Choosing a deck size can be complicated because it needs to fit just right in proportion to your house and for its intended use. Determining the right and exact deck size can be tricky, but the last thing you want is to build a deck that’s too large for your home or too small for how you want to use it.
What’s the average deck size?
The standard or average deck size is between 300 and 400 square feet for most homes. Your deck must be large enough to support guests while still providing space for anything you want to place on the deck, like a grill or a hot tub.
The height of your deck is another factor and is determined by the height of your home. If your home is flush with the ground, your deck must also be close to the ground (with the appropriate space underneath for drainage). However, a home raised above ground might require a mid-level deck, while a home built on a steep hill may need a raised deck.
How big should my deck be?
Many builders suggest keeping your deck equal to or less than 20 percent of your home’s total square footage. A well-proportioned deck keeps your home the focal point of the landscape rather than the deck. Much bigger than this, and the deck will seem too large for the house.
Another consideration when building a deck and considering deck size is local regulations. Your HOA or city might restrict how large a deck can be. You will need to check your local permits and covenants to ensure you remain within the allowable deck size.
How to size a deck
If you are designing a deck, keep in mind that your deck should be wider than it is long, it should flow with the shape of your house, and it should extend the usable living space so you can move smoothly from your home onto your deck. If you’re building a deck to serve as a porch, it doesn’t need to be as large as a deck built for elaborate parties. The intention of your deck will help you size it and know how to choose the best deck type, material, and design. Ask yourself what you want to do with a deck: entertain, surround a swimming pool, or enhance your landscape?
A deck built for entertaining will need space for a large group of people and areas to place seating, tables, and more. It will also need space for a grill or an outdoor kitchen and possibly a wet bar. Builders suggest a standard deck size and an allowance of anywhere from 20 to 24 square feet per person, so a deck designed for ten people would need to be at least 240 square feet in size. Consider planning for a 12 ft by 12 ft deck to start and adjust size and dimensions from that point. A deck built specifically for lounging outside and enjoying nature (but not for entertaining) can be significantly smaller, especially if your home is on the smaller side. A deck built for a larger home will need to be scaled up accordingly.
If you don’t have the space for a longer, widespread deck, consider splitting the deck into multiple, smaller decks. Each can have a set purpose; for example, if you want to entertain, one deck could be a seating area while the other is where you cook and serve the food. Adding a deck can be an easy DIY project or something you hire out, but it is important to know how homeowners insurance works while renovating and what important questions to ask a contractor if you are hiring a company to build your deck.
FAQs
The standard or average deck size is between 300 and 400 square feet for most homes. Your deck must be large enough to support guests while still providing space for anything you want to place on the deck, like a grill or a hot tub. The height of your deck is another factor and is determined by the height of your home.
Is a 16x20 deck big enough? ›
The Average or Standard Deck Size
The average deck size is around 300 to 400 square feet, or between 15 x 16 feet and 20 x 20 feet. Although your home may require a smaller or larger deck, it's easiest to use the typical range of dimensions as a reference point and scale it up or down as you decide.
What is the most popular deck size? ›
Most backyard decks will range between 144 sq. ft to 700 sq. ft. Here in SE Michigan, the average size deck we build is about 350 sq.
Is a 12x12 deck big enough? ›
It's quite easy to incorporate a food area, seating, and a hot tub on a 12-ft. -by 12-ft. deck if you don't need large spaces for many people. This simple ground-level deck doesn't require a railing and offers plenty of extra living space for a relatively low cost per square foot.
What is the most cost-effective deck size? ›
12'0″ wide by 12'0″ deep is the most cost-effective size for a deck. The largest deck area that still complies with IRC standards and produces the least amount of material waste.
How much should a 16x20 deck cost? ›
Average Cost to Build a Deck by Size
| Deck Size | Square Footage | National Average Cost Range* |
|---|
| 14' x 20' | 280 | $11,200 – $16,800 |
| 12' x 24' | 288 | $11,520 – $17,280 |
| 16' x 20' | 320 | $12,800 – $19,200 |
| 20' x 20' | 400 | $16,000 – $24,000 |
6 more rowsCost to Build a Deck by Size
| Dimensions | Average Cost Range (Installed) |
|---|
| 10' x 16' (160 sq.ft.) | $2,400 - $8,800 |
| 10' x 20' (200 sq.ft.) | $3,000 - $11,000 |
| 12' x 20' (240 sq.ft.) | $3,600 - $13,200 |
| 14' x 20' (280 sq.ft.) | $4,200 - $15,400 |
4 more rowsRedwood, cedar, and cypress, as well as the imported species, are good choices, but since most decking boards from domestic woods are sapwood and not rot-resistant, you should treat them. For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s.
What is the average US deck size? ›
The average deck size is between 300 and 400 square feet. Generally, a deck should be wider than it is deep, with the longer dimension running along the house. With large decks, consider making them multi-level designs. This will help break up the look and designate areas for certain activities.
What is the best width for deck boards? ›
6 inches (approximately 5.5 inches actual width): Often termed as “standard” or “wide”, 6-inch deck boards are the go-to choice for many homeowners and contractors. They provide a balanced look, fewer seams, and a solid feel underfoot.
1. Cost of a deck per square foot
| Deck size | Average cost range |
|---|
| 14'x20' (280 square feet) | $8,500 – $17,000 |
| 6'x16' (256 square feet) | $7,700 – $15,500 |
| 12'x20' (240 square feet) | $7,300 – $14,500 |
| 12'x16' (180 square feet) | $5,500 – $11,000 |
6 more rowsA 12x12 deck is likely to cost between $4,320 and $8,640. A 14x20 deck is likely to cost between $8,400 and $16,800. A 20x20 deck is likely to cost between $12,000 and $24,000.
Does a large deck add value to your home? ›
Nationally, a new deck provides a 44% return on investment (ROI) in added property value. So if you invest $20,000 in a new deck, your property value may increase by $8,800 — 44% of $20,000.
How much should a 12x24 deck cost? ›
Size
| Dimensions | Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|
| 14x20 | 280 | $11,200–$16,800 |
| 12x24 | 288 | $11,520–$17,280 |
| 16x20 | 320 | $12,800–$19,200 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $16,000–$24,000 |
5 more rowsApr 2, 2024
When building a deck on a budget, wood is the cheaper choice. Make sure you choose pressure-treated lumber as using untreated wood is just asking for trouble. Being exposed to rain, snow, sun, and wind will do a number on wood that is not properly weatherproofed.
What is the average cost of a 20x20 deck? ›
Deck Costs by Size
| Deck Size | Deck Price Range |
|---|
| 10x10 | $3,000 - $6,500 |
| 12x12 | $4,500 - $9,000 |
| 14x20 | $8,500 - $17,000 |
| 20x20 | $12,000 - $24,000 |
Feb 28, 2024
16x16-foot Raised Deck: The cost to build a deck yourself for a 16x16-foot (256 square-foot) space is about $5,600 to $9,800. A contractor would charge closer to $7,800 to $15,700 to construct a deck of this size.
How much does it cost to build a 16x16 floating deck? ›
Cost to build a deck
| Deck size (feet) | Square feet | Average cost installed* |
|---|
| 16'x16' | 256 | $6,400 – $12,800 |
| 20'x20' | 400 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| 20'x24' | 480 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| 24'x24' | 576 | $14,400 – $28,800 |
9 more rowsApr 24, 2024
Household 3 min read