ᐅ Building a Raised Deck: Wood or Steel? Experiences, Tips, and Costs for DIY Projects
Created on: 22 Jul 2025 12:46
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Esteo-45Hello everyone,
I am new to the forum and hope this is the right place to ask. I am planning to build a terrace on my house, about 10 meters (33 feet) wide and 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) deep, to be later covered with Bangkirai decking boards. The challenge is that the terrace height varies significantly (between 140 cm (55 inches) and 240 cm (94 inches)), and a solid attachment to the house wall is not possible since half of it is already on an existing concrete terrace. This leaves me with a freestanding post-and-beam construction.
Now the question is: is it more cost-effective, easier, or better to build this raised terrace out of wood or steel? I already have a quote for a galvanized steel frame – about 10,000 euros seems quite expensive to me. I plan to handle the concrete footings and the installation of the decking boards myself. Does anyone have tips, personal experiences, or recommendations, especially regarding construction method, material selection, costs, and potential DIY work?
Thank you very much for your input.
I am new to the forum and hope this is the right place to ask. I am planning to build a terrace on my house, about 10 meters (33 feet) wide and 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) deep, to be later covered with Bangkirai decking boards. The challenge is that the terrace height varies significantly (between 140 cm (55 inches) and 240 cm (94 inches)), and a solid attachment to the house wall is not possible since half of it is already on an existing concrete terrace. This leaves me with a freestanding post-and-beam construction.
Now the question is: is it more cost-effective, easier, or better to build this raised terrace out of wood or steel? I already have a quote for a galvanized steel frame – about 10,000 euros seems quite expensive to me. I plan to handle the concrete footings and the installation of the decking boards myself. Does anyone have tips, personal experiences, or recommendations, especially regarding construction method, material selection, costs, and potential DIY work?
Thank you very much for your input.
Esteo-45 schrieb:
The height of the terrace varies significantly (between 140 cm (55 inches) and 240 cm (95 inches)), and a secure attachment to the house wall is not possible since half of it already rests on an existing concrete terrace. Therefore, a freestanding post-frame construction is the only option.First of all, you should start by illustrating your confusing description.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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Simon-18923 Jul 2025 10:47Hello,
Due to my profession, I am quite impressed by steel constructions. They can be rigidly built in all directions without any problems, so no additional attachments to other existing components are necessary. In other words, they are completely free-standing. With a galvanized structure, you won’t have any problems for the next 50 years. If you want it to look even better, you can have it duplex coated (galvanized + powder-coated in almost any color, depending on the coating provider).
At these heights, railings are mandatory. These can also be made of steel, combining both aesthetics and, most importantly, stability. Are they possibly already included in your current offer?
Wood requires maintenance from time to time. I would rather not have to crawl under the patio every 2-3 years to sand and repaint everything.
However, I cannot assist you with the price of the offer.
Due to my profession, I am quite impressed by steel constructions. They can be rigidly built in all directions without any problems, so no additional attachments to other existing components are necessary. In other words, they are completely free-standing. With a galvanized structure, you won’t have any problems for the next 50 years. If you want it to look even better, you can have it duplex coated (galvanized + powder-coated in almost any color, depending on the coating provider).
At these heights, railings are mandatory. These can also be made of steel, combining both aesthetics and, most importantly, stability. Are they possibly already included in your current offer?
Wood requires maintenance from time to time. I would rather not have to crawl under the patio every 2-3 years to sand and repaint everything.
However, I cannot assist you with the price of the offer.
H
hanghaus202324 Jul 2025 09:32It’s all a matter of cost. But without knowing the current condition, it’s difficult. A plan of the existing structure and the planned project is very helpful. Photos are always useful as well.
DIY is usually easier with wood and is certainly cheaper than your 10k offer.
The information suggests the house is on a slope. A preliminary design is needed first.
Connecting to the existing structure is usually also better from a structural engineering perspective.
DIY is usually easier with wood and is certainly cheaper than your 10k offer.
The information suggests the house is on a slope. A preliminary design is needed first.
Connecting to the existing structure is usually also better from a structural engineering perspective.
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hanghaus202324 Jul 2025 09:41Simon-189 schrieb:
Wood requires maintenance from time to time. I wouldn’t want to be crawling under the deck every 2-3 years to sand and repaint everything. The steelworker is definitely exaggerating here. With a proper professional initial treatment, this shouldn’t be an issue. After all, you want it galvanized too. 😉
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