DeckMath
Chevron · 20×18 (360 sqft) · 2026-Q1 retail

Chevron 20×18 Deck Cost

A chevron board pattern on a 20×18 (360 sqft) deck costs $22,680-$36,360 in mid-tier composite — 26% over straight. Boards meeting at a 45° point along a center line, forming a V-pattern that runs the deck length. Sharper, more directional than herringbone.

360 sqft1.26× labor16% waste648 lf decking26% over straight
Area
360 sqft
20×18 · 76 lf perimeter
PT pine (budget)
$11,520-18,000
$32-50/sqft installed
Mid composite
$22,680-36,360
$63-101/sqft installed
Luxury PVC
$34,200-50,040
$95-139/sqft installed

5 finish tiers — chevron 20×18

National $/sqft × chevron pattern's 1.26× complexity × 360 sqft = total installed cost. 16% waste factor already applied to the material side. Multiply by your state's labor multiplier for a local figure.

Tier
$/sqft
Total low
Total high
Budget · Pressure-treated
PT pine
$32-$50
$11,520
$18,000
Mid · Cedar / premium PT
Cedar
$44-$69
$15,840
$24,840
Premium · Mid composite
Trex Transcend, Fiberon Sanctuary
$63-$101
$22,680
$36,360
Luxury · Premium composite
TimberTech AZEK, Trex Signature
$95-$139
$34,200
$50,040
Exotic · Tropical hardwood
IPE, Cumaru
$113-$176
$40,680
$63,360

What changes vs a straight 20×18

Labor multiplier
1.26× straight
Pattern complexity adds 26% to installed labor cost. The bulk is precision-cutting + jig setup; once a contractor settles into the rhythm, chevron patterns proceed roughly 35-45%% slower than straight per square foot.
Decking quantity
648 lf (+54)
Order 648 linear feet (vs 594 for straight) — the extra accounts for 16% pattern waste from cuts.
Joist O.C.
12″ O.C. + center sleeper-beam to hold the V joint
Tighter spacing supports the pattern. Plan ~20-30% more joists in your framing material list.
Brand warranty
Brand-specific
Chevron is a specialty pattern — requires precision miter cuts on every board pair. Most brands list it under 'custom installation' (warranty negotiated case-by-case). AZEK and Trex Signature are most permissive.
Visual impact
Bold
Strong directional pull — works well on long, narrow decks pointing toward a view or focal point. Less effective on square decks where it can feel busy.
Resale value lift
+3-5%
Visible premium finishes typically recoup 60-80% of cost in resale, especially in luxury markets. Pattern visual upgrade compounds with material upgrade.

When to pick chevron

Best for

Long decks (3:1+ aspect ratio), decks pointing at a focal feature (pool, view, garden centerpiece), modern architecture.

Watch-outs

The center V-joint is a wear point and water-collection seam. Plan for re-flashing at year 5-7 even on capped composite.

See this pattern in 3D before you commit

The Pattern Visualizer animation renders all 5 patterns live so you can rotate and compare. Useful for spousal sign-off and contractor conversations.

FAQ — chevron 20×18

How much does a chevron 20×18 deck cost in 2026?

A chevron pattern on a 20×18 (360 sqft) deck costs $11,520-$18,000 in pressure-treated, $22,680-$36,360 in mid-tier composite, $34,200-$50,040 in luxury composite/PVC. That's 26% over straight-pattern baseline — about $6,120 extra at mid composite.

What's the waste factor on a chevron pattern?

16% — vs 7% for straight boards. On a 20×18 deck that means ordering 648 linear feet of decking (vs 594 for straight). The extra 54 lf is the difference between order quantity and installed quantity, ending up as offcuts and short pieces.

Does a chevron pattern affect joist spacing?

Yes — 12″ o.c. + center sleeper-beam to hold the v joint. The denser joist spacing supports the pattern visually and structurally. Plan ~20-25% more joists than a straight install would require, plus the matching extra hangers + footings if framing spans need to shorten.

Will my deck warranty cover chevron?

Chevron is a specialty pattern — requires precision miter cuts on every board pair. Most brands list it under 'custom installation' (warranty negotiated case-by-case). AZEK and Trex Signature are most permissive.

Is chevron the right pattern for a 20×18 deck?

Best for: Long decks (3:1+ aspect ratio), decks pointing at a focal feature (pool, view, garden centerpiece), modern architecture. Watch-outs: The center V-joint is a wear point and water-collection seam. Plan for re-flashing at year 5-7 even on capped composite. At 360 sqft, chevron is well-balanced — fits the typical sweet spot for this pattern.

Compare 20×18 across all patterns

Same chevron in other sizes