Garden Starter Deck
Ten by eight feet of cedar, neatly skirted and planted for a compact yard.
A first deck does not need to take over the garden. At 10×8 feet and only 18 inches high, this cedar platform adds a useful place to step out, sit, and tend a pair of planters while leaving most of a small yard intact. Matching skirting finishes the base, and the landing-entry stairs make the transition feel intentional.
The spec
| Footprint | 10×8 ft (80 sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5 ft |
| Decking | Cedar (traditional) |
| Railing | Yes |
| Stairs | Yes |
| Cost basis | Pressure-treated benchmark: $25 – $40 / sq ft installed (USD). Pressure-treated is a budget proxy here; the pictured cedar needs its own quote. |
| Skirting | Full |
| Lighting | Risers (daytime scene) |
| Base platform allowance (USD) | $2,000 – $3,200 |
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
- Small urban yards where every square foot of garden matters
- First-time deck owners who want a manageable starting point
- Side and back entries that need more than a step but less than a patio
Similar templates
- Ground-level lounge: Low cedar platform that hugs the yard. No railing, no stairs, just deck.
- Skirted porch deck: Charcoal diagonal boards with full skirting, access door, and an entry landing.
- Floating island: Freestanding platform set at an angle in the yard, with diagonal coastal boards.
Deck planning guides
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