Budgeting is crucial if you are purchasing or fixing a home for the first time. What has become popular nowadays is installing a backyard deck to their backyard. However money is their biggest worry, but they still want this aesthetically pleasing addition to their home, so they are left wondering how they can budget for their backyard deck.
To build your backyard deck on a budget, you can follow various tips ranging from determining your budget, minimum and maximum, to opting for wood material instead of vinyl or composite. There are many ways and options for building a backyard deck on a budget that people do not realize.
Throughout this article, we will learn about if you can build a backyard deck on a budget, the cost, and average size, some tips on how to build a backyard deck on a budget, and, lastly, the benefits of having a backyard deck.
Can I Build a Backyard Deck on a Budget?
People will see pictures of others’ backyard decks and immediately think, “Expensive!” So when it comes time for them to renovate their home or include additions here and there, they are left wondering if it is even possible to install something as beautiful as a backyard deck on a budget. Fortunately, you can build a backyard deck on a budget with the correct tools, resources, and cost knowledge.
Let’s continue to read further to know how much a backyard deck can typically cost you.
How Much Do Backyard Decks Typically Cost?
The cost of a backyard deck depends on the contracting company, the materials needed, any customizations, and the square footage you want to use to have it installed. Having a contracting company install your deck can cost as low as $4,000 and up.
However, suppose you were to install the deck yourself. In that case, it can cost much lower than that because you do not involve a contracting company, although, through budgeting, you will still need to purchase the materials yourself.
A significant component of building a deck on a budget is determining the size; you will have an idea of the price. When you are budgeting, you can key in the average size of a backyard deck to help you determine how big or small you want your backyard deck to be. As we continue reading, we will learn about the average size of a backyard deck.
What’s the Average Size of a Backyard Deck?
The average size of a backyard deck is around 100 to no more than 400 square feet. However, this is not definitive, and the size can vary from house to house depending on the person’s preference. And depending on the size and the contractors, if you hire any, other factors depend on the price you will pay to have it installed, which is why budgeting is important.
Having a budget in mind is helpful. Although for some, despite setting a budget for a backyard deck, the temptation to go over is enticing when you are unsure what to expect during the process. As we continue to read further, we will learn some tips for building a backyard on a budget.
Tips for Building a Backyard Deck on a Budget
When someone hears about installing or building something like a backyard deck, the price overwhelms their brain. But you can build a backyard deck on a cost-effective budget. Some tips for building a backyard deck on a budget can include:
- Determine your budget limit.
- Do It Yourself (DIY).
- Do not go all out on your deck sizing.
- Hire a contractor during less busy times.
- Use wood instead of vinyl or composite.
- Determine your square footage.
- Negotiate with contractors.
- Go affordable, or don’t customize at all.
As we continue to read further, we will learn about eight tips for building a backyard deck on a budget.
Tips for Building a Backyard Deck on a Budget
Building your dream backyard deck does not have to burn your pockets. There is an effective way of budgeting and building your dream backyard deck. Let’s continue to read to learn more about the eight tips for installing a backyard deck on a budget.
Determine Your Budget Limit
An essential step before beginning anything is determining your budget limit. What are your minimum and maximum budget? Are you willing to go over the price if it comes to it? If not, do you have a backup plan to achieve installing a backyard deck? Ask yourself these questions and look at your bank account before going further.
Do It Yourself
It may seem intimidating, but you can make your backyard deck cost-effective by installing it yourself. With a good amount of research and asking questions, you can install it yourself at a cheaper cost than if you had a bigger company doing it for you.
Do Not Go All Out on Your Deck Sizing
The cost of the installation is dependent on your deck plan. It will cost more if you want a large deck with multiple levels. However, if you stick with a one-level deck, you save much money. The simpler the deck, the more affordable the cost, leaving you within the budget to customize it after installation.
Hire a Contractor During Least Busy Times
If you prefer to hire a contractor, hire them when they are not at their busiest. Summer and spring are often the busiest times for deck-building companies because that is when people prefer to hang out on their decks, which makes the prices higher. Hire contractors during fall or winter, and you will likely have a better deal.
Use Wood
Use wood instead of other materials, such as vinyl and composite. To maintain a budget, there has to be compromise. Wood is cheaper but results in higher maintenance, while vinyl and composite are low but cost more, especially regarding how large your deck is.
Determine Your Square Footage
Determine the square footage of your backyard and how large you want your backyard deck to be. The larger the square footage, the higher the cost, and vice versa. So, determine the square footage of your backyard deck and compare and contrast various prices from contractors versus if you were to do it yourself.
Negotiate with the Contractors
Speak with many contractors around your area. Explain your situation with wanting to budget, negotiate with them about pricing and compare and contrast with the other contracting companies you speak to. In talking with these companies, it is in your hope that they understand your situation.
Go Affordable When Customizing or Don’t Add It At All
Go the affordable route when customizing your deck, or do not customize it during the installation and when you decorate your deck after it’s been installed. Adding customizations such as a fireplace, pool, railings, etc., adds cost to your deck so take the time to consider whether you want to add these customizations to your deck.
There are many things to consider when trying to budget for the installation of your backyard deck, but there are many benefits once it’s completed. Let’s continue to read further to learn about the benefits of having a backyard deck.
Benefits of Having a Backyard Deck
For some, installing a backyard deck at home can be time-consuming, but including this has proven to be beneficial in many facets. As we continue to read further, we will learn about five benefits of why having a backyard deck is beneficial.
Adds Value to Your Home
Any addition to your home adds value to your house if you are looking to sell it down the line, mainly adding a backyard deck. When renovating, taking away, and adding things to your home, a backyard deck is typically the least expensive and doesn’t take as much time to install anything to add despite adding much value.
Ability to Entertain Yourself and Guests
You can host parties, extending outside of the inside of your home, have movie nights, barbeques, and do other various fun activities during the summer months. You and others will also not have to be on top and have room to roam and move around without feeling claustrophobic.
Not Difficult to Take Care Of
As long as your backyard is of quality, there is not much to taking care of your deck. A backyard deck is a low maintenance, and you’ll only have to sweep or power wash it every once in a while. And less grass that you’ll have to maintain depending on how big your backyard deck is.
Cost Effective Investment
Backyard decks are aesthetically pleasing at a cost-effective price. A backyard deck is the most inexpensive and easiest to install when renovating and adding things to your home. If you are on a budget, you can still have the backyard deck installed within that budget and make it look nice-looking without digging too deep into your pockets.
Aesthetically Pleasing and Easily Customizable
A backyard deck is aesthetically pleasing and easily customizable. You can customize your deck however you want and easily switch out furniture and anything else you’ve initially included. You can create your backyard deck however you want, make an outdoor movie theater, gym, outdoor kitchen, etc.
Closing
Now that you have some tips for building a backyard deck on a budget, you can implement these tips into determining how you want your backyard deck installed to make your home more aesthetically pleasing and convenient. You have also learned if you can build a backyard deck on a budget, how much they cost, and the average size of a backyard deck. You’ve also known about the benefits of having a backyard deck.
Check out this article on backyard builds.
