How Much Does an Aluminum Deck Cost?

Estimating Aluminum Deck Costs

To estimate the cost of an aluminum deck, you’ll need to consider items such as the cost of an aluminum plank at the time of purchasing. Also, consider the labor costs associated with building an aluminum deck.

Material Prices

The cost of an aluminum board will be anywhere from $6 to $30 per linear foot. Aluminum prices fluctuate throughout the year based on supply and demand; sometimes, you’ll get a quote for $15 per linear foot, and others you might find quotes for $25 per linear foot.

Beyond the aluminum decking material itself, you’ll need to consider lumber for the frame, joists, and additional beams.

Labor Costs

The cost of labor to build a deck is around $15 to $35 per square foot. This amount typically makes up around 50% of the total project cost.

Permits

Depending on local codes, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 for a permit to build a deck. The cost of the permit may correlate with the size of the deck, so come prepared with plans when applying to pull a permit. When hiring a deck builder to build a deck, ask whether you’ll need to pull the permits or if they do that for you.

Additional or Unexpected Costs

Don’t get caught off guard if you suddenly need to increase your budget if you live on a sloped area. This slope will require a heftier foundation to support the deck. For steep slopes, prepare to add 15% to 25% to your budget.

Cost to Build an Aluminum Deck by Square Foot

The cost to build an aluminum deck per square foot is around $15 to $20. Adding together the labor cost, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $55 per square foot for the total project.

What Aluminum Deck Can I Get on My Budget?

You may not want a 400-square-foot deck and you’re only looking for a place to sit back and relax outside. Or maybe you’re looking to be the talk of the neighborhood and want to invite everyone over for a cookout and still feel comfortable on the deck. No matter the budget, there’s a good chance you still opt for an aluminum deck.

$3,000 to $6,000

For a budget of $3,000 to $6,000, you’re looking at a small deck of around 50 to 100 square feet on average—just large enough to put a small grill and maybe a chair or two. Though being out on the deck for more than 30 minutes or so may start to feel a little claustrophobic.

$6,000 to $10,000

If you’re working with a budget of $6,000 to $10,000, you can nearly double the square footage to anywhere from 100 to 180 square feet. This gives a little more breathing room on the deck.

$10,000 to $15,000

Those with a budget of $10,000 to $15,000 will easily fall into the 200- to 280-square-foot range. You’ll find yourself with a lot more room to mingle, and you may even want to put in a table or larger outdoor furniture.

$15,000 to $20,000

Even with increasing your budget by around $5,000 into the $15,000 to $20,000 range, you’re not likely to see much more square footage. Expect to secure around 280 to 320 square feet for your deck for this budget range. You’ll likely be able to splurge on items such as a deck roof or maybe deck lighting.

$20,000 and upward

With a budget of $20,000 or more, you’re looking at getting a 380- to 450-square-foot deck. You’re likely going to get all the features you want, such as an outdoor heater and deck roof.

Cost to Build an Aluminum Deck Yourself

If you’re familiar with large projects and have a handle on building codes, this is a project you can accomplish yourself. However, it’s best to bring in a few friends who know what they’re doing to help you. You’re going to need to follow a residential deck construction guide as well, so you’re fully prepared for the task at hand.

Items you’ll need to accomplish this task include:

• Aluminum board: $6–$30 per linear foot

• Fasteners: $0.50–$0.75 per square foot

• Frame lumber: $3–$5 per square foot

• Saw blades: $25–$50 per saw

• Joists and beams: $15–$25 per square foot

• Shovel: $15–$40 per shovel

• Hammers: $5–$20 per hammer

• Drills: $70–$150 per drill

These items bring the total cost of building an aluminum deck yourself to around $3,500 to $9,000, depending on the size of the deck and the material pricing at the time of purchase. If it’s only you and a friend, expect to take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks, weather permitting.

Cost to Install an Aluminum Deck Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor

By accomplishing this project yourself, you’re looking at spending around $6,250 on average. Compared to hiring a deck company near you, which would cost around $12,500, and you’re looking at cutting the cost in half.

But the reality of the situation is, when it comes to a pro vs. DIY deck building, a professional company will be faster and likely do a tighter job. While deck building is possible from a DIY perspective, you need experience on large projects like building a shed or laying down flooring to completely understand what you’re doing. Tackling this project yourself without any previous experience can lead to a disaster of a deck and potentially weeks to months of wasted time.

Building an Aluminum Deck Cost by Style

Like any other decking available, you have your option of styles to choose from. You may want a floating deck away from your home to create better separation. Or maybe you’re looking for a multilevel deck that you use to separate fun and games from relaxation.

Floating Aluminum Decks

Floating decks are not attached to the house; they’re located somewhere else in the yard. Because floating decks require extra support, expect to pay around $35 to $60 per square foot for materials and labor.

Ground-Level Aluminum Decks

Maybe your home is really low to the ground, and there’s no slope at all. In these instances, you’re likely to have a ground-level aluminum deck. You should expect to pay around $20 to $40 per square foot for ground-level decks because there are no stairs or railings.

Second-Story Aluminum Decks

Maybe you’re on the opposite end and you’re looking to take your deck to new heights with a second-story aluminum deck. Because of the extra support and stairs, you’re likely to pay anywhere from $40 to $55 per square foot.

FAQs

Are aluminum decks hot?

A majority of aluminum decks use light colors to help dissipate heat. Rather than collecting the heat and storing it like most metals, light aluminum colors paired with a good coating can actually reflect more heat than even wood. Expect different colors, too.

Is an aluminum deck noisy?

The coatings used to finish an aluminum deck serve a multitude of purposes. Beyond dissipating heat and adding durability, the coatings help dampen any of the metallic noises you might think of during a rainstorm, avoiding potential cons of aluminum decking.