Like the rest of the nation, Atlantans love their decks. After all, decks have far surpassed traditional outdoor recreation areas such as porches and patios in popularity, providing Atlanta homeowners an easy, attractive, and most importantly, fun, addition to the home. Building a deck is no small undertaking, however, and it's a smart homeowner that makes sure they know what they're getting into before they start signing papers. That being said, push the dreams of backyard barbecues and coolers of Red Brick Ale to the side for a minute or two, and read on for some must-know information for any homeowner planning a deck installation in the ATL.
Atlanta Install Deck: Costs
Based on information ServiceMagic.com collects from Atlantans who've used our contractor referral services in the past, the average price of a deck in metropolitan Atlanta runs just a little more than $6,500. While that's a good figure to help homeowners plan ahead and budget for a deck installation, keep in mind that decisions you make regarding decking materials, deck size, and style, can make a huge difference when it comes to a deck and its final cost. For example, while our data shows that $6,500 is the average cost of a deck installation in Atlanta, we have records of decks that cost as little as $2,000, and others that ran as much as $13,000 in the ATL (and we see even higher extremes in other locales that we serve). That's a lot of middle ground to cover ($11,000 worth!), emphasizing how important it is that you set a budget ahead of time, and share it with your Atlanta deck builder so they can help you design and build a deck that fits your finances as well as it does your home.
Atlanta Install Deck: Planning For a Deck
Once you've starting thinking about budget, planning your deck is the next step. Like we said, talking to an Atlanta deck builder is your best resource when it comes to tailoring a project to meet the needs of your particular financial situation, but here are a few things to keep in mind as your project moves to the next stage.
Materials—No other decision plays a larger role in determining costs, design possibilities, final appearance, and the longevity of your new deck, than your choice of decking material. Redwood is the runaway favorite of deck builders in Atlanta, since it's naturally resistant to the elements and as beautiful as any decking material on the market, while cedar is a close second (for all the same reasons). Pressure-treated pine doesn't look as good, and won't last as long, but it is certainly an option for those on a tight budget. If money isn't an issue, ipe (a South American hardwood) is the current "hot item" for high-end decks. Finally, there is composite decking. Made from a combination of recycled wood and plastic materials, composite decking is on the high side cost-wise, but it opens up design possibilities that aren't an option with wood, and it's a maintenance-free product for the life of your deck, unlike natural wood which you'll have to treat, stain, or paint regularly if you want it to last.
Style & Size—The style and size of your deck are other things you should think carefully about. Since labor adds up to 50 percent or more of the final cost of most decks, the larger and more complex the design, the higher the final price tag is going to be. That being said, think about what you plan to use your deck for, and whether "upgrades" like multiple levels, circular designs, and recessed lighting are worth the extra cost. If you use your deck for entertaining 12 months of the year (which is in the cards for decks in Atlanta, thanks to the mild climate), and your parties are the stuff of legend, then a larger, flashier deck is probably worth every penny. If your deck is primarily going to be a spot where you stretch out on the lounger, read a book, and sip lemonade on warm Atlanta evenings, then you can save more than a few thousand dollars by choosing a simpler, more straightforward design.
Atlanta Install Deck: What to Expect
Finally, many homeowners find it helpful to know what to expect from a deck build once the project gets underway. Again drawing from our in-house data, an average deck build takes about two weeks in Atlanta, though much like costs, the nature of your build influences those numbers quite a bit. Small decks and additions can be completed in a matter of days, while larger and more complex projects can take a month or more. The one benefit of choosing to install deck in Atlanta over other large home improvement projects is the level of inconvenience you'll have to endure. Unlike kitchen remodels or major additions that can bring your daily routines to a grinding halt, deck installations take place outdoors and are minimal in the inconveniences they impose. Not to say you won't have a small crew banging away outside your backdoor for a couple of weeks, but you won't be forced to order in pizzas or schedule ad hoc vacation in order to survive the project, either.
DIY vs. Hiring and Atlanta Deck Builder
Decks are a possibility for a dedicated DIYer, especially if you're okay with a simpler design. Time constraints (12 days adds up to six weekends if you have a day job that eats up your weekdays), and the fact that most homeowners don't have the tools or expertise to tackle such a large job, mean that most Atlantans prefer to hire a professional deck builder in Atlanta to install their deck for them. Talk to at least three contractors, collect bids, and check references before you hire. It's the best way to get quality service and a good price, and in Georgia, where contractors aren't required to obtain state licensing, doing your homework can be the difference between a beautiful deck and a debacle when everything is all said and done. 
Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.
© Copyright 1999-2008, ServiceMagic, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Digg 
Reddit
Del.icio.us
