is it CHEAPER to build a DECK, DIY style or to HIRE a contractor?

Let’s build a deck with pressure treated wood and composite decking. I’m going to breakdown the cost for DIY and disclose how much professional contractors quotes. Is it cheaper to build a DECK, (DIY style) or to hire a contractor?
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[@joshcortright]

Don’t put post in the concrete. Those are going to rot. Pour the pier and get the brackets that bolt the post to the pier and also keep them 1/2” or so off the ground.

[@seaofrage]

Yeah that was my thought as well. Just not gonna last as long as it would have otherwise. Not sure about covering the sides of the deck with a solid piece of wood either cuz you might want more airflow there.

[@chelolelo]

They now sell heat shrink pvc that prevents Rot. They're called postsaver or green . Or you can dip it in liquid rubber.

[@SeriousBons]

Exactly what I was wandering, I remember a South Korean video about building houses where they specifically explained how you don't want wood to be in contact with concrete.

[@chelolelo]

@@SeriousBons Also.. apparently there are other methods you can do to isolate the wood from surface. However you do not want to trap the moisture in the wood. So a bag or wrap that went around the entire part of the post thats going into the ground may not be great as it may trap water once it rains or dew..therefore causing rot to occur down the road.

[@hewoguys2506]

or put a dpm at bottom of post

[@totalnoobfishing1753]

Forget professional contractors...what you just did WAS professional. Nicely done and enjoy the compliments

[@steve23464]

Exactly my thoughts. DYI but it's a lot easier when you're basically a contractor.

[@chivo2102]

That’s the only problem with videos like these. The skill set/labor is obviously a huge factor so it isn’t fair to call it cheaper. Not to mention tools and time required.

[@aknorth1053]

Speaking as a DIYer who just built his first deck nothing about a deck is technically challenging and overall the process is pretty forgiving. Even buying the required tools you'll save money. And you will still have the tools when the project is done

[@chivo2102]

@@aknorth1053firstly if you consider yourself a diyer so I’ll assume you have significant experience. Secondly, no screwing or nailing some boards together to make a deck isn’t very difficult. Properly getting square, level, plumb and slopes with foresight of future potential issues with the correct materials and steps so that it’s long lasting with max capacity of safety for the years it will be used is something entirely different. To your last point, if you don’t use the tools regularly they will have been a one time purchase that actually didn’t save you money. Especially if missed some steps or for whatever reason the deck has to be rebuilt in 5 years rather than 20.

[@planb6504]

The guy probably works for the military engineer sector. He is not a newbie

[@-Kreger-]

I’ve built quite a few decks. You did a great job. Can’t say I’ve figured out a way to not be hunched over. Good way to keep rodents and snakes out is to keep it clean under there. Use landscaping to seal the remaining gap. I always think if there isn’t a food/ water supply, they won’t want to be there. But if there’s a will there’s a way.

[@johnthepaddle4772]

8:04

[@diywithandrew]

Dude you absolutely crushed it! Well done.

[@chaddymuchacho3347]

Your DIY tool kit is better then most contractors, Great job, my only criticism is you should have checked your bearers into your posts rather then screwing them. The whole sheer weight of that deck is on those screws when it could be sitting directly ontop or housed into the posts. Great work.

[@bvictory5698]

built hundreds of decks, best advice for laying the boards and ur back, stand on the ground, not the deck, while you work, when possible, brings your work up to you a good bit depending on the decks lvl. there are some tools to make it so u can screw while standing, but they kind of suck, i jus do it the old fashion way.

[@roots4x]

I have no construction experience and was thinking the same thing. Why not stand on the lower ground between the joists?

[@downwhimsyavenue]

I stumbled upon your channel from Tiktok, and I am hooked brother. We are kindred spirits, and I love watching creative and motivated people tackle awesome projects. I'm binging all your videos now! Keep it up man, love what you're doing, and how you're doing it.

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thank you so much for the kind words brother 👊👊 what can I say, but YOU rock!

[@brandyeldridge3332]

I absolutely agree with everything you said about vacation and home... Makes so much sense to me!!!😊 Plus you did an amazing job!!!❤

[@Steve-ps6qw]

I love the little tabs on top of the joists, such a great idea.

[@fergusof]

Good job. I built my son's deck -- about half the size -- with two stairs and a railing. Saved my son about 8 or 9 thousand dollars. I got a hug out of it. :)

[@PaulSmith-pr7pv]

Worth it ❤ wish you both many years of happiness

[@JOIHIINI]

Is he in a wheelchair? Why didnt he help u lol. Teach a man how to fish 🐟

[@MJ-iy4fb]

Not only did you save big money, you did a fantastic job!! Well Done!!

[@matthewgarey6240]

Just took my family of 5 to Disney, Sea World, spring training ball game and water park. Drove from Canada and whole trip was less than $5gs Cnd. Love the deck and video for saving money. I did this with a 80’ fence a few years ago. $4500 quote completed for $1950 DIY!! (And I have new tools)

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Very cool. And thank you for the kind words. It was a fun project for sure. But wow, I have no idea how you pulled off Disney and traveling that far for less than $5k though. We went there last year for 4 days and drove from florida lol and we spent $10k. Our hotel room was horrible too. And we went as cheap as we could with food and every thing. And we did nothing special or big. Some friends of mine go there twice a year and it cost them around $10k each time. Disney actually estimates for a family of 4, you will spend $5k-$9k for less than a week. We’re definitely not travel pros though 🤷‍♂️

[@stevehadfield1164]

Dude that is a great finish. Awesome job. If only the weather here in the UK was good enough to warrant a deck that big.

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thanks man! 👊 you’re weather must be very wet. I honestly don’t know. But I know our weather this season has been awful. I can’t wait for summer lol 😂

[@grilsegrils9330]

Well you have better weather than me in Norway. And there are some huge decks here anyways

[@ChefsBackyard]

Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing. I hope your family is enjoying your handiwork.

[@bobbyGnOly]

You are so much fun to watch and listen to....great job...I learned several trix from you. Thanks.

[@DK-pg4hl]

I agree 100% on your home being your main destination and using money on it instead of vacation.

[@dr.romeoconfidential9271]

You must be a boomer !

[@Michasmc]

Just WOW, amazing! Im seriously considering building deck on my own, this video is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

[@kooskansloos4834]

Looks great. So relaxing and soothing to watch. And inspiring to do these jobs by myself too!

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

I’ve always done my own Reno’s you know it’s going to get done right no corners cut and that feeling of accomplishment when your done is hard to beat and you’ve done a killer job it looks perfect

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Thank you so much and I totally agree with you.

[@discounthub1401]

Having a contractor do my deck. He never put the plastic that I saw you put. Will that be a problem?

[@cvicracer]

Awesome job bro!! enjoying your hard work is the best life it’s very satisfying!

[@eugenejoseph7076]

Good job dude! Also enjoyed your social commentary on the state of the world. I'm retired, mortgage free for over twenty years but it's because we never took costly yearly vacation to some tourist filled beaches and pay for everything on Credit Cards that never get fully paid until you take another vacation! I know couples in their seventies with a mortgage!!! We took great day trips, the odd overnight, some to Florida to visit family, but mostly enjoyed holidays at home and loved it. Nothing beats a great BBQ, a cold pint, backyard movies with family and friends. Cheers.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Donnie! It turned out amazing! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

We will for sure and thank you so much!!! 😊

[@user-hx9yw3ln4b]

Great Job Donnie! Keep up the DIY !!!

[@peteryeung111]

Nothing more satisfying to accomplish something on your own, and improving your skills along the way. Nice work!

[@MaxorMatt]

For the wildlife that may want to nest underneath: You can fasten 1/8” galvanized steel screening along the lower perimeter of the deck and dig down 3’ + 3ft 90 degrees out from the deck, then fill back in with same dirt or whatever.

[@largo6644]

Looks really great !!! Congratulations !!! Greeetings from Argentina ! 🇦🇷

[@CowboyBillUSA]

What exceptional craftsmanship. Excellent job!

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

You’re too kind, but you made my day. Thank you.

[@anythingeverything4424]

As far as keeping rodents out I’d say make a 2 foot walkway all the way around the 3 back sides with white 3/4 rock and fill high enough to patch any exposed openings

[@86309]

I totally agree with your position on vacations and the cost, out of control for what you get(in my opinion) Im building my own deck right now, like you, had the same thoughts about hiring etc...WAY too expensive! Great job! plus I learned a few tricks watching you lay the joist for the picture frame. Liked and subscribed.

[@joelnite]

Dude you brighten up my day

[@ThickCutBacon]

That looks absolutely incredible! Well done!

[@PaulSmith-pr7pv]

I agree on making your home great by doing projects, but I still love a good holiday once in a while. It’s different, a change.

[@michiganracer1181]

I believe the building code in my area won’t let you hold the deck up with bolts or screws. The frame would be resting on top of the support post not bolted to the side of them. Deck looks good though, nice work.

[@user-xg6zy2oi9c]

Don’t tell them you’re building it then.

[@michiganracer1181]

@@user-xg6zy2oi9c There’s always that option as well…ground level deck probably is a non issue.

[@user-xg6zy2oi9c]

@@michiganracer1181 yeah no reasons screws can hold a deck as long as you’re not putting very large weights hot tub etc.

[@n1west]

Those posts are also not code where I live. The screws holding the joists to posts are not intended to be load bearing.

[@user-xg6zy2oi9c]

@@n1west be reet as we say in Yorkshire.

[@5stardave]

Vacations can add so much enrichment to your life if you stay away from tourist attractions. Go to a nearby National Forest and find some random place to have a dispersed campsite away from an organized campground. No cost for the campsite, take food you already have, just have to spend money on fuel and camping gear you can use for years and might come in handy when the power goes out. Nothing like unplugging for a few days and making some memories.

[@user-bn1to5jh3x]

Wow, man I really love the way you do things. Beautiful deck!

[@Maybe-you-know-me.]

I like it! Would definitely DIY it and have. I tend to incorporate free materials in mine, sometimes it needs replacing sooner but like you said it’s my free time.

[@RafikMankariosDrumStudio]

Hey bud! That was an absolutely intelligent, esthetic, and beautiful build! Great work! Enjoy your pool and beautiful deck with your family. Cheers!

[@SojuDaddy1]

Great project. Once we get to settle in one place, i plan on doing the same thing. Make your home the place that you want to "get away to" and you'll be happy all the time.

[@DesignsbyDonnie]

Yes! I love hearing that. We just bought this house last year after renting for 10 years so I’ve been dying to do home projects. I seriously want to diy my entire house into a place we never want to leave. I want to build awesome memories right here 👍👍

[@SojuDaddy1]

@DesignsbyDonnie with skill and all of the free info on youtube, you'll build a place that other people want to come to as well. Lol good luck and I look forward to seeing your other projects.

[@oberning1]

AMAZING deck! Seriously awesome work 🎉 I also totally understand your thoughts behind traveling. That said, I make less than $85k a year with a family of five and we find ways to travel abroad for half of the year! It’s all about motivations and sacrifices. Our house is definitely lacking on the beauty front, but it has a solid foundation, new roof, windows, and doors, and it is filled with travel memories and photos 🙌🏻 It’s not for everyone, but I wouldn’t trade our crazy lifestyle for anything else (and I’m sure you would say the same 😄).

[@seanneilan3919]

Make sure you get plenty of shade on the deck. I have the same color trex and in the summer it gets SUPER hot. Even my dogs don’t want to walk across the deck in the afternoon.

[@sanrasuzumaki942]

Great job, this gives me the inspiration to redo my back deck, I was quoted 19k and I estimate around 6k in materials, I just need to make the time for it now, I love the way you did the frame.

[@puckeater1]

Very nice job! Do you mind listing what materials you used in the description, IE: Trex composite deck or which? Thanks for the info

[@IAmWarN]

Nice work! Turned out great! Looks like a fun project. Wish I had the space for something like this.

[@coreyk2998]

Wow- Awesome deck and you have a great attitude!

[@daviddrake5906]

Very nice job. A thought I had was about ventilation under the deck. It is going to get wet there due to rain penetrating through the gaps. Improving under deck ventilation will allow the under deck area to dry out faster and slow down any rot. mildew and mould.

[@pabadear]

Wow you nailed it man, excellent work! My only critique is the math you shared. $50-$60/sqft for a 400sqft deck would come out to $20k-$24k, not $15k-$16k. This makes your savings even more intense!

[@lamoe4175]

Little bit off topic. Had a 2 / 3 story English Basement "walk out" house with a hill from basement floor level to next floor. The original berm wall was railroad ties. UGLY and becoming rotten. Contractor cost to redo was $14,000 in 2000. Went to local stone supplier. Cost for blocks, needed other stuff + delivery to front of house was less than $4,000. Soil removed was pure black dirt. Made a nice raised garden with it .Took most of summer to excavate, reinforce soil, prep, and install block. Wall was 4 1/2 ft high x 24ft length.

[@loriecochran3080]

Whoever taught this guy how to do this was knew what they were doing. This is awesome

[@AM-gm3zx]

Excellent point about traveling

[@harbin88]

It is fun to travel in Europe😅 But I am still enjoying what you do too, there is no conflicts. Wow, your work is amazing❤

[@user-vq5dh9uc4s]

Great meticulous framing and deck board installation. ? When you cut the decking with the track saw, prior to installing the "middle board", how did you prevent cutting into the black tape on top of the framing?

[@BonesJJ]

Awesome job.. that deck looks amazing! • On the intro, I’m from Louisiana but it’s really like Texas border so I’ve been to Buc-ee’s quite a bit. I’ll say this when traveling that is absolutely the place to stop, the gas is priced reasonably ( Sams club prices), the bathrooms are always immaculate. Those bathrooms are so clean it’s like a hospital lol. They have a wide variety of snacks, food, drinks to restock for the road or get a decent meal in. - Taking selfies there is wild. -• The vacation perspective is all matter of how you grew up, lived and are you doing it within your means. I never had a vacation growing up the closest thing to that was Class Field Trips to the Zoo or NASA. I’m extremely frugal, all I do is work and stay home. So much so I only fill my truck up once every 10-14 days lol sometimes longer than that. When I was working full time at a casino and a full time college student I had my first solo vacation to Vegas spent in 08’ flight and room was $700. I won $2800 second night entire trip was paid for and I and winnings. I’ve had other trips to LA, San Diego, Nashville, Atlanta, Tampa, Fl. Those trips were more pricey as couples trips but when you work as much as we do it’s good to decompress sometimes. My home is on peers so I’ve always wanted a back deck, so I could walk out my French doors sit out back or grill on the back deck. Had a cheaper Pit rust and rot because water pools in the backyard from heavy rain so this would alleviate that problem as well. My home was recently renovated from past hurricane damage. They did a good job but for the total of 170k I feel like the whole home should have been touched up. I got no improvements in the kitchen. Did not remove a wall to make it open. No talks for the back deck. My front deck was rebuilt a made even better I’d prefer to bbq in the back though.

[@wombatsnbeavers]

Honestly, you crushed it man well done! Personally I love traveling; we mostly go out of season to avoid crowds, but sometimes it's awesome to experience something new with a huge group of fellow humans. Hey! You can have the deck and the vacation too considering what you saved!!! All the more reason to DIY :D

[@jimdickson1969]

Amazing job buddy.. well done, enjoy it.

[@itsdannyftw]

Awesome work man!

[@CookWithWood-iz5hi]

You did an amazing job, when the adverts came on it was for Disney in Paris which I thought was funny, I do live in France.

[@beskidteunderbukser1431]

To your question about relieving the stress on your back during the job. I’d advise getting carpenter pants with kneepads inside. I was just noticing that you were standing the entire time. Its a beautiful deck you’ve build 👍

[@BobJackson-zv1fh]

Great job. You are the man!

[@jamesmalapan7243]

You killed it nice work I’ve seen pros not do as well

[@rambleon912]

Great job, you absolutely nailed it ( no pun intended )!

[@rob5763]

Very nicely done looks great. And I share your stay home and enjoy your life philosophy.

[@raylee6658]

Great work!

[@ChesterCopperpot82]

Looks great! Good job. I hear you on the lower back pain. One of my biggest complaints when doing this kind of work. Unrelated question, those dark gray boxes you have the two small trees in look awesome. Where did you find the materials for those? Thanks.

[@frankmortensen7651]

Very nice job, that deck will last you a long time for sure! I do have a few takeaways for you though, or for others looking to build a deck and actually read the comments first. Someone else mentioned not to put the posts in the concrete, even if its ground contact treated. It will be ok for many years, but not AS many as if you had used a post sleeve around the post below where it protrudes the concrete to a few inches above ground, or used a post base and painted the cut end with copper naphthenate. also the technique of cutting the decking after its down made for some straight lines, but that rendered your tape work a waste of time and money, it also could make channels in the joists right where the water is going to drip down. Still, your work is better then some professional jobs I have seen.

[@GeorgeMinton-jb8ky]

That is a beautiful deck and I appreciated your desire to keep animals out. I have a shed and those little boogers found every weak point I had on the low side of the deck. Skunks loves porches, decks and air conditioners, especially air conditioners. If you really want to keep them out get some hardware cloth at a hardware store of all places. Dig about 8 inches into the ground all around your deck. Nail half of it below ground and the other half above ground. Make sure the corners are overlapped. That might keep them out but only time will tell. Chipmunks also like these same places. I had one find a one inch hole by my garage door and he used it for a long time until he filled the whole area up with his food store. I am never telling the next homeowner about this. Now you have the inside skinny on it. Good luck. note: gravel helps keep the skunks out. They don't like digging in gravel for long. You might consider a railing around the back of it. The first kid that falls off and you might get sued. All you need is one crazy mother going off on you and they are out there not to mention kids don't listen.

[@ivanm.380]

Bro you killed it! Nice

[@spelunkerd]

Looks great. I just wonder about how heat will expand the long segments of plastic. As appealing as those tight miter joints are now, aren't you supposed to leave a little gap for expansion? I'm trying to learn this before giving it a try later this month.... How does it look now?

[@ericturner2477]

Looks great. I didn't think you could countersink screws in composite that has the scallops on the underside. Is there something I'm missing?

[@KnoxIncorporated44]

Great job dude! I enjoyed this video

[@hacmia8708]

This job is pro af. Nothing diy about this. Loved the joist jig for easy positioning. I wish I would've done that.

[@streetdevilz1454]

Holy smokes you did a good job on that is that composite decking your using?

[@GaryT1952]

Incredible build! I need that cement mixer!

[@NotTheOneAtAll]

Deck came out great. Great work. New subscriber. 👍🏿

[@toabove2]

I think many people would agree with me that this is beyond DIY work 😂. I criticized you in my head, but that was all jealousy thought of how my work would not come even close to half of this. Such great works.

[@criticalmass181]

Great work, Mate. To keep critters out of the underside, have you considered putting a river rock boarder around the base? It'll still let any water drain out, but keep animals from entering.

[@Jungler77]

Wow, that’s awesome. Just out of curiosity, why did you choose to not make it level with the patio?

[@amsoiladam]

I think it came out fantastic. I would use some large stone, with Nichole riprap put around the base to hide blackboards that you put up. It will also also help her critters from getting there.

[@CallMeTaste]

Looks awesome. No corners cut, except the ones mitered :).

[@Anonymousaaa]

Great job You should add LED at bottom to give it extra nice effect

[@fnxtugboat3541]

Way nicer than I could have made it lol. Looks awesome dude!

[@jonathansheeder5153]

Fantastic job!

[@taylorlewis7972]

Great job on the deck build. Only thing I didn’t like was putting posts down into concrete like a fence post. That’s gonna be a tough repair being that the deck is so close to the ground. You shouldn’t have to worry about it for another 10 years. Make sure you have good drainage and airflow under the deck.

[@chelolelo]

Good job. The only suggestion I have is that not all wood is square if you're going to home depot / Lowes. Please make sure its not warped or have a curve on the short side to it by placing the lumber on the floor whereever you are getting your lumber from to make sure its not bad.

[@grilsegrils9330]

This took 2 weeks? Bbut it only took 9 minutes to watch. It was a pleasure to look at, greit editing 👍

[@jonjones7665]

DIY is great if you have all the tools. You did a great job and having all the right tools is a part of that. My problem is that to do a one-off project like your deck, which I am contemplating and why I watched your video I need the tools only once and that is expensive. Unfortunately where I am I do not have the luxury of hiring any gear. Well done though.

[@JBillionzz]

What if you made a small rock pit border going around the outer edge which would bridge the opening between bottom of deck and ground? Could also do mulch instead and plant some ornamental trees/shrubs around your deck

[@NDProps]

Nice work. looks great.

[@Tsuter1978]

It looks good, but the beams shouldn’t be fastened by bolts on the posts like that. The beams should rest on top of the beams with Simpson plates to join the two together. There are lots of code books out there for free to use as reference.

[@joshuawiedenbeck6944]

Multiple code violations on this project. The treated posts aren't allowed to be below grade now either. The methods used are good methods, just not code compliant anymore.

[@chrismills3435]

Lovely job. You guys have some great tools, did you have hire that specialist kit. Here in rainy England snakes are not so much of a problem but for the rats I use 1/2 " rat mesh round the bottom to close that little gap. Your framework was awesome.

[@kgt9535]

Great deck bro...very nicely done. Muscle relaxers and plenty drinking water; and stretches. You have to build up endurance and flexibility NOT to get those pains. Keep doin well👊

[@robertrapp1595]

Nice Job you built a beautiful deck

[@TimOatesEntertainment]

Looks great! You did a great job! My only suggestion would be to have added guard rails around the sides and back to protect someone from backing up and falling off. Other than that, well done!

[@Jeremyisyourhandyman]

@5:00 I can totally relate to lower back pain. I’m 6’3” and sometimes I feel like a giraffe, squatting to do floor work. Dude you crushed it! Excellent work AND you saved $11,000 if you hired a contractor 🤯

[@janrutkowski8514]

Very nice job and I would DYI it if I did not have 5 back surgeries. Again great job and enjoyed your video.

[@lil----lil]

FACTS: - Not All contractors are good. Most are okay at best or below par. Many are bad and only a very few are really good. - The good one are expensive and the bad ones are NOT worth it. - When you factoring in the time/trips/labor, you often end up spending MORE than hiring a contractor. (don't believe the hype) - You don't always have the tool/means/truck to get the job done. This itself, is a substantial investment. - NOT ALL of us want to do this type of work so hiring is the only option. - BUT YES, if have the means/tools/TIME to get the job done, most importantly the "desire' to do it, it is the BEST way, even if you spend more.

[@cepaasch]

That is a really nice looking deck!!!

[@fine_woodworking]

Looks great!

[@poppyhampson7878]

wonderful!!! Plant Mint around the deck. Snake and rodent natural repellent. might want to encase it with landscaping edging as it can spread but you will be snake and rodent free for underneath!!! I agree with you POV on staying home vs. traveling. I have an oasis I am so proud of that you couldn't even pay to experience something like that elsewhere...and i get to live here- not just visit!!

[@scottbrekken7091]

Do you have any plans that you used? I would love them

[@puwazatza]

such a great job. also, before you answered the question, I assumed 4500 so it was a huge win to me lol.

[@pedropierrethebandit]

Excellent job