The Essential Pricing Guide for Hiring Deck Builders in 2023

Planning a new deck and trying to make sense of the numbers? You’re not alone. Homeowners across Salt Lake City asked us the same question all through 2023: what’s a fair price for a deck—and what actually drives the total? Here’s the thing: Materials and size matter, sure, but so do railings, stairs, footings, local codes, and even our Wasatch weather. This straight-shooting guide from Utah Deck Company lays out what to expect, what’s worth paying for, and where you can save without regret.

What actually goes into deck pricing in Salt Lake City?

Let me explain with a quick overview. Most quotes break into a few buckets: materials, labor, permits, and site conditions. Each piece nudges the final price up or down. Sometimes a little. Sometimes a lot.

Materials and size are the big ones. Pressure-treated lumber runs less than Composite or hardwoods. A bigger footprint costs more, of course, and so do extra features like picture-frame borders, fascia, or hidden fasteners. Railings can surprise you; they’re not cheap, especially with aluminum or cable infill.

Height, stairs, and design complexity also matter. A low platform with no stairs is one thing. A second-story deck with a full staircase is another. Multi-level layouts, curved edges, and built-in benches add time and detail work—beautiful, but not free.

Footings and soil play a quiet but important role along the Wasatch Front. We design for frost and snow load, and we often dig to a typical frost depth around 30 inches in many municipalities. If your soil is rocky (hello, foothills) or you’re on a steep slope, footing work gets more involved.

Labor market and schedule change pricing too. In 2023, materials stabilized from prior spikes, but skilled labor stayed in demand. You’ll see that reflected in bids—especially for tight timelines.

And yes, permits and inspections are part of the story. In Salt Lake City and surrounding cities, a permitted deck means proper structural connections, safe stairs, and peace of mind. It adds cost, but it also adds safety—and resale value.

Ballpark costs you can actually use

Every yard is different, but these 2023 ranges give a solid starting point for Salt Lake City homeowners. Think of them as realistic brackets—not the too-good-to-be-true ad you saw last week.

You know what? The per-square-foot number is helpful for a napkin sketch, but the total matters more once you add stairs, railings, and footings. Those pieces are where quotes often diverge.

Per-square-foot vs. total price

A 200 sq ft platform with no rail can look cheap on paper. Add 30 feet of aluminum railing and a closed-stringer staircase, and the total jumps. It’s normal. Square-foot pricing is a starting point; the total price tells the real story.

Material choices: good, better, great

Picking decking isn’t just about looks. In our dry summers, cold snaps, and high UV at altitude, materials behave differently. Here’s the quick version.

• Pressure-treated lumber: Lowest upfront cost; needs regular sealing or staining. Can check and warp if neglected. Good for rental properties or tighter budgets.
• Cedar: Warmer look than treated pine; moderate cost; still needs maintenance. Ages to a soft gray if left natural.
• Composite decking: Durable, low maintenance, color-stable. Brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon perform well here. Mid-to-upper price bracket but typically worth it over time.
• PVC decking: Very low maintenance, excellent moisture resistance. Slightly higher cost than most composites; great for snowmelt and shaded areas.
• Railings: Aluminum and cable cost more than Wood but last longer and need less upkeep. In our view, aluminum is a sweet spot for longevity and style.
• Hidden fasteners and joist flashing: Clean look, added protection. Small line items that pay off against freeze–thaw and UV.

Honestly, we still build wood decks all the time. But for most Salt Lake City homeowners, composite decking plus aluminum railing is the best long-term value—particularly with our sun and snow cycles.

The “invisible” line items homeowners miss

These don’t always show up in glossy ads, but they land on every real project.

• Footings and hardware: Depth, diameter, and connector count matter. Think post bases, hurricane ties, and ledger flashing—quiet heroes of a safe deck.
• Demolition and haul-away: Tearing out an old deck is work. So is responsibly disposing of it.
• Grading and drainage: Keeping water moving away from the house preserves your foundation and your deck.
• Permits and inspections: Necessary for safety and resale. The cost is modest; the value is real.
• HOA approvals: Some neighborhoods around SLC require submittals. Add time to the calendar, not just the invoice.
• Utilities and clearances: Gas meters, dryer vents, window egress—small details that change layouts or railing runs.
• Engineering for rooftop or tall decks: Not always needed, sometimes essential.

It sounds like a lot. It is. But that’s how you get a deck that feels solid now and still does in fifteen winters.

Permits, codes, and safety around SLC

Local jurisdictions base their rules on the International Residential Code, with Utah-specific amendments. The highlights rarely change: 36-inch minimum rail height for most residential decks, 4-inch max baluster spacing, safe stair rise/run, and proper ledger attachment with flashing where a deck meets the house.

Frost depth and snow load vary by municipality, but builders along the Wasatch Front plan for frozen ground and real winters. That means correct footing sizes, solid connections, and inspections that keep everyone honest.

Permits protect you. They’re proof that your deck is built right, which helps insurance and resale. Any quote that skips permits? That’s a red flag.

Smart ways to save without cutting corners

You can trim cost without hurting quality. Here’s how we help homeowners do it.

• Simplify the footprint: Straight lines cost less than curves. Rectangles beat arcs. Classic looks age well.
• Standardize sizes: Stick to board lengths that reduce waste. It’s math you’ll never see, but your wallet will.
• Choose strong mid-tier materials: Many composite lines look great without premium price tags.
• Phase the bells and whistles: Pre-wire for lights now; install fixtures later. Add a privacy screen next season.
• Consider off-season builds: Late fall and winter can offer better scheduling. Weather windows still exist—we use them.

One mild contradiction: we’ll suggest upgrades like aluminum rail and joist flashing while telling you to keep it simple. Both are true. Simplify the design, invest in the parts that handle weather and time.

How to compare quotes fairly

Apples-to-apples matters. Ask each builder to spell out the same core details so your comparison is clean.

• Brand and line of decking: Not just “composite.” Is it Trex Enhance, Trex Transcend, TimberTech Terrain, or something else?
• Framing specs: Joist spacing, beam size, post type, and hardware.
• Fasteners and flashing: Hidden or face-screwed? Joist tape included?
• Railing type and linear footage: Wood, aluminum, or cable—and how many feet?
• Stairs: How many treads, open vs. closed, with or without lighting?
• Footings: Count, diameter, and depth.
• Demolition and disposal: Included or not?
• Permits and inspections: Included, and who handles them?
• Warranty: Materials and workmanship—what’s covered, and for how long?
• Schedule and change-order policy: Clear timelines and how surprises get handled.

If a bid is missing half this list, it’s not cheaper—it’s just incomplete.

Red flags and green lights when hiring a deck builder

Red flags are straightforward: no license or insurance, won’t talk permits, cash-only, vague contracts, or pressure to “start tomorrow.” Around Salt Lake City, if someone promises a huge deck for a tiny price with no paper trail, you already know how that story ends.

Green lights look like this: real references in neighborhoods like Sugar House, Millcreek, The Avenues, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, or Bountiful; clear drawings; a written scope; and a crew that talks snow load, frost, and UV—not just board Colors.

Timeline expectations across 2023

Materials stabilized in 2023, but lead times still varied by season. A typical project flows like this:

• Design and quote: 3–10 days depending on complexity.
• Permits and HOA (if needed): 1–4 weeks, sometimes faster.
• Scheduling: 2–8 weeks out, shorter in late fall and winter.
• Build time: 3 days to 3 weeks, based on size and features.

Weather can nudge things around—spring storms, early snow—but good planning keeps work moving.

Quick budget snapshots

Starter grilling deck: 12×16 pressure-treated, single step-down, basic wood rail on two sides, no lights. Typical 2023 total: $6,000–$9,000.

Everyday entertainer: 14×20 composite, aluminum rail, one straight stair run, fascia, hidden fasteners, and a simple lighting kit. Typical 2023 total: $15,000–$24,000.

View deck: 12×24 elevated composite with steel posts, closed-stringer stairs, aluminum rail, picture-frame border, and integrated lighting. Typical 2023 total: $25,000–$40,000.

Numbers vary with site conditions and finishes, but these ranges reflect what we built all across the valley in 2023.

Why homeowners choose Utah Deck Company

We build decks that feel right on day one and year ten. That means honest pricing, thoughtful design, and safe structure. Our team lives here, so we factor in snow, sun, and slope from the first sketch. We use brands we trust—Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon—and we stand behind our workmanship with a clear warranty.

We also help you see the whole project—no missing railings, no “oops, we didn’t include stairs.” Transparent scopes. Clean installs. And practical advice on what to add now and what can wait until next season.

Ready to talk numbers?

If this guide sparked a few “OK, that makes sense” moments, we’re doing our job. For a precise bid on your home in Salt Lake City or nearby, reach out and we’ll walk you through options, costs, and timing—no pressure, just straight answers. Call 801-921-6826 or click Request a Free Quote to get started. We’re Utah Deck Company, and we’d love to build the deck you actually use every weekend.