How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Detroit, MI? [2025 Data]

Building a deck is a great way to add living space and boost your home’s value, but it’s essential to understand what goes into the cost before starting. In Detroit, prices depend on materials, labor, permits, and other local considerations.

The average cost to build a deck in Detroit is $6,845, but every project is different. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay, so you can budget with confidence.

Deck Building Cost Factors

When building a deck in Detroit, pressure-treated pine is a common budget-friendly option, while premium materials like composite, Ipe, or aluminum push costs higher. But it comes down to more than just the lumber you choose. Local climate demands durable materials, labor costs reflect the city’s construction market, and permit requirements add another layer of planning.

Here’s what to consider.

Size

Most new decks cost $30 to $60 per square foot. The higher end of that range represents deck projects built on second stories, building a deck with high-end wood, or customized designs. See the table below for general estimates based on the size of your deck:

Material

Your chosen deck material will make up a large portion of your total budget, ranging from $2 to $45 per square foot. Less-expensive materials can be tempting, but they may result in extra expenses for maintenance and repair, which you’ll need to hire a local deck contractor to handle.

Here’s a breakdown of the materials and their costs:

• Pressure-treated wood costs $2 to $5 per square foot 

• Composite deck materials cost $12 to $22 per square foot 

• Ipe wood decking costs $10 to $20 per square foot 

• Tigerwood costs about $7 to $15 per square foot

• Mahogany costs $8 to $11 per square foot 

• Redwood decking costs $5 and $35 per square foot

• Bamboo decking costs $3 to $10 per square foot

• Cedar decking costs $3 to $7 per square foot 

• Metal or aluminum decking costs $15 to $20 per square foot

Deck Type

Simply put, the more complex your deck build is, the more it will cost. Types of decks like wraparound, multi-tier, and rooftop decks require greater accessibility, additional prep work, and often more materials.

For example, if you want to build a floating deck, it will likely cost about $20 to $60 per square foot. These decks don’t actually float—they’re just not attached to your home. Because of this, they’ll need a few more support posts to keep them structurally sound.

Deck Height 

The type of deck you build will likely go hand in hand with where it’s installed. A second-story deck (which some contractors might deem a balcony) costs more to build because it’s harder to install. The most common place to install a deck, which is also likely the most cost-effective, is on the first floor attached to the backside of your home.

Here’s one example of how the cost average might differ:

• 10x10 first-story deck: $1,000–$2,000

• 10x10 second-story deck: $4,000–$5,000

Framing

Framing a deck, which ensures the unit's joints are structurally safe and sound, costs $9 to $12 per square foot for labor. The lumber or materials needed to frame your deck account for about one-third of the lumber you’ll need.

Flooring

Some homeowners choose to install flooring over a wood deck. Composite is a good material option, while more elegant choices like porcelain or ceramic could add thousands (or tens of thousands, depending on the deck’s size) to your price tag. The average cost ranges from $20 to $45 per square foot, depending on the material. 

Add-Ons

Here are some other costs you might incur if you upgrade from a simple deck build:

• Staircase cost: $25–$50 per stair

• Electricity cost: $130–$300 per outdoor outlet

• Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $50–$500

• Heaters cost: $100–$300

• Outdoor misting system cost: $2,100–$3,400

• Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $500+

• Outdoor fireplace cost: $1,500–$8,000

• Retractable deck awning cost: $600–$3,500

Deck Pro Costs

Before you start pricing out your dream deck, it’s important to understand the behind-the-scenes costs that go beyond lumber and labor. Factors such as permits, contractor licensing, and insurance can significantly impact your budget. Here’s what you need to know about the professional costs of hiring a deck builder in Detroit.

Deck Permits

You’ll need to secure a permit before building a deck in Detroit. The city requires drawings detailing specifics and dimensions of the foundation, joists and spacing, beam size, deck height, and more. You can submit the Building Application Permit in person at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, or find it online at the City of Detroit website.

Contractor Licensing and Certification

For residential deck building, your contractor must be licensed by the State of Michigan. You can easily check their license status online with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). While some specialized trades might need city exams, a state license is usually all that's required for standard decks.

Your contractor must also be bonded and insured. Always ask for their license number and verify it online. Hiring an unlicensed builder can lead to significant problems, potentially voiding your insurance and leaving you vulnerable to substantial risk.

Insurance

Homeowners' insurance typically only covers unexpected and sudden damage to your deck. That means some damage, such as wear and tear, is not covered. To safeguard against these gaps, consider a dedicated deck insurance plan, often available through your builder or contractor.

Does Building a Deck Increase Home Value?

A professionally built and well-maintained deck in the Detroit area can deliver a strong return on investment—typically around 70% to 80% at the time of resale. The additional outdoor living space and enhanced curb appeal can draw potential buyers looking to spend time or entertain friends outdoors.

Here are several factors that contribute to a higher Detroit deck ROI.

• Safety and code compliance: Deck issues like collapses, code violations, or structural shortcuts negatively impact value and buyer interest. Detroit's regularly updated building code is strictly enforced; non-compliance can lead to zero ROI or legal/insurance losses upon resale.

• Efficiency and functionality: Efficiency matters for deck value, especially if the deck is integrated with doors/windows or used as an outdoor room. Deck orientation, overhangs, shade structures, or light-colored composites/aluminum can keep decks cooler in Detroit’s hot summers. Maximizing function with multi-use furniture or built-in planters is a trend that real estate agents spotlight in listings.

• Aesthetics: In Detroit, deck aesthetics, including architectural style, color, and landscaping integration, are crucial. Matching decking color or railing materials to the brick, stone, or woodwork of Metro Detroit’s classic homes is key to maximizing curb appeal and sale prices.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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