How Much Does a Composite Deck Cost in Southeast Michigan?
One of the first questions I get from homeowners is, “How much is a composite deck going to cost?”
The short answer is: it depends quite a bit on the deck.
For most professionally built composite decks in Southeast Michigan, $15,000–$30,000 is a realistic starting range, with larger or more involved projects easily reaching $30,000–$50,000 or more.
That’s a pretty big range, but there’s a reason for it. Two decks can have the exact same square footage and still have very different price tags depending on the height, stairs, railing, decking selection, site conditions and what needs to be removed before construction starts.
What Does a Typical Composite Deck Cost?
For a relatively straightforward deck, here are some rough numbers I would use for budgeting:
Deck | General Budget |
12' × 12' (144 sq. ft.) | $14,000–$18,000+ |
12' × 20' (240 sq. ft.) | $18,000–$25,000+ |
16' × 20' (320 sq. ft.) | $22,000–$32,000+ |
Larger/custom decks | $30,000–$50,000+ |
These aren't quotes. They're simply realistic starting points for homeowners trying to figure out whether a composite deck fits their budget.
You'll find much lower numbers online, but many online calculators are pricing the decking itself or making assumptions about a very basic deck. A complete project also includes the foundation, framing, fasteners, decking, fascia, stairs, railing when required, permits, demolition and disposal when applicable, and the labor to put everything together. Even Deckorators notes that its own cost calculator estimates materials and doesn't include labor, permits, stairs or lighting.
The Decking You Choose Matters — But Maybe Not as Much as You Think
I install several different decking brands, including Trex, TimberTech/AZEK and Deckorators, and each manufacturer offers products at different price points.
An entry-level composite such as Trex Enhance or Deckorators Summit can keep the material cost down, while products such as Trex Transcend, TimberTech Advanced PVC or Deckorators Voyage can add considerably more to the material package.
But here's something homeowners are sometimes surprised to learn:
The decking isn't the entire cost of the deck.
The structure underneath still needs to be built correctly regardless of whether you choose an entry-level or premium deck board. You still have footings, beams, joists, hardware, stairs, labor and potentially railing.
So upgrading the decking doesn't necessarily turn a $20,000 deck into a $40,000 deck.
Railings Can Make a Big Difference
Railing is one of the bigger variables I see when pricing projects.
A low deck that doesn't require railing is naturally going to cost less than an elevated deck surrounded by aluminum railing.
Products like Westbury aluminum railing or Trex Signature railing look great and require very little maintenance, but there can be thousands of dollars worth of railing on a larger deck.
Add gates, drink rails, cable railing or privacy panels and that number can climb further.
Stairs Are More Expensive Than They Look
This is another big one.
A couple steps coming off a low deck aren't a huge deal. A deck five or six feet in the air with a full staircase and landing is a different project.
Stairs require additional framing, footings, decking, fascia and railing—and they're considerably more labor-intensive than simply building another section of flat deck.
That's why pricing a deck strictly by square footage can be misleading.
Rebuilding an Existing Deck vs. Starting From Scratch
If I'm replacing an existing deck, demolition and disposal have to be figured into the project.
Sometimes an existing structure can be resurfaced if the framing is in excellent condition. Other times I uncover framing that is undersized, improperly supported, rotted or simply nearing the end of its useful life.
I won't put thousands of dollars worth of new composite decking on top of a structure that I don't believe will last as long as the decking.
In those situations, rebuilding the structure is usually the better investment.
What About Permits and Footings?
Most new deck projects require a building permit, and requirements vary depending on the municipality.
At TBC Decks, I typically use galvanized ground screws instead of traditional poured concrete footings. They're installed below the required frost depth and the installation torque is documented when required by the building department.
Ground screws also eliminate the need to dig large holes and pour concrete, which can mean less disturbance to the yard and a cleaner installation.
Don't Forget the Details
A few options that can increase the final price include:
Picture-frame borders
Contrasting decking colors
Fascia and finished stair risers
Deck skirting
Privacy walls
Low-voltage stair or post-cap lighting
Gates
Multiple levels
Additional staircases
Difficult access to the backyard
None of these are necessarily huge expenses by themselves, but several upgrades together can change the overall budget pretty quickly.
So, What Should You Budget?
If you're considering a professionally built composite deck in Southeast Michigan, I would plan on at least the mid-teens for a smaller, straightforward project and $20,000–$30,000+ for many average-sized composite decks.
Larger elevated decks with premium decking, aluminum railing, stairs, lighting and other custom details can easily move beyond that.
The important thing is comparing what is actually included in a proposal rather than simply comparing the final number.
A $17,000 deck and a $24,000 deck aren't necessarily the same deck with a $7,000 difference in contractor markup. They may have completely different framing, decking, railing, foundations and finish details.
Get a Price for Your Deck
Every property and every deck is a little different. The best way to get an accurate number is to have someone look at the space, talk through what you're looking for and put together a proposal based on the actual project.
TBC Decks, LLC builds composite decks throughout Dundee, Milan, Monroe, Ann Arbor and surrounding Southeast Michigan communities.
If you're considering a new deck or replacing an existing one, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to take a look at the project, discuss material options and give you an honest idea of what it will take.
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