What the labor line covers
The labor figure is the crew time to build the structure. We start with posts and beams, because they set the primary load path that carries the deck. Then we set the joists at code-compliant spacing and spans and fasten each one with the proper hangers or connectors.
The frame is where most of the hours go. A larger deck needs more posts, beams and joists, so the job lands higher in the $8,100 to $12,100 range.
The ledger connection in Marietta's weather
Where the deck attaches to the house, we install the ledger board and flash it. Marietta gets humid summers and steady rain all year, so the house connection takes on water season after season. Ledger flashing keeps that water out of the house framing behind the deck.
The same moisture affects the posts and how the site drains around them. When a yard needs extra drainage work at the posts, that time goes into the labor figure on the quote, not into a surprise charge later.
Railings as their own line
The railing system runs $1,400 to $2,600. Some decks need a full run of railing and others need very little, so we price it separately from the frame. You can see exactly what the railing adds to the job.
Why we build it instead of selling a kit
We fit the posts, beams, ledger and joists to your house and your site conditions. A kit still needs every one of those steps done by someone, and it doesn't account for how your house connection is flashed or how water moves around the posts in your yard. We measure first, so the quote matches the real load path and moisture exposure.
Getting a number for your deck
On the phone we'll give you a typical range based on the deck's size and how much railing it needs. The final figure is set once we've walked the site and measured the attachment points, and it comes as a written breakdown with labor and railings on separate lines before any work starts.
Questions Marietta Homeowners Ask
Building from scratch is often less expensive than buying a pre-fabricated kit when using standard materials, but labor and site work still dominate costs. Kits may save time but limit customization. Compare total component prices, labor, framing, and decking, against kit quotes for your size.
Related Services
Start to Finish
In practice, here's the sequence:
- Install railings and stairs after the deck surface is complete.
Pricing Ranges
The figures here give you a sense of scale, and the final price goes in writing before anything starts.
$700–$1300
$50–$450
Talk it through with us at (470) 742-0070, there's no commitment.
Updated October 2026