Everything you need to build your dream deck
Your deck building materials include structural lumber for posts and joists, ready-mix concrete for footings, fasteners like bolts and screws, decking boards, and railings.
Expect to pay $30 to $60 per square foot for professional deck construction, with total costs ranging from $4,350 to $14,400 depending on your deck size.
Your deck's foundation needs concrete tube forms sized correctly, with 8-inch tubes requiring 0.53 bags of concrete per foot and larger tubes requiring proportionally more material.
Hiring a local deck building professional keeps your project on schedule with proper framing, railing installation, and code compliance for a safe, stable outdoor space.
A deck provides a comfortable outdoor space where you can lounge, play, work, or entertain friends in the warmer months. If you’re planning to build a deck, you need to know what kinds of materials go into this project. This deck building materials list gives you the rundown on what you’ll need to build the deck of your dreams.
Before you start researching how to build a deck and begin the project, you’ll need to check that you have the correct materials. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Structural-grade lumber: posts, rim joists and beams, and deck boards
Ready-mix concrete
Concrete tube forms
Concrete bolts
Galvanized structural deck screws or nails
Exterior wood screws
Decking
Railings
Learn more about the importance of each of these materials to your deck-building project before you call a local deck-building pro for a project quote.
Lumber will comprise the deck’s foundation, frame, and stairs, making it one of the most crucial materials for this project.
The foundation is comprised of piers and footings set into concrete (more on that below) to ensure strength and stability. The frame is composed of a ledger that attaches to the house, rim joists that connect the frame and flooring, inner joists that support the deck boards, a supportive beam and posts, and stringers that support the deck stairs. All of these elements are made from lumber.
You can also use composite or PVC decking materials as an alternative to lumber. These materials are resistant to rot and insect damage, making them a low-maintenance choice. However, composite decking materials are often much more expensive than wood.
Concrete helps secure your deck to the ground and contributes to its structural stability. After you have cut the supportive posts to size, it’s time to set the posts in sturdy concrete. The amount you’ll need depends on the size of the concrete tube you’re using for the post bases. Here’s how many 80-pound bags of concrete you’ll need for different concrete tube diameters.
For 8-inch tubes, use 0.53 bags per foot.
For 10-inch tubes, use 0.8 bags per foot.
For 12-inch tubes, use 1.2 bags per foot
For 14-inch tubes, use 1.6 bags per foot.
You’ll need fasteners like bolts, screws, and nails to attach the different parts of your deck for safety and security.
Concrete bolts secure the deck posts to the concrete bases, ensuring the deck remains stable and sturdy. Galvanized structural deck screws or nails are used to form the deck foundation—you’ll use them to attach the rim joists to the deck posts and the inner joists to the frame.
The decking refers to the boards that make up the deck’s surface. The amount of decking you need depends on the desired size of your deck. First, measure your deck’s width, then divide it by the width of the decking board. For example, a 12-foot-wide deck measures 144 inches in width. If you use 5 ½-inch-wide boards, you’ll need around 26 deck boards.
Building codes generally require railings if your deck is 30 inches or more above ground level, though many people add railings to shorter decks for aesthetic and safety purposes. The railings must be at least 36 inches (three feet) high, with no more than four inches between spindles or between the bottom of the railing and the deck floor.
One of my old tall evergreen trees was suddenly leaning toward the busy street in front of my house. I submitted a request for an emergency tree inspection, and Alejandro, owner of Cajete Tree Service, contacted me immediately and arrived to look at it just 20 minutes later. We agreed the...
Cajete Tree Service LLC1 tree was cut down and 5 others including a large willow tree were trimmed. The Grant Tree Service men were professional and cleaned up afterwards. The cost of the 6 trees were affordable. I am very happy with the results. I would hire them again.
Grants Tree ServiceArchie did a good job cleaning up the driveway before he laid down the sealer. It looks good. He was gracious and even helped me bring up my groceries. His rate was comparable to another company who came out to give me a quote and he talked to me personally rather than just text me a quote...
Pro Seal Roofing & PavingWe have bought and sold numerous times over the past 50 years. Sherman Hall and Top Line are top notch. Thorough and detailed, he explains every possibility, probability, and eventuality. High class and pleasant. The best.
Top Line Home Inspections, LLCD1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLCCouldn't ask for a better company. Josh and Dee were Very professional, efficient, courteous and takes major pride in their work. They will travel to come to your home and will still give you a fair price. They are honest and trust worthy. Their focus is on their work and their work is...
Supreme brick & chimneyWindow Depot did an amazing job on my deck. I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, but their composite decking was affordable and will last a long time. I am excited to have family over, and I am no longer embarrassed by my backyard. Jeff and the ground crew were polite, respectful, and caring for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioWonderful. I am going to have them remove and replace my driveway in the spring.
All Star Paving and SealingWe were having 2”x 2” tile installed . There was a small installation error and the new additional replacement tile was from a different lot and the colors didn’t match. Joe assured us that he would rectify everything , which he did without hesitation. We decided to go with the 18” x 36” tile...
CarifaTileMaple Tree Service should serve as a mentor for other business! Customer service was superior and beyond expectation. Response to request was prompt. The representative was very courteous and proud of the company. Quote was given during initial visit and work date established. A follow up...
Maplewood Tree ServiceFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of expanding your outdoor space with an elevated deck depends on the project size and the materials used. Plan your project budget with this guide.
Thinking about adding a deck to your home? Explore this guide to learn about the average cost to build a deck based on factors like size, material, and labor.
Building a composite deck can increase your home’s appeal and value. Composite decking costs depend on the size of your deck, the materials, labor, and more.
If you’re preparing to build or replace a deck or porch, here are the first questions you should be asking a contractor before hiring them for the project.
When determining how to plan a deck, follow these tips to account for regulations, functional needs, landscaping issues, material differences, and more.
Save time and money by learning how to hire a deck-building pro who has the qualifications and skills to design and build your dream deck.
