Homeowner Guides
Straight answers to the questions Central Ohio homeowners ask before they build: what it costs, what permits you need, and what to look for in an estimate.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Central Ohio?
Most new decks in Lancaster and Central Ohio cost $30 to $45 per square foot installed in pressure-treated lumber, and $55 to $80 per square foot in composite. A common 12×16 deck (192 square feet) runs about $5,800 to $8,600 treated or $10,600 to $15,400 composite, before stairs, upgraded railings or a roof.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Deck in Ohio?
Usually, yes. Under the Residential Code of Ohio, a deck skips the building permit only if it meets all four limits: 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to the house, and not serving the home’s required exit door. Most decks people actually build miss at least one of those.
How Much Does a Pole Barn Cost in Ohio?
A built pole barn in Central Ohio typically costs $28 to $45 per square foot for an enclosed shell on a gravel floor, and $45 to $70 per square foot for a finished shop with a concrete slab, insulation and electrical. A 30×40 runs about $34,000 to $52,000 as a shell, and a 40×60 about $60,000 to $95,000.