How Much Does It Cost to Build a Redwood Deck?
The price to build a redwood deck can range between -$1 and -$1, with an average cost of $17,000, including deck materials, labor and sealer for a 320-square-foot redwood deck. Deck installation costs vary, depending on the materials and several other factors. While redwood isn’t the most commonly used material, it’s durable and beautiful for decking.
Average Cost to Build a Redwood Deck
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $17,000 | $24,000 | $10,000 |
Redwood Deck Prices
Redwood prices depend on the type, size and grade, but it generally costs $5 to $35 per square foot for materials only. To build a 100-square-foot deck, expect to pay between $500 and $3,500 just for the material.
Redwood is one of the highest quality lumber types ranging in color, durability and price. Whether you use sapwood or heartwood (and its origins) also impacts how much you’ll pay.
Your local decking contractor can provide an accurate quote for your specific project.
Building a Redwood Deck Cost
To install a redwood deck, expect to pay $25 to $40 per square foot, with labor costs sitting anywhere between $15 to $35 per square foot. The price to install the deck will vary depending on the lumber grade, project complexity and the contractor’s licensing status.
Redwood Deck Installation Cost by Square Foot
The cost to install a redwood deck falls between $30 to $75 per square foot, including material, supplies, permits and labor.
| Redwood deck square footage | Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 square feet | $10,000 – $24,000 |
| 300 square feet | $9,000 – $22,500 |
| 500 square feet | $15,000 – $37,500 |
Redwood Deck Building Cost Factors
Redwood decking costs $30 to $75 per square foot, including all the materials required (steps, railing and accessories), but many factors contribute to the deck's final cost.
The Quality of Redwood
The decking grade is the most significant factor in the materials cost, and better grades cost more.
The Design
Complex designs with not-so-common shapes or styles cost more to build than simple designs.
The Time of the Year
Lumber prices fluctuate all year long as well as the fees for deck builders, they may increase during peak season.
The Foundation
The material you choose for the foundation plays a key role in the overall price, including whether you stick with redwood or go with a less expensive material. Whichever material you select, you must treat it to withstand insects and the elements.
Building Permit
Depending on your local regulations, you must obtain a permit at an additional cost. Most contractors will handle the permitting process, but homeowners will pay the fees.
Your Location
Redwood is native to the West Coast, making building a deck in some parts of California and Oregon less expensive than in Maryland because of transport costs.
Other Factors
The railing material, stairs, lighting and whether or not you’d like a hot tub add to the total cost of the deck.
Redwood Decking vs. Other Materials
Redwood is one of the most expensive decking materials out there. While it’s an attractive and durable material, you can potentially save by choosing a comparably priced decking alternative. All prices are material only.
Ipe decking costs $4–$12 per square foot
Mahogany decking costs $8–$11 per square foot
Tigerwood decking costs $7–$15 per square foot
Cedar decking costs $3–$7 per square foot
Composite decking costs $15–$36 per square foot
Trex decking costs $5–$10 per square foot
DIY vs. Hiring a Decking Pro
The cost to build a deck runs between $10,000 and $21,500. A decking contractor will charge between $4,000 to $10,000 to build a 300-square-foot redwood deck.
If you have carpentry skills and required tools, you can buy the lumber, DIY the deck and save 45% of the cost of hiring a deck builder.
Remember that costs can add up quickly if you’re not experienced and haven’t worked with redwood decking before.
Before building the redwood deck, be sure your project meets local codes and regulations and you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. You don’t want to pay extra for repairs down the road.
Cost to Build a Redwood Deck Yourself
You can save on labor costs by DIYing. However, you should only do so with experience or if you have confidence in your or a friend’s abilities. Still, expect to spend the same amount of money on materials as covered throughout this cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Redwood is a top-of-the-line wood material with rich color and beautiful straight grains that offer a warm appearance.
Redwood lumber comes from redwood trees native to California and Oregon. The timber has different grades, such as ‘heart’ or ‘common’ grades, and is considered a long-term investment in the overall value of your home.
Pros of using redwood decking:
Redwood decks are beautiful with rich and warm tones
Redwood is durable and resists warping, twisting and shrinking
It accepts stains and allows moisture sealers to penetrate deep into the wood
Redwood resists weather and doesn't heat up in the sun like many other decking types
Decks from heart-grade wood have a lifespan of 40 years or more with proper care; decks built with common-grade wood last 25 to 30 years when maintained.
Redwood is rot-, insect- and water-resistant.
Cons of using redwood decking:
Like many other lumber types, redwood requires consistent maintenance to prevent moisture damage
Redwood is a softwood and relatively easy to dent
Sapwood grade, which is an affordable grade of common redwood, is often susceptible to rotting if not sealed regularly
Always check for dents and be proactive to make any repairs and budget for deck repair costs. Be sure to caulk where the deck meets the house.
Power wash using water pressure less than 1,200 psi
Budget for deck sealing costs and reseal every three years in dry climates and every one to two years in more humid climates
Redwood decks last about 25 to 30 years with regular maintenance, including restaining and resealing. Decks in hot and arid climates are particularly susceptible to cracking, discoloration, and other issues. Hard sunlight can also cause problems with decks in the long run, so regular maintenance is a must to extend a deck’s lifespan.
