So you want to build a deck. You’re in good company — improving outdoor living spaces has been a hot commodity for Orange County NY homeowners since at least 2014, according to the American Institute of Architects. But, for first-time deck builders, it can be hard to know where to start. 

Building a deck doesn’t have to be scary. As a North American Deck & Railing Association certified master deck builder, we at Orange County Deck Company can help take the guesswork out of building a deck. Here’s what to expect when building a deck in Orange County, New York. 

How Much Will it Cost to Build a New Deck?

First, you’ll want to know “how much will it cost?” and “how long will it take?” While the cost to build a deck varies, it averages from about $16,000 to $22,000 in upstate New York. (More upscale projects, like the ones we typically handle, are usually more like $24,000-$35,000.) The biggest things that will affect your deck’s cost are the size and the type of decking material you use. Wood decking is cheaper than composite at the beginning, but will require more time and money to maintain. The composite decking we use, TimberTech and Azek, is high quality, comes in a wide variety of finishes and offers some of the best warranties in the business. To get an idea of what your ideal deck would cost, visit our cost calculator here. 

How Long Will it Take to Build a New Deck?

Now, for question number two, “How long will it take?” This will determine when you want to start the project. Again, the answer varies, depending on what type of deck you choose. A custom deck will take longer, while our 7-day decks can be done in about a month. For first-time deck builders, people on a tighter budget or anyone who just doesn’t love making a million decisions, our 7-day decks are perfect. You still get to customize the type of decking, but our streamlined process means you spend less time and money on the process. 

Custom Decks

For more experienced homeowners, a custom deck might be a better option. At Orange County Decks, we also offer custom decks, which allows you to be in charge of every detail from start to finish making the final product tailored to you. Custom decks will typically cost a bit more and will take a bit longer. (Six to eight weeks, on average.) They also require you, the homeowner, to make a lot more decisions — but then the finished product can be exactly the way you envisioned. Don’t worry, the experienced team at OCD will guide you through the process from the beginning so there will be no surprises. 

DIY Decks

Of course, some homeowners opt to save money by putting in a lot more time and effort by building their own. For people with extensive construction and building experience, this could be a good option. But no matter what, you should get your deck inspected by a certified inspector (like OCD) to make sure its structural integrity is sound. Safety should be the most important factor for any deck build. 

If you still have questions or are looking for other deck ideas, we’d love to help. We are an experienced, trustworthy Orange County deck builder, and would love to help your outdoor living dreams come true. Contact us here to learn more.