The honest answer: most decks in Sunbury and Delaware County cost between $8,000 and $25,000, and where you land depends mostly on material, size, and height. Here’s how the pricing breaks down locally so you can budget before you call anyone.
Cost by material (installed, Columbus/Delaware County market)
| Material | Typical installed cost | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Composite (Trex, TimberTech) | ~$30–$32 / sq ft | Wash only; no staining |
| Pressure-treated wood | Lower material cost | Stain/seal every 2–3 yrs |
| Cedar | Mid-range | Stain/seal regularly |
As an example, a 300-square-foot composite deck often falls in the $9,000–$12,000 range. Add height, stairs, premium railings, or a multi-level design and it climbs from there.
What moves the price
- Size — priced largely per square foot, so square footage is the biggest driver.
- Height above grade — taller decks need more posts, longer footings, and guardrails.
- Railings — basic wood vs. aluminum, cable, or composite rail systems vary a lot.
- Stairs & landings — each run of stairs adds material and labor.
- Built-ins — lighting, benches, pergolas, and skirting add cost and value.
- Footings — central-Ohio frost-depth footings (roughly 32–36") add concrete and labor vs. warm climates.
Composite vs. wood: the lifetime cost
Wood looks cheaper on day one, but a wood deck needs cleaning and re-staining every 2–3 years in Ohio’s climate. Over 15–20 years that maintenance often closes the gap with composite — which is why most new Sunbury homeowners choose composite and never think about it again.
Want a real number for your yard? We give free written design estimates for Sunbury and Delaware County homes — composite or wood — with the permit and footings included so there are no surprises.