New deck

3/22/2017 at 2:22:54 PM

About $18 a sq f. For the basic deck planters, railing & skirting are extra. Also a permit is usually required for a deck this size.

3/22/2017 at 2:54:35 PM

Hello Marilyn,

I will not quote the price of the deck but typically it costs roughly 1/3 materials and 2/3 labor for deck installation. Because you are only 2' above grade you are able to make a floating deck. This means that you can use deck blocks with posts that sit on the ground instead of sonotubes that are dug 4' into the ground and filled with concrete. Floating decks are not allowed to be attached to the house but typically they do not move and you can not tell the difference between a deck built on deck blocks and one built on concrete pillars/posts. If you go higher than 2' you would have to use the pillars/posts.

My recommendation would be to make the deck using deck blocks because it will be much faster, easier and cheaper for you. I would also not recommend a continuous two steps the 22' length (if I understood your post correctly). It would look better and be safer if you had some sections of stairs/railings and a perimeter railing where there are no stairs. I also believe that is required under the Ontario building code for a deck at 2 feet. Because labor is such a significant portion of the deck cost the quotes can vary significantly.

To compare contractors, you should try to get a materials cost and labor cost separately on each quote and make sure you compare whether they will make a floating deck or attached deck to the house. A floating deck will be significantly less expensive. I have a floating deck 19'x52' and it has not moved or settled in the 6 years since I built it.

3/22/2017 at 3:02:04 PM

Pressure treated 22x28 double step to grade. I would use sonotubes and go 8ft deep. Roughly $6,600 - $7,600 max.

3/22/2017 at 3:50:21 PM

A rough budget figure would be around $15,000. This could be slightly high or slightly low depending on the exact design and site access. Also is this going to be part of a bigger landscape project or is it just a deck? All of these questions affect pricing considerably, so to get an exact figure you should contact a professional directly.

3/22/2017 at 9:09:51 PM

The Deck is over 600 sq feet

I agree using a floating system

There are several types of decks available for wood frame to Paverdeck steel frame with tiles.

PT is the cheapest up front but tearing it out in 12 years is costly only to replace it later.

something to think about

Nevertheless

Without the handrails, posts and skirting necessary as in elevated decks you should be able to get someone in around 15 - 17 per square foot material and labour.

3/23/2017 at 12:56:15 PM

Hello Marilyn

I am not able to provide pricing as the Edmonton market is different than it is in Toronto. I do have a couple of suggestions to improve the longevity and appearance of your deck.

Use an "Ice and Water" shield on tops of the joists. This will prevent rotting of the joists.

Have the edges of the decking material pictured frame. So there is no exposed end cuts.

Use a hidden screw system like the "Camo" hidden screws. This too will help prevent rot and looks much better than surfaced faced screws.

I have attached some pictures of a deck we did using these methods.

Glenn

3/23/2017 at 3:29:38 PM

Thanks all for your input. I now think I will go with a floating deck. As it is only 2 ft off the ground and not attached to the house I don't think I will need a permit. It is being incorporated into a new landscape (the yard is currently totally empty) but I don't think there will be many factors that affect price here. I am planning on only putting up one short rail, coming alongside the deck as you descend the steps from inside. The balance is two, on foot stairs and the only other open side of the deck is where the BBQ kitchen will go. I must admit, I am very surprised at the price differences I have heard about. Thanks to all of you but you are all too far away to be interested in quoting. I have heard nothing from local contractors so I guess I go on the hunt.

3/29/2017 at 8:44:45 PM

You are looking at $20/ft2 in Toronto.

You will still need a permit with deck blocks. Any deck over 108 ft2 requires one.

If you use deck blocks, be sure your contractor lays a screening bed and an 18" x 18" patio stone underneath to disperse the load and prevent sinking of the deck blocks. Under 2 ft requires no railings. The average step is 7" high, so two steps is roughly 14" high. I agree with the full width steps as they open the deck up to the rest of the yard.

Cheers!

6/26/2018 at 12:52:47 AM

Just a thought -- It is such a large deck, and with such wide steps! Best have a LOT of bucks for that project.