Decks are the most popular outdoor project we build in Northwest Alabama, and for good reason — Alabama's climate gives you 8–9 months of comfortable outdoor living when you have a covered or uncovered deck. Here's an honest cost breakdown based on what we actually build in Colbert and Lauderdale County.
Deck cost ranges in Northwest Alabama (2025)
- Simple 12×12 pressure-treated deck (no cover): $8,000–$14,000
- 16×20 deck with steps and railings: $14,000–$22,000
- 20×24 deck with pergola or partial cover: $22,000–$36,000
- Full covered deck or screened porch (200–400 sq ft): $28,000–$50,000
- Composite decking upgrade (vs pressure-treated): add $3,000–$8,000
These are installed costs in Colbert and Lauderdale County, including permits and all structural components. National cost guides typically run 20–30% higher than actual Northwest Alabama pricing.
What makes up the cost of a deck?
Foundation and footings
Concrete footings are the most critical structural component of a deck. In Alabama, decks require footings that go below the frost line (not an issue here — Alabama rarely has significant frost penetration) but more importantly, footings must be sized for the soil bearing capacity of your specific property. Sandy or soft soil near creek bottoms and the Tennessee River floodplain requires larger footings than firm clay upland soils. We assess your soil conditions at the estimate stage and size footings correctly.
Ledger board connection
The ledger board — the board that connects the deck to your home — is the #1 point of deck failure. It must be properly flashed with metal or self-adhering membrane to prevent water infiltration behind your siding, and fastened with structural lag screws or through-bolts at the correct spacing. An improperly flashed ledger will rot the rim joist and band board of your home over time. We flash every ledger we install — there's no optional path on this.
Framing and decking material
Pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact is used for all framing (posts, beams, joists) regardless of what decking surface you choose. For the deck boards themselves, you choose between pressure-treated wood and composite decking.
Pressure-treated deck boards cost less upfront ($2–$4 per linear foot) but require sealing or staining every 2–3 years in Alabama's climate to maintain appearance and prevent weathering. Composite deck boards cost more upfront ($6–$15 per linear foot for quality brands) but require only occasional cleaning — no sealing, staining, or splinter issues. For most Northwest Alabama homeowners who don't want to maintain their deck annually, composite is the better long-term value.
Permits and inspections
Deck permits in Colbert and Lauderdale County typically run $100–$300 depending on the municipality. The permit process requires a footing inspection (before concrete is poured), a framing inspection (before decking is installed), and a final inspection. We handle all of this — you don't have to deal with the building department.
What size deck can you build?
For most North Alabama homes, a 16×20 deck (320 sq ft) is a good functional size for a family — enough space for a table, chairs, and a grill without being so large it looks disproportionate on the home. Smaller 12×12 or 12×16 decks work well as a backyard access deck or secondary outdoor space. Larger 20×24+ decks make sense when you're building for entertaining, adding a screened porch, or dealing with an elevated back entry that needs a substantial landing area.
Want an estimate for your specific property? Contact Adams Remodeling or call (256) 810-2107. We build permitted decks throughout Colbert and Lauderdale County — free on-site estimates.
Ready to start your project?
Adams Remodeling and Construction, serving Northwest Alabama.
Licensed, insured, and based in Cherokee, AL. Free estimates across the Shoals and surrounding communities.