Buyers typically pay a total installed price for redwood decking that reflects board quality, deck size, labor rates, and finish choices. The main cost drivers are material grades, deck size, and whether professional installation or extras such as sealing are included. This guide covers cost, price ranges, and practical budget notes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood deck boards (2×6 or 5/4) | $3.50 | $6.50 | $12.50 | Material cost per sq ft; varies by grade and heartwood content |
| Labor for installation (per sq ft) | $7.50 | $12.00 | $20.00 | Includes framing, fasteners, and basic planning |
| Permits & inspections | $0 | $200 | $600 | Municipal requirements vary by locality |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $100 | $350 | Delivery distance and tear-out waste affect costs |
| Finish or sealant | $0.50 | $1.50 | $2.50 | Applied per sq ft for protection and color |
| Total installed price per sq ft | Combined materials + labor + extras; see ranges above |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Typical installed price range: Redwood decking generally sits in the $15 to $30 per sq ft bracket, depending on grade, finish, and local labor costs. A full project for a common back deck (200–300 sq ft) often lands between $3,000 and $9,000 before permits. For larger or more premium builds, costs can exceed $12,000. The main price drivers are board grade and heartwood depth, plus the cost of finishing and any structural upgrades.
Per-unit ranges and assumptions include: materials $3.50–$12.50 per sq ft; installation labor $7.50–$20 per sq ft; permits varies by city; delivery and disposal $0–$350 total; finish $0.50–$2.50 per sq ft. Assumptions: standard joist spacing, typical 2x framing, and a ground-level or raised deck with no complex railing system.
Cost Breakdown
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood boards, screws, fasteners | Framing and deck boards installed | Tools and rental if needed | City or county permit fees | Delivery to site and debris removal | Material and workmanship warranty varies by supplier |
| Project-level totals | Project-level labor hours depend on size | Occasional equipment charge | Depends on jurisdiction | Dependent on site access | Typically 1–5 years depending on contractor |
Pricing Variables
Grade and heartwood depth strongly affect price. Premium Redwood with deeper heartwood commands higher material costs and better durability. Deck thickness and board width also shift pricing; wider boards reduce installed labor but increase material cost per board, while thicker boards add weight and may require stronger framing. Savings may be found by selecting standard grades and fewer accessories.
Ways To Save
Regional pricing differences influence overall cost; urban markets typically command higher labor rates than suburban or rural areas. Savings opportunities include choosing standard boards, batching delivery, and scheduling work in off-peak periods to reduce crew rates.
Regional Price Differences
Urban vs suburban vs rural price deltas show roughly a ±15% to ±35% spread in labor costs. In the Northeast coastal markets, installed price per sq ft for basic redwood decking tends to be at the higher end, while in parts of the South and Midwest, both material and labor can trend lower. Local availability of redwood also shapes pricing; premium mills closer to the coast may push costs higher but reduce freight.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Typical crew hours for a 200–300 sq ft deck range from 18 to 40 hours depending on complexity, railing, and site access. Hourly rates commonly run $35–$75 for skilled carpenters. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Efficient crews may reduce time with prefabricated components, while complex layouts increase hours and cost.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can include soil prep, slope corrections, termite treatment if required, and drainage adjustments. If a permit is required, factor in review timelines and potential inspection fees. Some projects add edge trims, fascia boards, or integrated lighting that raise both material and labor costs.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic deck — 120 sq ft, standard redwood 5/4 boards, no railing upgrade, no finish. Materials $420; Labor $1,200; Permits $0; Delivery $60; Finish $0; Total $1,680.
Mid-Range deck — 200 sq ft, redwood 2×6 boards, basic sealant, standard railing, mid-grade fasteners. Materials $1,300; Labor $2,500; Permits $200; Delivery $100; Finish $300; Total $4,400.
Premium deck — 350 sq ft, heartwood redwood, premium fasteners, elevated framing, insulated railing, and high-end sealer. Materials $4,900; Labor $5,600; Permits $500; Delivery $200; Finish $900; Total $12,000.
Assumptions: region, deck size, and selected finishes influence these scenarios.
