How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?
$4,000 – $25,000
National average: $11,000
Estimate your cost
Adjust the options for a tailored ballpark — figures and the regional adjustment are approximate estimates. Always confirm with local quotes before you budget.
A deck extends your living space outdoors, and the cost depends mostly on size and material. Most projects run $4,000 to $25,000, averaging around $11,000, or roughly $20–$80 per square foot installed.
What you’re paying for
The decking surface is the headline number, but you’re also paying for footings, framing, railings, stairs, and permits. Railings and stairs add up quickly on a per-foot basis, and an elevated deck needs far more structure than a ground-level one.
Cost by material
Material is the biggest decision and the biggest price swing. The table below shows typical installed pricing per square foot, from budget pressure-treated wood to premium composite and tropical hardwood.
Wood vs. composite: the real tradeoff
Pressure-treated wood is the budget choice and builds for the least, but it needs cleaning and re-sealing every couple of years and lasts 15–25 years. Composite costs roughly 50–100% more upfront but never needs staining or sealing and lasts decades — so over the life of the deck it often costs less in time and materials. Tropical hardwoods like ipe split the difference: premium price, exceptional durability, periodic oiling.
Where the budget hides
People estimate the deck surface and forget the rest. Railings, stairs, and height are where ground-level estimates go wrong — guardrails are required above a certain height, stairs are priced per step, and a second-story deck needs taller posts and more bracing. Built-ins, lighting, and a pergola are nice but optional.
How to save on a deck
- Choose pressure-treated wood if upfront cost is the priority.
- Keep it simple — rectangular shapes and ground-level builds cost less.
- Limit stairs and railings where code allows.
- Build in the off-season when contractors are less booked.
| Component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood deck | $20 – $45 / sq ft | — |
| Composite deck | $35 – $70 / sq ft | — |
| Hardwood (e.g., ipe) deck | $40 – $80 / sq ft | — |
| Railings | $30 – $90 / linear ft | — |
| Footings & framing | $1,000 – $4,000 | — |
| Permits | $100 – $500 | — |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $20 – $45 / sq ft | Cheapest; needs sealing |
| Cedar or redwood | $25 – $50 / sq ft | — |
| Composite (mid-grade) | $35 – $55 / sq ft | — |
| Composite (premium) | $50 – $70 / sq ft | 50-yr warranties common |
| Tropical hardwood (ipe) | $40 – $80 / sq ft | — |
What affects the price
- Decking material Pressure-treated wood is cheapest upfront; composite costs more but needs little maintenance.
- Size & height Larger and elevated decks need more material, footings, and labor.
- Railings & stairs Railing style and the number of stairs add meaningful cost per linear foot.
- Site conditions Sloped or rocky ground complicates footings and framing.
- Add-ons Built-in benches, lighting, pergolas, and skirting increase the total.
Frequently asked questions
- Is composite or wood decking cheaper?
- Pressure-treated wood is cheaper to build, roughly $20–$45 per square foot installed. Composite runs $35–$70 but eliminates staining and sealing, often winning on lifetime cost.
- How much does a 12x16 deck cost?
- A 192-square-foot deck runs about $4,000–$8,600 in pressure-treated wood and $7,000–$13,400 in composite, depending on railings and height.
- Do I need a permit to build a deck?
- Most municipalities require a permit for attached or elevated decks. Permits ensure the footings, framing, and railings meet code for safety.
- Does a deck add value to my home?
- Yes. Decks are popular outdoor-living upgrades and typically recoup a solid share of their cost at resale, with wood decks often returning more than high-end composite.
- How long does composite decking last?
- Quality capped composite lasts 25–50 years with little maintenance, versus 15–25 years for pressure-treated wood that's regularly sealed.
- Is an elevated deck more expensive than ground-level?
- Yes — elevated decks need taller posts, more bracing, stairs, and often guardrails, which can add 20–50% over a comparable ground-level build.
- Can I build a deck myself?
- A simple ground-level deck is a feasible DIY for experienced builders, but permits, footings, and structural connections must meet code. Elevated decks are best left to pros for safety.
How we estimate: ranges reflect typical U.S. pricing for materials and professional installation, compiled and cross-checked against the current (2026) industry sources listed below (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on your location, project size, material grade, and local labor rates — always get multiple written quotes before you commit.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources: