How Much Does A New Deck Cost?

Dreaming of a beautiful deck for your McMinnville, Newberg, or Lincoln City home? A deck adds valuable outdoor living space, perfect for relaxing or entertaining, but costs can vary widely based on construction type, materials, and design. Whether you’re building a new deck or refreshing an existing one, understanding the factors that influence pricing helps you plan effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore new deck construction versus existing deck remodels, compare ground-level and second-story decks, break down decking materials (wood, composite, PVC), and detail design elements that impact cost. Using a standard 16x20 deck (320 sq ft) as an example, we’ll provide estimated costs and highlight why our team recommends TimberTech for composite and PVC products. Let’s get started!

New Deck Construction vs. Existing Deck Remodel

Before diving into costs, it’s important to understand the difference between new deck construction and existing deck remodel/board replacement, as each approach affects pricing and scope.

• New Deck Construction: This involves building a deck from scratch, including the substructure (joists, beams, posts), decking, and railings. It’s ideal for homes in Newberg without an existing deck or when an old deck is beyond repair. New construction requires site preparation, footings, and permitting, which increase costs but ensure a custom, long-lasting result. For a 16x20 deck, expect $60-$120/sq ft for ground-level decks, plus $25-$35/sq ft for second-story decks due to added structural complexity.
• Existing Deck Remodel/Board Replacement: This replaces decking boards and sometimes railings while keeping the existing frame, assuming it’s structurally sound. It’s slightly cheaper than new construction, often 10-20% less, but savings are limited if the frame needs repairs (e.g., rotted joists or outdated spacing). In McMinnville, board replacement is popular for updating old decks, potentially avoiding engineering or permitting if the scope is minor (e.g., no structural changes). However, TimberTech recommends 12-16-inch joist spacing for their composite and PVC boards, which may require frame modifications, reducing cost savings.
• Ground-Level vs. Second-Story Decks: Ground-level decks are simpler and cheaper, requiring basic footings and less bracing. Second-story decks, common in Lincoln City’s coastal homes with views, need stronger supports, elevated posts, and often engineering, adding $25-$35/sq ft. For a 320 sq ft deck, this could increase costs by $8,000-$11,200.

Decking Material Options

The material you choose significantly impacts cost, durability, and maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of wood, composite, and PVC options, with a focus on TimberTech’s offerings for composite and PVC.

• Wood:
  • Pressure-Treated Wood: The most affordable option at $3-$6/sq ft for materials, pressure-treated hemlock is durable and insect-resistant but requires regular cleaning and sealing (every 1-2 years) to prevent rot and mold. It’s a budget-friendly choice for McMinnville homeowners but has higher long-term maintenance costs. Expect Pressure Treated Hemlock to last between 15-20 years with regular maintenance, depending on weather exposure.
  • Cedar: Priced at $4-$8/sq ft, cedar offers natural rot and insect resistance with a rich, warm look. It’s popular in Newberg for its aesthetic appeal but needs periodic maintenance (sealing every 1-2 years). Cedar lasts 15-25 years with proper care, making it a mid-range option.
• Composite (TimberTech): Composite decking blends wood fibers and recycled plastic for a low-maintenance, durable alternative. TimberTech offers three levels of composite decking, each with distinct price points and features:
  • Terrain Collection (Entry-Level): At $5-$7/sq ft, this budget-friendly line offers solid performance with basic colors and textures. It’s ideal for cost-conscious Lincoln City homeowners, with a 25-year fade and stain warranty.
  • Pro Collection (Mid-Tier): Priced at $7-$10/sq ft, this line features richer wood-grain textures and more color options. It includes Mold Guard Technology and a 30-year warranty, perfect for Newberg families wanting durability and style.
  • Premier Collection (Premium): At $10-$13/sq ft, this top-tier line mimics exotic hardwoods with advanced color blending and a 50-year warranty. It’s a premium choice for McMinnville homes seeking a luxurious, low-maintenance deck.
• PVC (TimberTech Advanced PVC): Priced at $15-$20/sq ft, PVC decking (e.g., TimberTech’s AZEK line) is the most expensive but offers unmatched durability, moisture resistance, and a lifetime limited warranty. It resists fading, staining, and scratches better than composite, making it ideal for Lincoln City’s coastal climate. PVC requires only occasional cleaning, offering the lowest maintenance of all options.

TimberTech’s composite and PVC products are our top recommendation for their eco-friendly materials (using recycled plastics), long warranties, and minimal upkeep, saving you time and money over wood decks.

Design Elements That Affect Price

Design choices significantly influence costs beyond materials. Here’s how material selection, final design, and railing options impact your budget:

• Material Selection (Wood vs. Composite vs. PVC): Wood is cheapest upfront ($25-$30/sq ft installed for pressure-treated, $30-$35/sq ft for cedar), but maintenance adds $1,000-$2,000 every few years. Composite ($30-$45/sq ft installed) and PVC ($35-$60/sq ft installed) cost more initially but save on upkeep, with TimberTech’s warranties ensuring long-term value. For a 320 sq ft deck, material costs alone range from $1,600-$4,800 (wood) to $3,840-$4,800 (PVC).
• Final Design:
  • Trim Packages: Basic butt-joint ends, where boards meet squarely, are the most cost-effective, requiring minimal labor. Picture frame designs with fascia (bordering boards around the deck’s edge) add $5-$10/sq ft due to extra materials and precise cuts. In McMinnville, picture framing enhances modern aesthetics but increases costs by $1,600-$3,200 for a 320 sq ft deck.
  • Complexity: Simple rectangular decks are cheapest. Multi-level designs, curves, or patterns like herringbone add 20-50% to labor and material costs due to intricate framing and waste.
• Railing Selection:
  • Wood: Matches wood decks at $10-$20/linear ft, but requires maintenance. Common in Newberg for a classic look.
  • Metal (Aluminum): Costs $20-$40/linear ft, offering durability and low upkeep. Popular in Lincoln City for modern coastal homes.
  • Steel Cable: Priced at $30-$50/linear ft, cable railings provide sleek, unobstructed views but require precise installation.
  • Glass: The priciest at $100 or more per linear ft, glass railings create a luxurious, open feel but are complex to install. For a 60 linear ft railing on a 16x20 deck, costs range from $600 (wood) to $6,000 (glass).

General Pricing for a 16x20 Deck

For a single-level 16x20 deck (320 sq ft), costs range from $60-$120/sq ft installed, totaling $19,200-$38,400 for ground-level decks, including substructure, decking, and basic railings. Second-story decks add $25-$35/sq ft ($8,000-$11,200), bringing totals to $27,200-$49,600. Railing costs add $600-$6,000, depending on material. Here’s a breakdown:

• Ground-Level Deck:
  • Pressure-Treated Wood: $16,000-$20,000
  • Cedar: $18,000-$22,000
  • TimberTech Composite (Terrain): $20,000-$23,000
  • TimberTech PVC (AZEK): $22,000-$25,600
• Second-Story Deck:
  • Pressure-Treated Wood: $24,000-$31,200
  • Cedar: $26,000-$33,200
  • TimberTech Composite (Terrain): $28,000-$34,200
  • TimberTech PVC (AZEK): $30,000-$49,600

Board replacement is 10-20% cheaper ($12,800-$20,480 for 320 sq ft) if the frame is sound, but repairs (e.g., joist replacement at $500-$2,000) often reduce savings. This route may avoid permitting or engineering in Oregon if no structural changes are made, saving $100-$1,000 in fees, but TimberTech’s installation guidelines may require frame upgrades for composite or PVC.

Other Considerations

• Permitting: In Oregon, permits are required for decks over 30 inches high, attached to the house, or involving structural changes (e.g., second-story decks). Costs range from $100-$1,000, depending on the scope. Ground-level board replacements often don’t need permits, saving time and money. Check with Yamhill County (McMinnville) or Lincoln County (Lincoln City) for local rules.
• Unforeseen Repairs: Older decks in McMinnville may have rot or weak joists, adding $1,000-$5,000 for repairs during board replacement. Coastal Lincoln City decks face moisture damage, increasing costs.
• Design Features: Built-in seating, lighting ($100-$5,000), or stairs add $1,000-$5,000, depending on complexity.

Ready to Build Your Dream Deck?

A deck in McMinnville, Newberg, or Lincoln City enhances your home’s value and lifestyle, with costs ranging from $16,000-$36,800 for a 16x20 deck, depending on construction type, materials, and design. Whether you choose new construction or board replacement, our team recommends TimberTech composite and PVC for their durability, low maintenance, and industry-leading warranties. With our Google 5-star rating and expertise in decking, we deliver quality craftsmanship and transparent estimates. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s create your perfect outdoor space!

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