Arkansas Installed Deck Prices

by Chris Peterson
(Little Rock, AR USA)

Deck with Tree & Gable Roof

I am the Owner/Operator of Custom Deckworks in Central Arkansas. In 2009, the average turn-key price per of a custom deck using treated pine was $14.00 per sq ft and that included all handrails.

Stairs, built-in benches, planters, tables, and roofs are priced out separately at an additional accessory price.

Certain circumstances like height, how close the materials can be dropped to the actual location of the deck, etc. can effect the sq ft price as well.

Many companies in this area can offer prices significantly lower, but only by cutting corners on the material, building practices, and business practices/requirements.

There are also Franchise Companies that can charge FAR more than the above stated average because they have a higher overhead with things like franchise fees, dues, etc.

The residential market (demand) for composite materials is still relatively low and so the price of composite is still very high.

Retail outlets such as Lowe's and Home Depot may carry some of these brands, but they don't stock enough of varying size ranges or amounts to be of much help.

The closest Trex distributor is in Memphis, TN and along with the already high material cost, you get additional shipping costs for each deck. Our customers that have chosen composites have been extremely pleased, but they are the few people in this area that can (or are willing to) pay almost 3 times as much as a treated pine deck.

For more information on pricing in Arkansas and what you can expect for that price, visit
www.CustomDeckWorks.com

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Nov 25, 2013
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Update for 2013
by: Chris Peterson

I'm not sure if the national economy is slow to return and improve, or if it's just Arkansas. The total materials and labor pricing of $14 per sf still stands as a reasonable amount here in Arkansas.

In fact, it has been a struggle to even be able to charge that much, even though materials are still on the rise.

Material costs consistently rising and the inability to cover those increases in the Total Contract Price means that the difference is coming out of the labor.

It is getting harder and harder to survive in this economy for a company that is on the up and up and takes care of all its business responsibilities. The unlicensed, uninsured, inexperienced & unskilled guys that swoop in and under bid jobs are keeping us professional guys from being able to make a living.

Dec 15, 2010
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2010 Pricing Revisions...
by: Chris - owner of Custom Deckworks

Now that 2010 is almost over, I wanted to give an update on what the decking costs have been compared to 2009.

Assuming it's because the demand has still been relatively low due to the economy's slow return, the costs per sq ft in Arkansas for a Deck have been lower in 2010 than in 2009. Not by much, but every little bit helps when you're talking about investing thousands in your home.

There are two things to remember:
1) Every January lumber prices rise in an attempt to cover slow winter demand. Lumber is a commodity and it's costs are not controlled by the contractor.

2) Anytime of year, and especially in a struggling economy, you want to get the most for your money. To do this, you MUST hire a professional that has skills far beyond what you could dream of, but with prices in line with what you are asking for. I recently saw a siding & gutter company win a bid for a deck with a wheel chair ramp! This is NOT OK! There is nothing about a company like that to indicate that they know about the standard codes, much less the more specialized codes for handicapped structures. That client just threw their money away and the unqualified contractor is setting himself up for a lawsuit!

Just remember this: "The Bitterness of Low Quality Remains Long After the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten!"

In Arkansas, if you are not sure you are getting a good deal from someone, call us and we will review their offer with you for free. Never pay more than you have to, but be sure you get what you are paying for!

Feb 23, 2010
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Very Helpful Comments
by: Editor - Rich Bergman

Thanks for your very informative comments which is very helpful to our visitors and particularly those folks in the Arkansas area.

You truly do get what you pay for and if you are planning on building a deck for your home that really adds value over the long term, I think these comments are very true.

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