How much should a 20x20 deck cost in Blue Ridge GA?

A 20x20 (400 square foot) deck in Blue Ridge typically costs $14,000 to $22,000 with pressure-treated lumber, or $18,000 to $28,000 with composite decking. Sloped lots add $3,200 to $8,000 to those ranges depending on elevation change, footing conditions, and equipment access to the site.

How much does it cost to build a deck in Georgia?

Statewide, deck construction in Georgia averages $25 to $45 per square foot according to Cofer Brothers' cost data. Blue Ridge and other mountain communities run higher, typically $28 to $55 per square foot, due to terrain challenges, deeper footing requirements, and limited contractor availability in rural mountain counties.

Is composite decking worth the extra cost on a mountain cabin?

For most Blue Ridge cabin owners, yes. Composite costs 40% to 60% more upfront but eliminates annual staining (a $600 to $1,000 expense in humid mountain climates) and lasts 10 or more years longer. For rental cabins especially, composite handles guest traffic better and requires no seasonal maintenance coordination.

Do you need a permit for a deck in Fannin County GA?

Yes. Attached decks always require a building permit from the Fannin County Building Department. Freestanding decks over 200 square feet or more than 30 inches above grade also need permits. Footing inspections are mandatory before concrete pours, and the county enforces 18 to 24 inch footing depth minimums.

How much does terrain or slope add to deck construction cost?

Sloped lots in Blue Ridge typically add $8 to $20 per square foot to the base cost of a deck. On a 300 square foot deck, that translates to $2,400 to $6,000 in additional costs for elevated posts, deeper footings, cross-bracing, and drainage work underneath the structure.

What are the biggest deck building mistakes on mountain properties?

The most common mistakes we see on Blue Ridge mountain decks are undersized footings (failing to meet Fannin County's 18 to 24 inch depth requirement), inadequate post bracing on slopes over 15 degrees, no drainage plan under elevated decks, and using untreated lumber that deteriorates within 3 to 5 years in North Georgia's humid climate.

Deck Building Cost Blue Ridge GA