Redwood is considered a premium natural deck material due to its good looks and, even under the worst conditions, the wood resists decay, insects and weathering. Redwood is a long-term investment in your enjoyment and value of your home.
A contractor will charge $7,476, which includes labor and material, to build a small, one-level, 300-square-foot redwood deck with corrosion-resistant, self-tapping deck screws. If you have carpentry experience and tools, you can buy the lumber and fasteners for $4,552 and build it yourself, saving 39 percent. Redwood lumber is sold at lumberyards, but depending on where you live, the material may have to be custom ordered.
The California Redwood Association suggests finishing a redwood deck naturally using clear water repellent finishes or preservatives containing mildewcides to help preserve the natural appearance of redwood. Apply the finish directly to the lumber, covering all sides, edges, and ends before construction. After the deck is built, we recommend a second application. When laying out a deck, consider space for furnishings, outdoor cooking gear, planters and whatever else you want to include.
When planning a deck, check your property survey to make sure you know where your property line begins and ends, and ask the local building department about restrictions and requirements. Also, check with your local utility company to find out if there are service lines or pipes where you plan to dig the deck footings. Before the material is delivered, designate a staging area where the lumber will be stored on a dry flat surface that’s near the location of the new deck.
Pro Cost—DIY Cost—Pro time—DIY Time—DIY Savings—Percent Saved
$7,476—$4,552—54.0—77.5—$2,924—39 percent
