What Drives Deck Cost
Deck pricing comes down to three things: size, material, and structure. A simple rectangular deck at grade level costs far less per square foot than one with multiple levels, built in stairs, or railing that has to meet code around a drop-off. Framing and footings are usually the biggest hidden cost, especially when a deck has to be tied into an existing house and inspected before it's covered up.
Nationally, homeowners typically see a range like this for a professionally built deck:
| Material | Typical Cost Per Sq Ft | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure treated pine | $18 to $30 | 10 to 15 years with maintenance |
| Cedar | $25 to $40 | 15 to 20 years with maintenance |
| Composite (Trex, TimberTech, etc.) | $35 to $55 | 25 to 30 years |
| PVC | $40 to $60 | 25 to 30 years |
These are general industry ranges, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on square footage, height off the ground, railing style, and site access. If you want numbers specific to your yard, that's what a walk through and a written estimate are for.
Why Georgia's Climate Changes the Math
Georgia summers are hot and humid for months at a time, and that humidity doesn't let up much overnight the way it does in drier climates. Wood decks here stay damp longer after rain, which speeds up rot in any spot where water can sit: under railing posts, around fastener heads, and wherever two boards touch tightly. Pressure treated pine is the affordable option, but in this climate it needs to be sealed or stained on a real schedule, not just once and forgotten.
Composite and PVC decking cost more up front but don't absorb water the way wood does, so they hold up better against Georgia's combination of heat, humidity, and heavy summer rain. For a deck that gets a lot of direct sun, composite boards can also run hotter underfoot than wood, which is worth considering for a pool deck or anything kids will walk on barefoot.
Repair vs. Rebuild
Not every tired looking deck needs to come down. A few common repair scenarios:
- Soft or spongy boards: usually isolated to a few boards and cheaper to replace individually than to rebuild the whole surface.
- Wobbly railing: often a matter of resetting posts or adding blocking, not a structural issue with the deck itself.
- Rot at ledger board or posts: this is the one that matters most, because it affects how the deck is attached to your house or how it's held up off the ground. If the framing or ledger board has rot, that's a safety issue, not a cosmetic one.
As a rule of thumb, if the framing and footings are sound and it's just the surface boards or railing showing wear, repair is almost always the cheaper and faster route. If the frame itself is failing, a rebuild is usually the more honest recommendation even though it costs more.
Getting a Fair Estimate
A good deck estimate should walk through material choice, size, any structural concerns found during a walk through, and a clear price, not just a per square foot number with no detail behind it. See our deck building and repair services for what's included in a typical Jetts Handyman visit, or contact us to get a free estimate for your specific project.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Georgia?
It depends on the size, height, and your local jurisdiction. Barrow and Clarke County both have permitting requirements for decks attached to a house above a certain height. A contractor familiar with the area can tell you whether your project needs one before work starts.
How long does a typical deck build take?
A straightforward single level deck usually takes several days from footings to finished railing, weather permitting. Multi-level decks or ones with stairs and custom railing take longer.
Can I stain a new pressure treated deck right away?
New pressure treated lumber usually needs to dry out for a few weeks to a couple of months before it will properly absorb stain or sealer. Staining too early can trap moisture instead of keeping it out.
