How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Wood Deck With Composite?

A deck on a home has many advantages and can add value to a home in so many ways! The traditional material used for decking is wood, but this material is high maintenance. Wood is beautiful as a decking material but needs constant care, which often puts homeowners off from making the decision to add a deck to their home. The alternative to wood is using composite material for decking. It has many advantages over wood and may allow you to improve your home with a low maintenance deck.

Replacing the wood on your deck with composite material will cost you between $15 to $25 per square foot. There may be other factors that can add to the replacement cost, such as the type of composite you choose, the shape of the deck, the amount of labor required, and the time of year.

Adding a deck to a home expands your living and entertaining area. It makes the house seem larger and gives you a place to enjoy the great outdoors with all the comforts of home within arm’s reach. One of the factors that you may be concerned about when considering installing a deck is the cost.

Why Composite Decking?

Houses across the US have been constructed from wood for hundreds of years, and likewise, decks have been made from the same material. This has been the material of choice because it is readily available and relatively cheap.

Wood, as a decking material, is exposed to the elements continuously. Sun, wind, rain, snow, freezing temperatures all take their toll on natural materials like wood, especially in our high altitude in CO. As a result, significant time needs to be spent on maintenance and repairs to keep your wood deck in great shape. This requires not only a time investment but also the costs for the wood treatments.

For some homeowners, the beauty of natural wood is worth the maintenance effort and time. Still, for others who may not be DIY inclined or just want a deck that requires less maintenance, there are alternative options.

A composite material is an answer to many of these concerns for the homeowner who wants to install a low maintenance deck.

Composite material is manufactured from a mixture of wood fibers, plastics, and adhesives to hold it all together. Composite material has several advantages over wood, particularly in harsh climates where temperature fluctuations and high humidity are detrimental to wood.

  • Composite material looks like wood and has the same workability as wood.
  • Composite material is less likely to delaminate or split, which means less wastage.
  • There is no need to sand, stain, paint, or varnish composite material. It comes finished from the manufacturer.
  • It is more water-resistant than wood.
  • Requires less maintenance than wood.
  • It does not fade as rapidly as wood.
  • Insect resistance. Insects such as termites don’t eat this material.
  • Easy installation with interlocking systems.

Wood is still a popular material, but here at TNT Home Improvements, we have noticed a growing popularity for decks made from composite material.

But let’s get onto the reason you came here in the first place. How much financial commitment is it going to take to replace your wood deck with composite material?

The Cost Of Composite Decking

Suppose you are looking to replace your wood decking with composite material. In that case, we are assuming that the substructure that supports the deck is already in place and is in good condition.

The substructure consists of the beams, posts, and joists that support the actual surface decking boards. They provide stability for the entire deck structure. It is therefore important that the substructure is in good condition.

If you are not sure whether the substructure is sound or not, that is where TNT Home Improvements can help. We have a certified engineer on staff who can advise you on the structural soundness of the substructure.

When you choose your composite decking, you need to be aware that not all composites cost the same. Composite decking ranges in quality from entry-level decking, costing you approximately $15 per square foot to install. Versus the premium composite products, which will run you in the region of $20 – $28 per square foot to install.

On average, you can use a middle of the road estimate of $18 to $22 per square foot to replace the wood deck with composite material.

There are a couple of pricing aspects that you will need to bear in mind when replacing your wood decking with composite material.

  • Size of the deck. Obviously, the larger the deck, the more it will cost.
  • Angles, corners, and shapes. The more angles and non-rectangular shapes you have in your deck, the more cutting will be required. This can quickly hike the price of the labor bill.
  • Removal of old Decking. Remember to factor in the labor cost of removing the old decking. Unless you are doing this part of the job yourself, it will incur a labor cost from the new decking installer.
  • Railings. Many people forget to include the cost of the railings when they work out the pricing to replace their decking material.
  • Extra fittings. Suppose you have a hot tub or built-in lighting. In that case, you may require the services of a plumber and electrician to re-route or refit the plumbing and electrical wiring.
  • Timing of the replacement. Suppose you decide to replace your deck surface at a time of year when everyone has the same idea. In that case, the labor costs can increase as well as the cost of the material if it is in high demand. Springtime is when most people decide to tackle this task, so it is at this time that it is most expensive to get this project done, it’s also going to have the longest wait time to get permits and get materials delivered.

If you need work done on the substructure to support the deck, you should add another $5 to $15 per square foot to cater to the additional costs.

Cost Summary

To give a summary of the costs you can expect, let’s gather all this information into one place to provide you with a ballpark idea.

  • Replace decking – $15 to $25 per square foot.
  • Labor costs – You can work on an average labor cost of $50 per hour, and to give you an idea, a 12-foot by 24-foot deck should take about 35 hours to install from the ground up.
  • Railings. Depending on the type of materials you choose for deck railing, you can work on an average of $45 per linear foot for wood or $85 for composite.
  • Substructure. If you need some modifications or repairs done to the supporting structure, add about $5-$15 per square foot to the cost, depending on the scope of the repairs needed.

These are estimated costs that do not consider any specific requirements that you may have for your deck. The only way you will get a precise estimate would be to get a professional to come out to examine your deck. Here at TNT, we offer free consultations, so do not hesitate to give us a call at 970-663-2868 to talk to someone about your deck project.

Professional installers know what to look for in the way of potential unknown costs that you may not contemplate as a possible cost factor.

Even though composite decking is more durable and long-lasting, you may want to factor a few extra boards into the purchase cost. Consider if your composite deck sustains any damage such as chips, nicks, gouges, or surface scratches that it cannot be sanded down and refinished. The board will probably need replacing.

Ordering a few extra boards in the same style and color will help ensure that you can match the boards should you need to replace a few over time.

Conclusion

Composite decking can be slightly more expensive than installing a decking surface made from pressed wood or cedarwood. Still, the composite material’s longevity and its reduced maintenance requirements will make for a cheaper cost in the long term. By the time you pay someone to stain your deck the first two years, you’re about even with an entry level composite, and you’ll be saving time and money every single year after that!

TNT Home Improvements can assist you with all your decking needs, from wood decks to composite decks. We can install decking for private residences and business applications.

We operate in the Loveland area in Colorado, which includes Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Campion, Berthoud, and Johnstown, CO, as well as Larimer, Jackson, Boulder, and Weld Counties, CO. 

We are more than willing to answer questions, address any concerns, and offer advice regarding your deck, whatever material it is made from.

Give us a call at 970-663-2868 or email us at sales@tnthomeimprovements.com. If you want to research more about our deck building services click here.

A Professional Guide To Building A Deck Around A Tree

a picture of a multi tier deck with a tree in the middle of it

A wooden deck is a thing of beauty, an excellent way of adding some oomph to your outdoor living area. It expands the living space while serving as a focal point for your outdoors. 

Building it around a tree might seem to complicate the project, but that is not the case. You can work with a floating deck that rests on above-ground piers or underground footings. It just depends on what your permit office wants to see. The tree’s size could influence the deck’s dimensions, the layout of the foundations, and the joist layout as well.

Why Incorporate Surrounding Trees?

A mature tree or two in the spot you plan for the installation can be a blessing in disguise. The plants can serve as natural shade and at the same time, you get to feel good about helping your environment. Furthermore, a deck that encompasses a tree or two looks phenomenal, a presentation that can make people have a deeper appreciation of your outdoor setting.

deck

How To Build Your Deck Around A Tree

Installing a deck is not something that you should brush off as easy and undertake it as a DIY project. We highly recommend that you let the professionals at TNT handle the installation, especially when you have an obstacle, such as a tree, that can impact the construction. Also, this guide explains just one of many different ways to approach the same project. Basically, be careful, use common sense, and always wear safety gear and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using power tools.

Below is a quick guide that shows steps we follow when building a deck that will surround a tree. 

1.   Assess Your Trees

As we layout and plan your deck we will get an idea of where the tree is going to be in relation to the deck space and plan accordingly. This will help us to not only make it easier to frame around but also plan for how it will fit into the decking or any railing obstacles we might encounter.

Most tree species stop growing upwards when they reach a certain point but most every tree keeps growing wider adding rings every year.

On a lot of installs, we will butt the decking boards right up against the tree all the way around and then at the end we carefully take a jigsaw and run it in a circle around the tree with one side of the blade guard up against it so that when you’re done you get an even gap all the way around the tree.

This will also help for future growth so in 10 years if the girth of the tree is grown out and is about to or is already touching the deck boards you can go ahead and use a jigsaw and cut another gap around it.

2.    Plan Your Deck

Be realistic and honest about how you plan to use the deck. Do you want to use it for barbecues or outdoor dining, as a casual entertainment spot for guests, or maybe somewhere to do yoga or coffee in the mornings?

If you have a lower budget, it would be best to consider installing something small with a potential second phase in the future. We believe a smaller deck can help create a more intimate space.

The size will also be determined by the space available. We will advise you accordingly while also considering the slope of your yard and the different support structures needs for the deck.

Permits will also have a huge influence on what you can and can’t do in your particular yard. We will dive into this more in step 4 but things you will have to keep in mind that the permit office will most likely be checking for are things like:

  • Setbacks (this is the amount of space there needs to be in between the deck you want to build and your property line)
  • Caissons (these are holes you dig in the ground with the intent of filling back up with concrete to support the deck using posts)
  • Ledger (this is the attachment point at the house (if applicable). It could look something like a 2×12 laying flat against the house and attached using ledger locks)

3.    Choose Your Timber

The wood to use should be robust enough to serve its purpose for years to come. For the framing lumber, we recommend you go for natural pressure-treated wood with excellent load-bearing strength. You won’t have to make many decisions about the framing as we will be recommending you what’s needed based on your individual decks’ specs.

As for the decking material, it’s up to your budget and your personal choice as to whether you put down something like a natural redwood decking or something easier to maintain like a composite decking material.

4.    Site Plan And Preparations

For the installation process to proceed smoothly, you need a site plan. We shall handle this as well as ensure that you have all the required permits and that everything is done up to code. We have an engineer on staff which greatly speeds up this process and ensures quality control. With the site plans, we will have the blueprints that will keep us on track about the materials needed, measurements for cuts, and any project-specific guidelines. 

We will measure off the house, staking and tying a string along the way, marking out where to place the caissons. We will clear the area and if space provides we will use an auger to dig the holes for the footings that will serve as the piers for the deck. The depth of the holes for the footings will depend on the deck design you pick and the county or region’s building codes. After the holes are dug, an inspector will most likely have to come out and sign off at this point in the project.

Ask us about our pre-visualization services if you really want to plan out your project in great detail.

5.    Setting The Posts

After the inspector signs off on the holes, we will fill them back up with concrete. We will give the concrete time to cure before putting weight on them. During this time we can still move forward by using temporary lumber nailed to the frame to hold it up until the concrete cures. We set the post-to-caisson bracket. Then we will fix pressure-treated 4×4 wooden posts into the brackets, securing them in place with nails to create the deck piers.

6.    Installing The Ledger Board

The ledger board is an essential component when constructing a deck, and it attaches the deck to your house. The connection should be robust, and depending on your house, you may need to first install flashing to prevent water damage. Then attach the ledger board directly to the house’s rim joist or concrete sub-wall.

7.    Framing The Deck

With the ledger installed, you can now attach a joist on either end and a rim joist on the outside of those two and now you’ve got a giant rectangle. You can then proceed to fill the interior with framing at a certain measurement you will get from your permit. A common joist layout example is sixteen inches on center. Make sure all lumber gets installed crown up.

The joists are the support boards that form the deck’s foundation. We will use 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, or 2×12 joists depending on what your deck plans call for. Depending on the building codes in your area, you may need to add extra support in between each joist across the middle of the rectangle.

8.    Framing Around The Tree

Ideally, you placed the tree between two joists and now you just need to put two small two by’s in between the joists hugging the tree. If necessary you may need to add framing at a 45-degree angle in the corners of your newly created square to round the corners and finish creating the frame. 

If the tree isn’t small enough to fit in between two joists then you may need to add double joists in certain areas. This will depend on your particular codes, but an example is to double joists on either side of the tree. Then add double joists spanning those first two doubles creating a rectangle of double material around the tree area. This area would almost certainly need to have posts designed into the plan holding up this heavy area. You will then end up with areas that need small joists and negative spaces around the tree that need to be filled with 45-degree mini joists.

No matter the exact process, we are just trying to create a frame that encompasses the tree and is close enough so that no one accidentally steps in a vulnerable spot.

9.    Laying The Decking

Installing the decking boards can be started from the outermost edge working towards the house or from the house working out depending on your preference. We like to start at the house and move out to get that nice clean line at the house. Based on the decking material you choose we would use a tool to make sure the boards have a tight consistent gap as we secure them down using deck screws.

If you chose to go with hidden fasteners then we let the hardware and the guns set their own gap as we hold the boards tight and snap down the fasteners. We will accurately measure the boards that terminate at the tree frame for snug fit then fasten them down to the tree frame and joists with deck screws or fasteners. We jig around the tree as described earlier to get an even organic gap. When the entire deck floor is laid, we will snap a chalk line along the edges to cut any excess overhang to achieve straight lines before attaching the outer fascia.

10.    Finishing touches

To finish up the deck we would want to add stairs if needed to get down into the yard (if the deck height is above a specific height [see permit]). Also, make sure to add handrail if your deck height is above a certain level as well. To do that you add 4×4’s or similar post material to the perimeter and span those with 2×4’s full of balusters. The full details of a handrail is a mix of what is required (spacing) and what is desired (material type and color).  

pic of a wood deck built in Loveland featuring built in seating and lighting

Wrapping up

To ensure that your new deck lasts a long time, we recommend you coat a wooden deck with a wood preservative or stain to ensure the decking is adequately sealed. Sealing the boards is essential for added protection against mold, moisture, and the sun’s rays.

If you went for a low-maintenance composite deck board option then you can just wash it off with the hose and maybe just a very small amount of dish soap if it gets dirty. 

To learn more about our deck construction services here at TNT please click here. Get in touch with us today if you want to know more about other outdoor hardscaping plans or know more about our services and how we can help transform your home. You can call us at 970-663-2868 or email us at sales@tnthomeimprovements.com