Adds value to the property

Cons:

• Requires a structural engineer to ensure the building can support the weight
• Requires regular maintenance
• May require additional permits and inspections

Elevated Decks

Elevated decks are raised off the ground, providing a unique and striking outdoor living space. They are ideal for sloping or uneven terrain. They are typically supported by posts or pillars and can be designed to fit any size or shape to suit the homeowner’s needs. Here’s what you need to know about elevated decks.

Best for: Homeowners who want a unique outdoor living space with a view.

Price range: $15,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the height and complexity of the design.

Pros:

• Offers a unique and striking outdoor living space
• Can provide a view of the surrounding area
• Increases the usable space of a property

Cons:

• Can be more difficult to access for those with mobility issues
• Requires additional structural support
• It may require additional permits and inspections

Freestanding Decks

Freestanding decks are not attached to the house and can be placed anywhere in your yard. They offer flexibility in design and can be used for various purposes, like creating separate outdoor living spaces, such as dining or seating areas. Here’s what you need to know about freestanding decks.

Best for: Homeowners who want a flexible and versatile outdoor living space

Price range: $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the material and complexity of the design

Pros:

• Offers flexibility in design and placement
• Can add value to the property
• Can be used for various purposes and provide a private outdoor space

Cons:

• May require additional permits and inspections depending on local building codes and regulations
• Can be more vulnerable to weather and wind damage
• May require additional support structures

Wraparound Decks

Wraparound decks are designed to surround the house on multiple sides, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces. They can be made of wood, composite or PVC and can be designed to complement your home’s architectural style. Here’s what you need to know about wraparound decks.

Best for: Homeowners who want to maximize their outdoor living space and seamlessly connect it to their indoor living space

Price range: $20,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the material and complexity of the design

Pros:

• Provides a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces
• Adds value to the property
• Increases the usable outdoor space

Cons:

• May require additional support structures
• Requires regular maintenance

Multi-Level Decks

Multi-level decks offer multiple tiers or levels of outdoor living space. Stairs or ramps can connect them and are ideal for creating separate outdoor areas for different activities, such as dining, entertaining and lounging.

Best for: Large properties with sloping or uneven terrain

Price range: $50 to $70 per square foot, depending on the material and complexity of the design

Pros:

• Creates a distinct outdoor living space and can provide different views and levels of privacy
• Allows for more flexibility in design and can accommodate a variety of outdoor activities
• Can increase the value of the property

Cons:

• Can be more difficult to maintain and repair due to the multiple levels
• More expensive than single-level designs
• May require additional permits and approvals

Now that you have an understanding of the different types of outdoor decks available and their pros and cons, it’s time to consider which one is best for your home and lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider when making a decision:

• Budget: How much are you willing to spend on your deck? If you have a limited budget, wood decks or PVC decks can be a good option. If you have a higher budget, composite decks or aluminum decks might be better.
• Maintenance: How much time and effort are you willing to put into maintaining your deck? If you want a low-maintenance option, composite or PVC decks are the way to go. Wood decks require more maintenance, but they can be more affordable.
• Durability: Aluminum and composite varieties are your best bet for maximum durability. Wood and PVC decks can also be durable if maintained properly.
• Climate: What is the climate like where you live? Will your deck be exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture or sunlight? If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, aluminum and composite decks are better options due to their high resistance to weather damage. PVC decks can also be a good choice for high-humidity or moisture areas.
• Purpose: What will you primarily use your deck for? Relaxing, entertaining, cooking and more? Depending on your intended use, different types of decks might be better. For example, pool decks are usually made of composite or PVC materials, while rooftop decks are often made of lightweight aluminum.
• Aesthetics: What kind of look do you want your deck to have? Do you prefer a natural wood style or a more modern and sleek version? Wood decks are the way to go if you’re looking for a natural look. Composite or aluminum decks might be better if you prefer a more modern look.

By taking into account your budget, maintenance preferences, climate, purpose and aesthetics, you can choose the outdoor deck that is perfect for you and your home.

To determine the average costs in this article, we surveyed three material providers and two cost calculator databases. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.