Question 1

How much does a pool deck cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

A pool deck costs $4,800–$45,000 in 2026 depending on material and size. By material per square foot: broom-finished concrete $6–$12, stamped concrete $10–$18, concrete pavers $12–$18, travertine $14–$22, natural stone $18–$30, wood $22–$35, composite $28–$45. Most Florida homeowners spend $10,000–$22,000 for an 800 sq ft deck around a 14×28 pool. Travertine is the most popular Jacksonville choice — about 52% of new pool deck installs in NE Florida.

Question 2

How much does a pool deck cost in Jacksonville, Florida?

Accepted Answer

A pool deck in Jacksonville, FL costs $4,500–$42,000 turnkey for an 800 sq ft deck around a 14×28 pool, with $11,000–$18,000 typical for travertine (the most popular Jax material). By material in Jacksonville: broom concrete $4,500–$9,000, stamped concrete $7,500–$13,500, concrete pavers $9,000–$13,500, travertine $11,000–$18,000, natural stone $13,500–$22,500. Jacksonville runs about 0.95× the national rate due to competitive market with 35+ active deck installers.

Question 3

How much does a pool deck cost per square foot in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Pool deck cost per square foot in 2026: broom-finished concrete $6–$12/sq ft, stained concrete $8–$15/sq ft, stamped concrete $10–$18/sq ft, concrete pavers $12–$18/sq ft, travertine pavers $14–$22/sq ft, natural stone (flagstone, bluestone) $18–$30/sq ft, wood (cedar) $22–$35/sq ft, composite decking $28–$45/sq ft. All include base preparation, materials, labor, and standard edge treatment. Excludes demolition of existing deck ($3–$5/sq ft), custom borders ($2–$6/sq ft), and drainage upgrades. Typical Florida pool deck is 600–1,200 sq ft.

Question 4

How much does a pool deck cost for a 14×28 pool?

Accepted Answer

A standard pool deck for a 14×28 inground pool covers about 800 sq ft (4 ft surround on all sides). 2026 turnkey pricing for that size in Florida: broom concrete $5,500–$9,500, stamped concrete $8,500–$14,500, concrete pavers $10,000–$14,500, travertine $11,500–$17,500, natural stone $14,500–$24,000. Going larger to 1,200 sq ft (6 ft surround) adds 40–50% to total cost. Adding a tear-out of an existing concrete deck adds $2,500–$4,500 to any of the above.

Question 5

What's the cheapest pool deck material?

Accepted Answer

Broom-finished concrete is the cheapest legitimate pool deck material at $6–$12 per square foot installed ($4,800–$9,600 for an 800 sq ft deck). It's the standard 'builder' deck — functional, durable, and minimum cost. Avoid going cheaper than $5/sq ft — contractors are typically skipping proper base preparation or rebar, which causes cracking within 3–7 years. The cheapest 'value' upgrade is stained concrete at $8–$15/sq ft — only 30–50% more than broom but dramatically better looking and still 30–50% cheaper than pavers. Stamped concrete at $10–$18/sq ft can mimic the look of pavers or stone at 40–60% lower cost.

Question 6

What's the most expensive pool deck material?

Accepted Answer

Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) at $28–$45 per square foot installed is the most expensive mainstream pool deck material — $22,400–$36,000 for an 800 sq ft deck. Other premium options: natural stone $18–$30/sq ft ($14,400–$24,000), exotic woods like ipe or teak $30–$45/sq ft, custom large-format porcelain $22–$35/sq ft. Luxury features that push deck costs higher: radiant heating $8–$15/sq ft additional, custom inlays and borders $5–$15/sq ft additional, integrated lighting $800–$2,500 per zone, fire features built into deck $4,000–$12,000. Most expensive Jacksonville deck install we've tracked in 2026: $74,000 for travertine + extensive borders + radiant heating + integrated outdoor kitchen pad.

Question 7

What's the best pool deck material for Florida?

Accepted Answer

Travertine is the best all-around pool deck material for Florida — that's why it's the dominant choice in 52% of new Jacksonville pool deck installs. Reasons: (1) stays significantly cooler barefoot than concrete (10–20°F cooler in direct 95°F sun); (2) naturally porous surface provides excellent slip resistance even wet; (3) resists salt corrosion near coastal pools (Beaches, Fernandina, Ponte Vedra); (4) ages well in UV — most colors fade only slightly over 15–20 years; (5) easy to replace individual tiles vs. a cracked concrete slab. Cost is mid-premium at $14–$22/sq ft, but lifetime value beats both concrete (cracks, gets hot) and natural stone (more expensive).

Question 8

Concrete vs pavers — which is better for a pool deck?

Accepted Answer

Pavers are better for most Florida pool decks despite costing 30–80% more upfront. Pavers (concrete or travertine) advantages: stay cooler barefoot, much better slip resistance when wet, individual pieces can be replaced when damaged (vs. cracked concrete slab), don't crack from soil shift, easier to repair plumbing or electrical underneath. Concrete advantages: lower upfront cost, faster install (1–2 days vs. 3–5 days), smoother surface for some patio furniture. The deciding factor: how long will you own the home? 5+ years = pavers (better lifetime value); under 3 years and budget-constrained = concrete (sufficient and saves $3,000–$8,000).

Question 9

How much does travertine pool deck cost vs concrete?

Accepted Answer

Travertine pool deck costs $14–$22 per square foot installed vs. $6–$12 for broom concrete — about 2× more upfront for an 800 sq ft deck ($11,200–$17,600 vs. $4,800–$9,600). However, lifetime cost favors travertine: concrete typically needs full resurfacing every 8–15 years ($4,000–$8,000) and shows cracks within 5–10 years requiring repairs; travertine lasts 25+ years with only periodic sealing ($300–$800 every 2–3 years). Over 25 years, travertine total cost: $13,000–$22,000. Concrete total cost: $14,000–$24,000 (initial + 1–2 resurfacings + crack repairs). Travertine also adds 60–85% of cost to resale value vs. concrete adding 30–50%.

Question 10

What's the difference between travertine and porcelain pool deck?

Accepted Answer

Travertine is natural stone with a porous, textured surface that stays cool barefoot, provides excellent slip resistance, and ages with natural variation. Cost $14–$22/sq ft installed. Porcelain is manufactured ceramic that's denser, more uniform, available in larger formats (24×24 inches+), and offered in wood-look and stone-look patterns. Cost $18–$32/sq ft installed for outdoor-rated grade. Travertine is the more popular Florida pool deck choice — about 52% of new Jax installs. Porcelain works well for modern aesthetic and is gaining share (now ~12% of installs) but doesn't have travertine's natural cooling property. Porcelain can also be slippery when wet unless explicitly textured for outdoor use.

Question 11

Is stamped concrete a good pool deck material?

Accepted Answer

Stamped concrete is a reasonable mid-tier choice — costs $10–$18 per square foot installed (40–60% less than travertine) and can mimic the look of stone, brick, or wood. Pros: dramatic visual upgrade from plain concrete at half the cost of pavers, single contractor handles everything, no joint maintenance. Cons: gets just as hot as plain concrete in 95°F sun (real travertine and natural stone don't), requires resealing every 2–4 years ($1.50–$3/sq ft) or color fades and surface wears, cracks at expansion joints typically show within 5–10 years, repairs are difficult (color-matching new stamped concrete to aged is nearly impossible). Best use: cosmetic upgrade for moderate-budget homeowners who won't be in the home 15+ years.

Question 12

What's the difference between concrete pavers and travertine?

Accepted Answer

Concrete pavers are manufactured from cement, sand, and dye — uniform color and shape, dense surface, lower cost ($12–$18/sq ft installed). Travertine is natural stone quarried from limestone deposits — variation in color and texture, porous surface that stays cooler, slightly higher cost ($14–$22/sq ft installed). Concrete paver advantages: more color/pattern options, more uniform look, slightly cheaper, easier to find matching replacements years later. Travertine advantages: stays 10–20°F cooler barefoot, naturally slip-resistant when wet, premium look, ages with natural patina, naturally non-slip. For Florida pools, travertine wins on heat performance — but concrete pavers are a strong choice if budget is tight or you want a specific color pattern travertine doesn't offer.

Question 13

Are natural stone pool decks worth the cost?

Accepted Answer

Natural stone (flagstone, bluestone, limestone, sandstone) costs $18–$30 per square foot installed — about 25–60% more than travertine and 2–3× more than concrete. Worth the premium if (1) you have a high-end home where stone matches architectural style, (2) you want maximum longevity (50+ years vs. 25 for travertine), (3) you want a unique look not achievable with pavers. Not worth it for typical suburban homes — travertine provides 90% of the aesthetic and cooling benefit at 60–80% of the cost. Natural stone also requires more skilled labor to install (irregular shapes need fitting) and more expensive repairs when needed. About 8% of premium Jacksonville pool decks use natural stone.

Question 14

Should I use wood or composite for my pool deck?

Accepted Answer

Wood and composite pool decks are uncommon in Florida (under 5% of installs) — better suited to cooler climates or above-ground/elevated pool setups. Wood (cedar, ipe, redwood) costs $22–$35 per square foot installed but warps, splinters, and rots in Florida humidity; requires resealing every 1–2 years ($1–$3/sq ft). Composite (Trex, TimberTech) costs $28–$45 per square foot installed, lasts 25+ years with minimal maintenance, doesn't rot, but gets noticeably hotter than travertine in direct sun (130°F+ vs. 100–110°F for travertine). Use cases: elevated pool decks over crawlspaces, screened lanais where the deck connects to existing wood structures, modern minimalist aesthetic on smaller pools. For traditional inground pool decks in Florida, stick with travertine or concrete pavers.

Question 15

How long does pool deck installation take?

Accepted Answer

Pool deck installation timelines by material: broom-finished concrete 1–2 days pour + 7-day cure before light use, 28-day full cure; stamped or stained concrete 1–2 days pour + 14-day cure before sealing; concrete pavers 2–4 days install (depending on size); travertine pavers 3–5 days install; natural stone 4–7 days install (more cutting and fitting); wood 2–4 days install; composite 2–3 days install. Add 1–3 days for demo of existing deck. Add 1–2 days if drainage or base preparation work is required. Total project time from contract signing including permits: typically 2–6 weeks in NE Florida (permit 1–3 weeks, install 1–2 weeks).

Question 16

Do I need a permit for a pool deck?

Accepted Answer

Most Florida counties require a permit for new pool deck installation or replacement. Typical 2026 permit costs: Duval (Jacksonville) $75–$175, St. Johns $125–$250, Clay $85–$200, Nassau $95–$225. Permit triggers vary by jurisdiction but typically include: any deck larger than 200 sq ft, any deck within 5 feet of property lines, drainage modifications, or structural attachment to the home. Resurfacing or replacing an existing deck of similar size often doesn't require a permit. Florida also requires a licensed contractor for any pool-adjacent work — verify CPC (Certified Pool Contractor) or general contractor license at MyFloridaLicense.com. Most reputable contractors include permit fees in turnkey pricing.

Question 17

Can I install a pool deck myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes — pool deck installation is one of the more DIY-feasible parts of pool ownership, especially for paver-style decks. DIY paver deck on prepared base: 3–5 weekends of work, $4–$8/sq ft in material costs ($3,200–$6,400 for 800 sq ft), saves $4,000–$10,000 vs. professional install. DIY concrete pour: not recommended unless you have concrete work experience — finishing concrete to a smooth, level, properly-sloped surface is harder than it looks, and mistakes are very expensive to fix. Travertine and natural stone are more DIY-friendly than concrete because mistakes can be corrected by lifting and replacing individual pieces. Florida law requires a licensed contractor for permitted work — verify if your jurisdiction requires it before going DIY.

Question 18

How much does demolition of an existing pool deck cost?

Accepted Answer

Existing pool deck demolition costs $3–$5 per square foot for concrete and $2–$3 per square foot for pavers (pavers can sometimes be resold or reused). For an 800 sq ft existing concrete deck demo: $2,400–$4,000. For an 800 sq ft paver demo: $1,600–$2,400. Includes tear-out, removal, dumpster fees, and disposal. Add $500–$1,500 if rebar or wire mesh removal is required. If you have an aged concrete deck that's cracking, settling, or sloped wrong, full demo + new deck is almost always better than overlay — overlay (laying new pavers over old concrete) saves $2,500–$4,000 but adds 1.5–2 inches of height that may not work where deck meets house or coping.

Question 19

Do I need a special base for pool deck?

Accepted Answer

Yes — proper base preparation is critical for pool deck longevity. Concrete pool decks need 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base + wire mesh or rebar reinforcement + 4–6 inches of concrete (cost $3–$5/sq ft for base materials and labor, included in turnkey quotes). Paver decks need 6–8 inches of compacted gravel base + 1-inch sand screed layer + edge restraints + landscape fabric to prevent weed growth. Skipping or undersizing the base is the #1 cause of premature pool deck failure — cracks, settling, lifting pavers, drainage problems. NE Florida sandy soils generally need 6 inches of base; clay-heavy lots in some Mandarin and Julington Creek areas need 8 inches. Always confirm base depth in writing before signing.

Question 20

How long does a pool deck last?

Accepted Answer

Pool deck lifespan in Florida by material: broom-finished concrete 12–20 years (often needs resurfacing at year 10–15); stamped or stained concrete 10–18 years (color fades faster than structural integrity); concrete pavers 20–30 years; travertine pavers 25–35+ years; natural stone 40–60+ years (essentially permanent with proper base); wood 8–15 years in Florida humidity; composite 20–30 years. Sun-facing portions (south and west) fail 20–40% faster than shaded portions. Florida factors that shorten deck life: high water table (deck settles unevenly), heavy clay soil shift, salt air corrosion near coast, frequent tropical storms (uplift damage). Annual sealing of travertine/pavers ($300–$800) extends lifespan 30–50%.

Question 21

How do I maintain a travertine pool deck?

Accepted Answer

Travertine pool deck maintenance is minimal but important. Annual tasks: (1) pressure wash gently with low PSI (under 1,500 PSI to avoid damaging the porous surface) — DIY or $150–$300 professional; (2) reseal every 2–3 years with travertine-specific sealer ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft, $400–$1,200 for 800 sq ft deck) to prevent staining and water absorption; (3) replace damaged pavers as needed ($25–$75 per paver including labor); (4) check and reset edge restraints if pavers shift. Avoid: harsh chemicals (bleach, muriatic acid — damages travertine), high-pressure washing, salt deicers (not needed in Florida anyway). Annual maintenance cost: $200–$600 average. Done properly, travertine looks new for 25+ years.

Question 22

Will my pool deck get hot in Florida summer?

Accepted Answer

Surface temperature of pool decks in direct 95°F Florida summer sun, measured at 2pm: concrete (gray) 130–145°F (too hot to walk barefoot); concrete (white/light) 115–130°F (uncomfortable barefoot); stamped concrete 125–140°F; concrete pavers 110–125°F; travertine 95–110°F (comfortable barefoot — the main reason for its popularity); natural stone 100–115°F; composite decking 130–150°F (hotter than concrete in sun); wood 105–120°F. To reduce deck temperature: (1) use travertine or light-colored natural stone, (2) build screen enclosure (cuts deck temp 5–15°F), (3) add cool deck coating to existing concrete ($3–$6/sq ft, drops temp 10–20°F), (4) shade with pergolas or umbrellas.

Question 23

How do I prevent my pool deck from cracking?

Accepted Answer

Concrete pool decks crack from: improper base preparation (most common), insufficient reinforcement, missing or poorly-placed expansion joints, soil settling, root pressure, and freeze-thaw (rare in NE Florida). Prevention strategies: (1) verify 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base, (2) require steel rebar or fiber mesh reinforcement, (3) place expansion joints every 8–10 feet AND wherever deck meets the house or pool coping, (4) ensure proper 1/4-inch-per-foot drainage slope away from the pool, (5) keep large tree roots 8+ feet from deck edges, (6) seal cracks immediately when they appear to prevent water infiltration that causes more cracking. Paver decks rarely 'crack' but can shift or settle — proper base prep prevents this. If your existing concrete deck has cracks larger than 1/4 inch, replacement is usually more economical than repair.

Question 24

How big should my pool deck be?

Accepted Answer

Minimum functional pool deck: 3 feet of walk-around on all sides of the pool (about 290 sq ft for a 14×28 pool). Standard pool deck: 4–5 feet on all sides plus a 10×12 ft lounge area (about 600–800 sq ft for a 14×28 pool). Premium/entertaining pool deck: 6–8 feet around pool plus a 12×16 ft dining/lounge area plus optional outdoor kitchen pad (1,000–1,800 sq ft). Cost scales with size: 800 sq ft travertine deck $11,500–$17,500; 1,200 sq ft same material $17,000–$26,000; 1,800 sq ft same material $25,000–$39,000. Most Jacksonville homeowners overspend on initial pool deck size — start with what you'll actually use, you can always extend later for $14–$22/sq ft.

Question 25

Does a pool deck increase home value?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a quality pool deck typically returns 60–85% of installation cost at resale in NE Florida, with travertine and natural stone returning higher percentages than concrete. A $15,000 travertine deck typically adds $10,000–$13,000 to appraised home value. Pool deck replacement is one of the highest-ROI single renovations on a home with an existing pool — buyers see an old cracked concrete deck as a 'project' that lowers their offer, while a fresh travertine deck makes the pool feel new. Outside Florida the ROI drops to 30–50% as pool decks are seen as maintenance commitments. Don't install a pool deck primarily as an investment — install it because you'll use it. The resale boost is real but secondary.

Question 26

Should I replace or resurface my old pool deck?

Accepted Answer

Decision framework based on deck condition: (1) Minor cracks, mostly cosmetic = resurface or stain ($4–$8/sq ft, $3,200–$6,400 for 800 sq ft) — buys 5–8 more years. (2) Major cracking, uneven settling, drainage issues = full replacement ($10–$22/sq ft depending on material). (3) Deck slope is wrong (water pooling toward house) = replacement (resurfacing won't fix slope). (4) Existing deck is sound but you want a different look = overlay with pavers or travertine ($10–$14/sq ft, saves $3,000–$5,000 vs. tear-out but adds 1.5–2 inches of height). General rule: if your concrete deck is 15+ years old and showing 2+ of these issues, full replacement is more cost-effective than resurfacing.

Question 27

Can I add a pool deck around an existing pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes — adding a pool deck to a pool that doesn't have one (or replacing a minimal walk-around with a full deck) is straightforward and typically costs $14–$22/sq ft for travertine or $6–$12/sq ft for concrete. Most projects take 1–2 weeks total. Considerations for retrofit pool decks: (1) verify existing pool coping integrates well with new deck — sometimes coping needs replacement too (+$2,500–$8,000); (2) check drainage so new deck doesn't direct water toward the pool or house; (3) if pool equipment pad is in the way, plan for relocation ($1,500–$4,500). Florida law requires a licensed contractor for any pool-adjacent work and a permit in most jurisdictions. About 30% of NE Florida pool deck installs are retrofits to existing pools.

Question 28

Why is travertine the most popular pool deck in Jacksonville?

Accepted Answer

Travertine dominates the Jacksonville pool deck market (52% of new installs) for five concrete reasons: (1) Heat performance — stays 20–40°F cooler than concrete in direct 95°F summer sun, making barefoot use comfortable; (2) Slip resistance — natural porous surface provides excellent grip even when wet, important around pools; (3) Salt corrosion resistance — works well in the coastal Jax Beach, Ponte Vedra, and Fernandina markets where salt air kills concrete sealers; (4) Aesthetic — natural stone variation looks high-end without natural-stone pricing; (5) Lifecycle value — 25–35+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance vs. 12–20 years for concrete. The remaining 48% of installs are: concrete pavers 22%, broom concrete 15%, stamped concrete 8%, natural stone 3%.

Question 29

How does Florida humidity affect pool deck materials?

Accepted Answer

Florida humidity (averaging 75% year-round in NE Florida) affects pool deck materials differently. Wood: worst — warps, splinters, rots within 5–10 years without aggressive resealing (every 12–18 months). Stamped concrete: sealer degrades faster in humidity, requiring resealing every 2–3 years instead of 4–5 in dry climates. Travertine: minimal impact — natural porosity actually helps it handle humidity well, sealing every 2–3 years is sufficient. Concrete pavers: minor impact — sand joints can develop moss/algae in shaded areas (clean annually with mild chemicals). Natural stone: minimal impact — most natural stones handle humidity well, may develop minor patina over time. Composite: best — engineered for outdoor humidity, no significant impact. For Florida humidity tolerance: travertine, natural stone, and composite tie for best; wood is worst.

Question 30

What pool deck material is best near the ocean (salt air)?

Accepted Answer

Salt air at coastal Jacksonville locations (Jax Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fernandina Beach) accelerates corrosion of metal-reinforced concrete and degrades concrete sealers. Best pool deck materials for salt air environments: (1) Travertine — natural stone, no metal reinforcement needed in pavers, minimal impact from salt; (2) Natural stone (flagstone, bluestone) — same advantages as travertine; (3) Concrete pavers — pavers don't have continuous steel rebar like slabs, so salt impact is minimal. Avoid for coastal use: (1) Standard reinforced concrete slabs — salt accelerates rebar rust which expands and cracks the slab from within (typical lifespan drops from 15 to 8 years); (2) Stamped concrete — same issue plus sealer degrades faster in salt air. About 75% of coastal Jacksonville pool decks use travertine specifically for salt air resistance.

Neighborhood / area	Soil conditions	Typical turnkey
Nocatee / St. Johns	Sandy, easy install	$10,500–$15,500
Ponte Vedra Beach	Sandy + coastal salt air	$11,500–$17,000
Mandarin / Julington Creek	Some clay, may need extra base	$11,000–$16,500
San Marco / Avondale / Riverside	Tight urban lots, demo common	$12,000–$18,500
Jax Beach / Atlantic Beach / Neptune Beach	Sandy + heavy salt air	$11,500–$17,000
Fleming Island / Orange Park	Mixed clay/sand, easy access	$10,500–$15,500
World Golf Village / St. Augustine	Some limestone shelf	$11,000–$16,500
Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island	Sandy + coastal salt air	$11,500–$17,000

Pool Deck Cost Calculator (2026): Travertine, Pavers, Concrete & Natural Stone

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Pool deck material comparison: which is best for you?

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Travertine ★ MOST POPULAR FL

Natural Stone

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Pool deck cost by size and material (Florida 2026)

Pool deck add-on costs (2026)

Pool deck costs in Jacksonville & Northeast Florida (2026)

What's different about Jacksonville pool decks

Jacksonville pool deck cost by neighborhood (typical travertine, 800 sq ft)

How this calculator works (methodology)

Pool deck cost: 30 frequently asked questions (2026)

Pricing basics

Material comparisons

Installation & process

Maintenance & longevity

Decisions & value

Jacksonville & Florida specifics

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Pool deck cost guides by city

Deck size	Broom concrete	Stamped	Concrete pavers	Travertine	Natural stone
400 sq ft (small, 3 ft surround)	$2,400	$4,000	$4,800	$5,800	$7,600
600 sq ft (compact)	$3,600	$6,000	$7,200	$8,700	$11,400
800 sq ft (typical 14×28 + 4ft)	$4,800	$8,000	$9,600	$14,400	$19,200
1,000 sq ft (mid-large)	$6,000	$10,000	$12,000	$18,000	$24,000
1,500 sq ft (generous + lounge)	$9,000	$15,000	$18,000	$27,000	$36,000
2,000 sq ft (large + outdoor kitchen)	$12,000	$20,000	$24,000	$36,000	$48,000

Add-on	Low	Typical	Premium
Demo existing concrete deck (per sq ft)	$3	$4	$5
Demo existing paver deck (per sq ft)	$2	$2.50	$3
New drainage system (French drain or surface)	$1,500	$3,000	$5,500
Coping integration / replacement	$500	$1,500	$3,500
Decorative border or inlay (per sq ft of border)	$2	$4	$8
Sealing (pavers/travertine, full deck)	$300	$600	$1,200
Cool deck coating over concrete (per sq ft)	$3	$4.50	$6
Integrated deck lighting (per zone)	$800	$1,600	$3,500
Outdoor kitchen pad addition	$2,500	$5,500	$12,000
Fire feature (pit or wall built into deck)	$4,000	$8,000	$15,000
Radiant deck heating (per sq ft, luxury)	$8	$11	$15
Permit + engineering	$75	$200	$500