Family Gathering Deck
A generous dining-and-grilling deck with bench seating and wide stairs to the yard.
When everyone comes over, circulation matters as much as square footage. This 18×14 deck gives the dining set and grill distinct zones, adds a built-in bench for the extra cousins, and uses wide platform stairs so the deck connects to the lawn instead of bottlenecking at one narrow exit.
The spec
| Footprint | 18×14 ft (252 sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 ft |
| Decking | Classic composite |
| Railing | Yes |
| Stairs | Yes |
| Cost basis | Composite benchmark: $45 – $70 / sq ft installed (USD). |
| Base platform allowance (USD) | $11,300 – $17,600 |
These are base platform allowances, not complete quotes for the pictured designs. Railing, stairs, lighting, skirting, benches, pergolas, special board patterns and extra framing for height or multiple levels need separate quotes.
Cost assumptions and sources
U.S. planning allowances in USD for a simple, single-level deck, including ordinary materials and contractor labor. These are PaperPlan editorial assumptions, not surveyed averages or a local quote.
- Pressure-treated: $25 – $40 / sq ft installed (USD)
- Composite: $45 – $70 / sq ft installed (USD)
- PVC: $60 – $90 / sq ft installed (USD)
Multiply deck area (width × length in feet) by the selected installed rate, then round each end of the range to the nearest $100.
Demolition, permits and engineering, taxes, stairs, railing, roofs, unusual foundations and difficult site access need separate quotes. Location, product selection and labor can put a real bid outside these ranges. Canadian projects need local CAD pricing.
The manufacturer sources below explain scope and cost drivers; they do not validate PaperPlan’s exact installed-rate bands. Supplier material estimates should not be compared directly with an installed project budget.
- Trex: deck material cost calculator: Estimates materials and explicitly excludes labor; prices vary with location, season and design.
- TimberTech: understanding deck costs: Separates decking, railing, labor and substructure, and explains the impact of site and project features.
Sources and assumptions reviewed . Confirm the scope and current price with local contractors before budgeting a build.
Best for
- Large families and everyone-over-on-Sunday entertaining
- Homes four feet above grade that need a substantial yard connection
- Hosts who need dining, grilling, and overflow seating in one layout
Similar templates
- Outdoor dining deck: A dinner-party layout with a real table zone, tucked-away grill, and post-cap glow at dusk.
- Two-level entertainer: Main deck stepping down to a lower lounge with wide platform stairs.
- Classic raised deck: The bread-and-butter build: 16×12 composite, aluminum balusters, boxed stairs.
Deck planning guides
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