How Much Does a Custom Deck Cost in Middle Tennessee?

Published on January 12, 2026

If you are trying to figure out what a custom deck costs in Middle Tennessee, you have probably already noticed how confusing the answers can be. One builder throws out a low number. Another gives a much higher range. Both may be telling the truth.

The problem is not dishonesty. The problem is how deck pricing is usually explained.

Custom decks are not priced well by category. A better way to understand cost is price per square foot, combined with real-world examples. That approach reflects how decks are actually designed and built.

In Middle Tennessee, professionally built custom decks generally range from $35 per square foot up to $150 per square foot. Where your project lands inside that range depends on materials, height, layout, and structural complexity.

Understanding those differences is the key to setting realistic expectations.

Custom Deck Cost Per Square Foot in Middle Tennessee

Most custom deck projects fall somewhere between $35 and $150 per square foot. That spread exists because no two decks are truly the same.

At the lower end, you are looking at simple, ground-adjacent decks with basic materials. At the higher end, you are dealing with elevated structures, premium materials, complex framing, and upgraded finishes.

The square foot price reflects more than just the boards you walk on. It includes framing, footings, labor, fasteners, railings, stairs, and code requirements.

A Simple Example: Basic Pressure-Treated Deck

Let’s start with a straightforward project.

Example:
• Size: 10×20 deck, 200 square feet
• Height: A few feet off the ground
• Materials: Pressure-treated framing and decking
• Layout: Straight design, no angles
• Railings: Basic wood rail system

A deck like this often lands around $50 per square foot.

That puts the total project cost at roughly $10,000, built properly from the ground up.

This type of deck works well for homeowners who want usable outdoor space without visual upgrades or long-term material investments. It keeps upfront costs lower, but it does require ongoing maintenance like staining and sealing.

Why Material Choice Changes Cost So Quickly

Material selection is one of the fastest ways to move up or down the price range.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable option upfront. It is commonly used for framing and sometimes for the decking surface.
Lower cost comes with tradeoffs. Treated boards require maintenance. Over time, they can warp, crack, or splinter, especially in Tennessee heat and humidity.
This option makes sense when budget is the top concern or when the deck is meant to be simple and functional.

Composite Decking. Trex and TimberTech

Composite decking raises the cost per square foot, but it also reduces long-term maintenance.
Trex and TimberTech are both popular composite decking brands, and neither is inherently more expensive than the other. Each brand offers multiple product lines with different levels of quality, appearance, and cost.
- Both Trex and TimberTech have entry-level, mid-range, and premium options. Pricing depends more on the specific product line, board thickness, finish, and warranty than on the brand name itself. In practice, a higher-end Trex line can cost more than a basic TimberTech option, and the reverse can also be true.
- For homeowners in Middle Tennessee, the right choice usually comes down to performance expectations, aesthetic preferences, and long-term maintenance goals rather than assuming one brand is always more expensive.
Switching from treated decking to composite can raise pricing into the $65 to $100 per square foot range, depending on layout, elevation, and railings.
Many homeowners in Middle Tennessee choose composite for durability, appearance, and lower upkeep over time.

Specialty and Exotic Woods

Hardwoods and specialty woods push projects toward the top of the pricing scale.
These materials cost more to source and take longer to install. They often require hidden fasteners, specialty hardware, and experienced crews.
Decks using exotic woods frequently fall closer to $120 to $150 per square foot, especially when combined with elevation or custom details.

Deck Height and Structural Requirements

A deck’s height above ground has an impact on cost. Elevated decks typically require deeper footings and additional structural planning, and labor costs increase due to working at height and building stair systems. The beam sizes often remain similar, but the added elevation increases time, safety considerations, and installation complexity.

Stairs alone can add several thousand dollars, especially when they include landings or wider treads.

Homes with walkout basements or sloped lots almost always move into higher price ranges due to added engineering and excavation needs.

Design Complexity Changes Labor Time

A rectangular deck is the most efficient shape to build. As soon as angles, curves, or multiple levels are introduced, labor time increases. Framing becomes more complex. Material waste goes up. Installations slow down.

Even small design changes can push square foot pricing higher because labor scales faster than materials.

Open Decks vs Covered vs Screened

Coverage plays a huge role in final cost.

Open Decks

Open decks are the most affordable option. No roof structure. No enclosure. Fewer posts and footings.
These projects sit at the lower end of the price-per-square-foot range.

Covered Decks

Adding a roof turns a deck into a structural extension of the home.
Covered decks require additional footings, load-bearing posts, roof framing, and roofing materials. Electrical planning is also common for lighting or fans.
A covered structure often adds $15,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on size and roof design.

Screened Decks and Porches

Screened decks require framing for screens, screen systems, doors, trim, and drainage considerations.
They cost more than open decks and typically fall closer to the mid to upper price-per-square-foot range. In Middle Tennessee, they are popular due to insects and summer heat.

Railings, Posts, and Finish Details Add Up Fast

Railings vary widely in price. Wood railings cost the least. Composite systems increase cost. Aluminum railings with cable wire are among the most expensive options.

Upgraded posts, wrapped columns, beadboard ceilings, and decorative trim all raise the square foot cost without increasing deck size. These details often separate basic decks from high-end custom builds.

Permits, Codes, and Local Requirements

Most Middle Tennessee municipalities require permits for deck construction. Permit fees, inspections, and code compliance are built into professional pricing. Some areas require engineered drawings, especially for elevated or covered decks.

Cities like Franklin and Brentwood often involve stricter review processes, which can increase both cost and timeline.

Why Deck Estimates Can Be Far Apart

Large pricing differences usually come down to scope and standards.
One quote may include proper footings, moisture protection, and upgraded materials. Another may leave out important structural elements that are not obvious at first glance.
Lower prices often reflect fewer details, lower material grades, or shortcuts that show up later.

What a Professional Deck Builder Should Explain Upfront

A quality builder will explain pricing in terms of square footage, materials, and structure. They will walk your property, account for real site conditions, and outline what pushes cost higher or lower.

Custom decks are long-term investments. Understanding how price per square foot works helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises once construction begins.

If you are planning a custom deck in Middle Tennessee, an on-site evaluation is the only way to determine where your project fits within the $35 to $150 per square foot range.