Covering your deck can be a great way to make your outdoor space more comfortable and enjoyable. It provides shelter from the sun, rain, and other elements, and can be used to create a private outdoor retreat. Additionally, covering your deck also helps protect the wood from weather-related damage and wear and tear. With these benefits in mind, though, is it within your budget?
The cost of covering a deck depends on how you do it. Building a screened-in porch around your deck will undoubtedly cost more than covering the area with a simple overhanging veranda. On the other hand, a basic arbor could be an affordable way to shield the space from sun and rain. Regardless of the approach, though, consider the cost of materials and labor needed to complete the project.
If you’re still undecided on how to cover your deck, we recommend reading below. This guide will explain the overall costs of covering a deck from three different perspectives and explain what you’ll have to account for during the renovation. With this information in hand, you can then make a well-informed decision about how to move forward.
Building a Complete Screened-In Porch
Although it may seem like overkill to build an entire screened-in porch around your deck, if you live in a particularly warm part of the country where gnats, mosquitoes, and other unwanted flying insects are a nuisance, this type of project may be worth the investment. But how much will it cost to build a complete screened-in porch?
Benefits of Building a Screened-In Porch
Building a screened-in porch offers several advantages. Not only will it protect you and your family from pesky bugs, but it will also extend the life of your deck by providing shelter from the elements. It will also increase the value of your home and give you a beautiful outdoor area to relax and entertain.
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Cost of Materials
The cost of building a screened-in porch will vary depending on the size of the space and the materials you choose. Generally, you’ll need to purchase lumber, screening, nails, screws, and sealants. You may also need to purchase additional tools if you don’t already have them. In total, though, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for materials
Cost of Labor
If you decide to hire a professional contractor to do the work, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the size of the space and the complexity of the job. Plus, building a screened-in porch is a complex job that requires a certain level of experience and expertise. If you’re not a skilled DIYer, it’s best to leave the job to a professional.
Creating an Overhanging Veranda
An arbor is a great way to add a decorative touch to your deck while providing a bit of shade from the sun. While this type of project isn’t as expensive as building a complete screened-in porch, it’s still a significant investment.
Benefits of Building a Veranda
Building a veranda not only adds a decorative Mediterranean touch to your deck, but it will also provide some welcome shade from the sun. Additionally, it can be used to add privacy to your outdoor space or create a private retreat.
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Cost of Materials
Although you won’t need as many materials as you would to build a full screened-in porch, you’ll still need to purchase lumber, bolts, nails, screws, and sealants. Depending on the size and complexity of the arbor, you may also need additional tools. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for materials, depending on the size of the area and the quality of the materials.
Cost of Labor
A veranda is a bit small than a screened-in porch but it requires laborers to attach the overhang to your roof. Therefore, if you decide to hire a professional contractor to do the work, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the size of the space and the complexity of the job. It’s also inadvisable to DIY a veranda installation without the proper experience or skills.
Adding an Arbor
If you’re looking for an affordable way to cover your deck, adding a simple arbor is a great option. Arbors are fairly easy to construct and can be built with minimal materials. But how much will it cost to build a veranda on your deck?
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Benefits of Adding an Arbor
The benefit of using an arbor to cover your deck is that you may not have to build anything. As long as your deck isn’t too large, you may be able to find a prefabricated arbor that can easily cover the space. This way, all you have to do is move it into position.
Cost of Materials
If you do choose to build your own arbor, you’ll need to purchase some lumber, bolts, nails, screws, and wood glue. This could cost anywhere from $150 to $500, depending on the size of your porch and the quality of the materials you buy. Overall, though, you shouldn’t need more than a hammer, buzzsaw, and electric screwdriver.
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Cost of Labor
Building a veranda is a relatively straightforward job that can be completed by an experienced DIYer. If you’re not sure about your abilities, though, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure the job is done correctly. This could cost around $1,000 from start to finish and will depend on whether you have the contractor build the arbor as well as install it.
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Conclusion
Covering your deck can be a great way to make your outdoor space more comfortable and enjoyable. Although it can be a significant investment, there are a variety of options to choose from, each with its own advantages and costs. Whether you decide to build a screened-in porch, an arbor, or a veranda, make sure to consider the cost of materials and labor before moving forward. With this information in hand, you can then make a well-informed decision about how to move forward.