Most deck builders in the Atlanta area won’t publish real numbers on their website. You fill out a form, wait 2 days for a callback, sit through a sales pitch, and only then hear a price. That’s frustrating, and it wastes everyone’s time.
At Kirchner Customs, we think you deserve straight answers before you ever pick up the phone. Below is a real breakdown of what a deck remodel costs in Alpharetta and the surrounding Atlanta Metro area, what drives prices up and down, and what to watch for when comparing quotes.
| 69% ROI
The average return on investment for a new composite deck addition is consistently among the highest for outdoor home improvement projects. |
What Does a Deck Remodel Cost? (Real Numbers, No Runaround)
Here’s how pricing breaks down for the work we do in Alpharetta and across the North Atlanta Metro:
| Build Type | Price Range | What’s Included |
| Baseline Build | $60K+ | Entry-level composite, aluminum railings, basic layout. Minimal trim detail. |
| Mid-Range Composite | $80K – $100K | Full composite decking (Deckorators or TimberTech), aluminum railings, drink rail, fascia, stair stringers. |
| Premium Custom Build | $100K – $150K | Custom board layouts (herringbone, double picture frame), smart lighting, and multi-level framing. |
| Large-Scale | $150K – $200K+ | Complex multi-level decks, swim/spa decks, outdoor kitchen integration, and a full In-Lite smart lighting package. |
| A Note on Our Project Minimum
Our project minimum starts at $60,000, ensuring every deck we build, even our baseline models, includes the structural integrity and high-end aluminum railing systems that Kirchner Customs is known for. We do not offer budget pressure-treated wood builds or “basic” repairs. |
Why Remodel Your Deck?
The homeowners who call us are typically dealing with one or more of the following:
- An aging structure that is rotting, soft underfoot, or no longer structurally sound
- Years of money spent on staining, sealing, and seasonal board repairs that never fully solve the problem
- A space that doesn’t get used because it looks bad or isn’t set up for how the household actually lives outside
- A home they’re preparing to sell, and they want the project done right, not patched together
- A deck that simply no longer reflects the home or the investment they’ve made in it
| $15,373
Average resale value added by a new composite deck in the South Atlantic region, based on an average project cost of $22,522 for a basic wood deck addition. Premium composite builds recoup at higher absolute dollar values. |
What Drives the Cost Up or Down?
This is the part most contractors skip. Here’s what actually moves the number:
Material Choice
We primarily work with Deckorators and TimberTech composite decking. Both cost more upfront than pressure-treated lumber, but when you factor in a 25-year lifespan, zero re-staining, and near-zero annual maintenance, the lifetime cost comparison shifts significantly in composite’s favor.
| Factor | Composite Decking |
| Upfront Cost | Higher ($80K–$200K+) |
| Lifespan | 25–30 years, minimal maintenance |
| Annual Upkeep | Occasional cleaning only |
| Rot / Warp Risk | No; moisture resistant by design |
| Splinter Risk | No; smooth surface throughout life |
| 20-Year Total Cost | Lower despite higher upfront cost |
| Kirchner Recommendation | Yes, almost every project |
| Pro Tip: Think Lifetime Cost, Not Sticker Price
A composite deck at $85,000 that lasts 30 years with minimal upkeep costs less over its lifetime than a $60,000 treated deck requiring $1,500–$3,000 in annual maintenance and a full rebuild by year 12–15. When comparing quotes, always ask what the 20-year total cost looks like, not just the day-one number. |
Railing System
We no longer install wood railing posts or rails on any project. Aluminum railings are standard across every build. They don’t rot, warp, or require painting, and they look significantly sharper against composite decking over time.
Trim and Finish Details
Fascia on the deck perimeter and stair stringers, drink rails, hidden fasteners, and intentional board layouts are what separate a deck that looks like a deck from one that looks like it belongs to the home. Every detail adds to the cost. Every detail is worth it.
Size and Footprint
Square footage is the most direct cost driver. A 16×20 and a 24×32 are both called “a deck,” but they’re not the same project. Multi-level designs add framing complexity, structural labor, and material volume.
Lighting
A solid lighting package, step lights, rail lights, and post caps runs $4,000–$5,000. Smart lighting integrations using In-Lite systems, with app control and programmable scenes, reach $8,000–$10,000 or more.
| Pro Tip: Lighting ROI in Atlanta’s Climate
In the Atlanta area, usable outdoor weather stretches well into fall and starts early in spring. Homeowners with a proper lighting package consistently report using their deck significantly more hours per day, not just in summer. Budget at minimum $4,000–$5,000. Smart lighting starts at around $8,000–$10,000 and pays for itself through daily use. |
How Much Does It Cost to Resurface a Deck?
When homeowners ask about the cost of a deck project, the answer depends entirely on whether you are remodeling or resurfacing. While they sound similar, the difference in scope and price tag is significant.
Resurfacing vs. Remodeling: The Big Difference
| Feature | Deck Resurfacing | Full Deck Remodel |
| Scope | Replacing surface boards only. | Full structural rebuild from the ground up. |
| Foundation | Uses the existing structural frame. | New footings, posts, and joists. |
| Cost | Significantly lower (materials + surface labor). | Higher (demolition + full structural labor). |
| Requirement | Existing “bones” must be 100% sound. | Necessary if the current frame is failing. |
Why the “Bones” Matter
Resurfacing is the process of removing old, deteriorated surface boards and replacing them with new composite decking without disturbing the frame below.
The Golden Rule: Resurfacing is a brilliant way to refresh your space on a budget, if the substructure is solid. If you resurface over a compromised frame, you are essentially spending money on borrowed time.
Pro Tip: How to Check If Your Substructure Is Worth Saving
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What About Pool and Spa Deck Resurfacing?
The cost to resurface a pool deck in the Alpharetta area depends on the material, square footage, and current condition. Concrete pool decks can often be resurfaced or overlaid at a lower cost. Composite decking around pools and spas is a premium alternative. We build swim and spa decks regularly and design them to withstand the specific moisture exposure those areas require.
A separate but common question: how to resurface a composite deck? The short answer is you generally can’t and shouldn’t. Composite boards don’t sand or accept coatings well. If the surface is damaged or faded beyond normal weathering, board replacement is the correct move, not a topical patch.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Entire Deck?
A full deck replacement, tearing down the existing structure and rebuilding from the footings up, is usually the right call when a deck is 15–20 years old, was built with undersized framing, has an improperly attached ledger board, or has inadequate footing depth.
At Kirchner Customs, full replacements start at our $60,000 minimum and scale from there based on size, materials, and features. We don’t do small repairs or patchwork. The projects we take on are designed to be the last deck a homeowner ever needs to build.
| 1 in 3
Decks inspected by NADRA-affiliated contractors show at least one code violation or structural deficiency, most commonly at the ledger connection or footing depth. Kirchner Customs is a NADRA member and builds to structural standards that exceed typical code minimums. |
What About Adding a Covered Patio?
A covered roof structure over an existing patio is a separate scope from deck work, and the pricing reflects that. Note: we build covered structures over existing patios only; we don’t offer standalone patio or paver installation without a structure on top.
| Covered Patio Type | Starting Cost | Notes |
| Basic Roof Cover | ~$30,000 | Simple structure over existing concrete or patio slab |
| Mid-Range Cover + Features | $50,000 – $75,000 | Upgraded materials, lighting, and ceiling fan integration |
| Premium / Outdoor Kitchen | $75,000 – $100,000+ | Outdoor kitchen, screened enclosure, custom ceiling, high-end finishes |
How to Prepare for Your Deck Consultation
A little preparation before your consultation makes for a faster, more productive conversation. And if resurfacing is on the table, there are a few extra steps worth taking before we arrive:
- Clear the deck of furniture, grills, and planters
- If you’re considering resurfacing, start by noting where boards feel soft or springy, or show visible rot, and check underneath if you have access to the framing. The more information you can share upfront, the faster we can assess whether the substructure is worth keeping.
- Have a rough sense of how you use the space—dining, lounging, and fire features—so the design conversation starts with purpose, not just square footage.
- Know your HOA’s submittal requirements ahead of time if applicable
- If financing is a consideration, flag it early so we can walk through Hearth & Acorn options
| 💡 Pro Tip: Get Ahead of HOA Approval
HOA approval in many Alpharetta and North Atlanta communities can take 2–6 weeks or longer. Start the submission process as soon as you have a signed contract and scope of work, not after permits are pulled. Waiting on the HOA is one of the most common causes of project delays. |
Why Kirchner Customs?
Derek Kirchner designs and builds every project. There’s no handoff to a subcontracted crew you’ve never met. The person who walked your yard, drafted your scope, and answered your questions is on site every day of the build.
| Kirchner Customs at a Glance✔ Owner on site daily, Derek Kirchner designs and builds every project
✔ UCB .23 marine-grade framing exceeds standard code requirements ✔ Structural screws only, no nails on structural connections ✔ Hidden fasteners on all decking surfaces ✔ Deckorators and TimberTech preferred composite brands ✔ Aluminum railings standard, no wood posts or rails ✔ NADRA member | 10+ years experience | 50+ decks built ✔ Average build time: 4–6 weeks ✔ 1-year craftsmanship warranty + manufacturer warranties on all products ✔ Hearth & Acorn financing available ✔ Minimum project: $60,000 |
Get a Straight Answer on Your Project
Kirchner Customs serves Alpharetta, Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Woodstock, Milton, Roswell, East Cobb, Canton, Holly Springs, Smyrna, and the surrounding Atlanta Metro area.
Browse our deck remodeling and resurfacing services to see the full scope of our work.
Learn more about Derek and how Kirchner Customs operates on the About Us page.
When you’re ready to talk specifics, schedule a consultation. We’ll walk the space, ask the right questions, and give you a real number, no runaround, no pressure.
See recent projects and get a feel for the level of work we do at kirchnercustoms.com.
