PRICING GUIDE
What elevated concrete decks cost in the Texas Hill Country — and why the 20-year number is the one that actually matters.
The short answer: elevated concrete decks from Wulfhe Outdoor Living start at $60 per square foot installed in the Texas Hill Country. The full answer depends on five factors — and the 20-year total cost makes concrete significantly more competitive than the upfront price suggests.
Our dock-grade elevated concrete decks start at $60 per square foot installed. That price includes steel pipe pilings, structural steel beam framing, rebar, concrete pour, standard broom finish, and basic railing. It does not include premium finishes, integrated lighting, built-in planters, or custom features — those add cost depending on scope.
For context: mid-range composite decking from Trex or TimberTech runs $50–$75 per square foot installed in the same market. Pressure-treated wood decking runs $25–$45 per square foot but carries the highest long-term cost of any option.
Five factors have the most impact on your final project cost:
Larger decks benefit from economies of scale in materials and mobilization. A 200 square foot deck will cost more per square foot than a 600 square foot deck because fixed costs (equipment mobilization, crew travel, concrete truck minimums) are spread across more area. Most of our residential deck projects range from 300 to 800 square feet.
A deck elevated 3 feet off grade costs less than one elevated 10 feet. Higher elevation requires longer pilings, more structural steel, and in some cases additional bracing. For properties with significant grade changes, elevation is the most important cost variable.
Hill Country properties with shallow soil over limestone bedrock require different piling techniques than properties with deep soil. Rocky conditions add time and specialized equipment. Extreme slopes — while exactly what dock-grade construction handles best — add complexity that affects cost. We assess all of this during the free property consultation.
Standard broom finish is the most economical option. Stamped concrete, acid stain, and exposed aggregate add $8–$18 per square foot depending on complexity and pattern. Smooth trowel finish falls between broom and stamped. Most clients choose broom or exposed aggregate for the combination of durability, traction, and cost.
Steel or cable railings, integrated LED lighting, built-in planters, seating walls, fire features, and ADA-compliant ramp access all add to project cost. These are priced individually during the design phase and included in the fixed-price proposal so you know exactly what you're getting before you commit.
| Project Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small deck, moderate terrain (200–300 sqft) | $14,000 – $22,000 | Broom finish, basic railing, < 6 ft elevation |
| Mid-size deck, moderate slope (300–500 sqft) | $20,000 – $38,000 | Standard finish, cable railing, moderate grade |
| Large deck, significant slope (500–800 sqft) | $35,000 – $60,000 | Premium finish options, elevated 8–12 ft, complex terrain |
| Bundled: deck + limestone retaining wall | $40,000 – $80,000+ | Combined scope; one mobilization, one crew |
These are typical ranges, not quotes. Actual cost requires a site visit. All projects are priced with fixed proposals after consultation.
Comparing deck options on installed cost per square foot is like comparing cars on sticker price without looking at gas, insurance, and maintenance. The number that actually matters for a long-term property owner is total cost of ownership over 20 years.
A pressure-treated wood deck in the Texas Hill Country costs $25–$45 per square foot installed — the most attractive upfront price. But over 20 years in Central Texas heat, UV exposure, and humidity cycles, a wood deck requires:
Total 20-year cost of ownership for a 400 sqft wood deck: $18,000–$35,000 installed + $15,000–$30,000 in maintenance and replacement = $33,000–$65,000+.
Composite decking from Trex, TimberTech, or Fiberon costs $50–$75 per square foot installed. Marketed as "low maintenance," composite requires periodic cleaning, can develop mold in humid conditions, fades under Texas UV, and typically needs replacement or major refurbishment at 20–25 years. Maintenance over 20 years typically runs $2,000–$5,000.
Total 20-year cost of ownership for a 400 sqft composite deck: $24,000–$36,000 installed + $2,000–$5,000 maintenance = $26,000–$41,000.
An elevated concrete deck costs $60+ per square foot installed — the highest upfront number. Maintenance over 20 years: $0. No staining. No sealing. No board replacement. No partial replacement. No full replacement. Concrete built to our specifications in 2026 will still be performing in 2056 and beyond.
Total 20-year cost of ownership for a 400 sqft concrete deck: $27,000–$45,000 installed + $0 maintenance = $27,000–$45,000.
At comparable scales, concrete comes out ahead of or equal to composite on 20-year total cost — and well ahead of wood — while delivering a superior structure that lasts 30–50 years instead of 20–25. For anyone planning to stay in their Hill Country property long-term, the financial case for concrete is strong.
Limestone retaining walls are typically our faster, more economical scope. Gravity-stacked Hill Country quarry block walls generally run $35–$65 per linear foot depending on wall height, length, and site access. A typical 50-foot retaining wall averages $2,500–$5,000 depending on height and complexity.
For properties where both an elevated deck and retaining wall make sense, our Bundled Site Solution delivers both scopes under one contract — one mobilization, one crew, one schedule.
We don't do hourly billing, cost-plus contracts, or open-ended estimates. Every project is priced with a fixed proposal that covers all labor, materials, equipment, permitting, and engineering coordination required to complete the scope. Your proposal price is your final price. No exceptions.
We also don't do the lowest bid. If you're shopping primarily on price, we're probably not the right contractor for your project. If you're shopping on value, permanent construction, and total cost of ownership — that's where we compete.
Every site is different. Terrain, soil conditions, elevation requirements, and design preferences all affect your project cost. The only way to give you an accurate number is a site visit.
The property consultation is free. We visit your site, assess the terrain, discuss design options, and provide a fixed-price proposal within 1–2 weeks. No obligation, no sales pressure — just an honest evaluation of what dock-grade construction would look like on your property.
| Concrete Deck Wulfhe Outdoor Living |
Composite Deck Trex / TimberTech |
Wood Deck Pressure-Treated |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed Cost (400 sqft) | $27,000 – $45,000 | $24,000 – $36,000 | $12,000 – $22,000 |
| 20-Year Maintenance | $0 | $2,000 – $5,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Replacement at 20 Years? | No | Likely partial | Yes — full |
| 20-Year Total Cost | $27K – $45K | $26K – $41K | $27K – $52K+ |
| Expected Lifespan | 30 – 50 years | 20 – 25 years | 10 – 15 years |
| Fire Resistant | Yes — non-combustible | No — can melt/ignite | No — combustible |
| Hillside / Slope Capable | Purpose-built for it | Possible with engineering | Possible with engineering |
The consultation is free. We visit your site, assess the terrain, and provide a fixed-price proposal within 1–2 weeks. No obligation.
Also see: Common Questions · Full Material Comparison · How We Build