Deck Pricing and Cost Factors

One of the biggest disconnects we see in Florida construction is pricing expectations.

Homeowners often compare today’s deck pricing to:

• A neighbor’s deck built 10–15 years ago 
• A small deck that cost $5,000 years ago 
• An internet price per square foot that simply doesn’t reflect reality
   

The truth is: deck construction in Florida today is nothing like it was a decade ago.

Several factors have dramatically changed the cost of building decks and outdoor living spaces in Florida:

• Stricter building codes 
• Engineering and permitting requirements
• Higher material costs 
• Increased insurance, licensing, and compliance costs 
• Labor shortages and higher skilled-labor wages
   

What may have been acceptable years ago is often no longer legal or buildable today.

We frequently hear:

“Another contractor is 40–50% cheaper than your price.” 

In many cases, that’s a red flag, not a deal.

There are situations where a contractor’s price is so low that:

• We cannot even purchase the materials for that amount 
• The numbers simply don’t add up for a legitimate operation
   

When pricing is dramatically lower, it usually means corners are being cut somewhere.

There will always be a cheaper contractor. Everyone is free to charge what they want.
But it’s important to understand how those prices are achieved.

Common ways costs are reduced:

• No contractor license 
• No general liability or workers’ compensation insurance 
• No permits or inspections 
• Un-engineered construction 
• Cheap or undocumented labor 
• Inferior materials with little or no warranty
   

In some cases, operations have no legitimate overhead at all, which shifts risk directly onto the homeowner.

Deckmasters of South Florida builds premium, long-lasting structures, not entry-level decks.

Our pricing reflects:

• Proper licensing and insurance 
• Engineered and permitted construction 
• Skilled, experienced labor 
• Legitimate payroll and workforce compliance 
• Project management and supervision
   

We do not build decks using bargain materials.

Our projects typically include:

• Marine-grade framing where required 
• Stainless steel fasteners and hidden fastening systems 
• Premium decking materials 
• Proper structural connections and detailing
   

These choices dramatically improve:

• Longevity 
• Safety 
• Appearance 
• Warranty protection
   

We often hear claims of decks being installed for $40 per square foot including materials.

For properly built decks using premium materials, this is not realistic in today’s Florida market.

When pricing sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Many decks in Florida require:

• Structural engineering 
• Permit review and approvals 
• Municipal inspections
   

Engineering can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on project size and complexity. Final engineering can also change material sizes and structural requirements, which directly affects cost.

This is why pricing must remain flexible until plans are finalized.

A deck is not just a surface — it’s a structural system attached to or surrounding your home or building.

When reviewing bids, homeowners should ask:

• Is the contractor licensed and insured? 
• Are permits and inspections included? 
• Are engineered plans required? 
• What materials and fasteners are being used? 
• Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
   

The lowest price rarely answers those questions well.

We understand that our pricing is not for everyone — and that’s okay.

Deckmasters of South Florida is built for clients who:

• Value proper construction 
• Expect durability and longevity 
• Want peace of mind 
• Understand that quality work costs more upfront but less over time
   

Our goal is to build one of the best decks you can imagine, not the cheapest deck available.