Deck Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Deck Cost
$3,000 – $5,000
$15.00 – $25.00 per sq ft • 200 sq ft deck
Material Cost
$1,600 – $2,800
Labor Cost
$1,400 – $2,200
Cost per Sq Ft
$15.00 – $25.00
Material Lifespan: Pressure-treated wood lasts 10–15 years, cedar 15–20 years, and composite/PVC decking lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. Hardwood (Ipe) can last 25–40 years. Higher upfront cost often means lower lifetime cost.
Permits: Most cities require a building permit for decks over 200 sq ft or more than 30 inches above grade. Permits typically cost $200–$500 and ensure your deck meets local building codes. Building without a permit can result in fines and complicate future home sales.
Return on Investment: A new deck recoups approximately 65–75% of its cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report. Wood decks typically return 65% while composite decks return about 70%. A well-maintained deck also increases curb appeal and usable living space.
Pressure-Treated Wood: The most affordable decking option. Requires annual sealing or staining ($0.50–$2.00/sq ft) to prevent rot and warping. Let new pressure-treated lumber dry for 3–6 months before staining for best results.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Deck Cost Breakdown by Material
Decking Material Cost Comparison (Installed)
| Material | Cost / Sq Ft | 200 Sq Ft Deck | 400 Sq Ft Deck | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $15 – $25 | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 | 10 – 15 years |
| Cedar | $25 – $35 | $5,000 – $7,000 | $10,000 – $14,000 | 15 – 20 years |
| Composite | $30 – $45 | $6,000 – $9,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 | 25 – 30 years |
| PVC / Synthetic | $35 – $55 | $7,000 – $11,000 | $14,000 – $22,000 | 25 – 30 years |
| Hardwood / Ipe | $40 – $65 | $8,000 – $13,000 | $16,000 – $26,000 | 25 – 40 years |
* Prices include materials and labor for a ground-level deck. Railing, stairs, and permits are additional.
Deck Railing Cost by Type
| Railing Type | Cost / Linear Ft | 40 Lin Ft (Small Deck) | 60 Lin Ft (Large Deck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | $20 – $35 | $800 – $1,400 | $1,200 – $2,100 |
| Composite | $30 – $50 | $1,200 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Metal / Aluminum | $40 – $80 | $1,600 – $3,200 | $2,400 – $4,800 |
| Cable | $50 – $100 | $2,000 – $4,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
* Railing perimeter estimated at 3 sides of the deck. Actual linear footage varies with deck shape.
Total Deck Project Cost by Size (Pressure-Treated Wood, with Railing)
| Deck Size | Area | Deck Only | With Railing + Stairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10 × 10) | 100 sq ft | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Standard (10 × 20) | 200 sq ft | $3,000 – $5,000 | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| Large (20 × 20) | 400 sq ft | $6,000 – $10,000 | $8,500 – $15,000 |
| Extra Large (20 × 30) | 600 sq ft | $9,000 – $15,000 | $12,500 – $22,000 |
* Estimates for an elevated deck with wood railing and 5 stair steps. Permit cost not included. Composite and hardwood decks cost 2–3× more.
How We Calculate
Our deck cost calculator estimates the total cost to build a new deck including materials, labor, railing, stairs, and permits. We break down each component so you can see where your money goes and adjust options to fit your budget.
How the math works: Deck cost = (deck area × material cost per sq ft × elevation multiplier) + (railing perimeter × railing cost per linear ft) + (stair steps × cost per step) + permit cost. We show a low–high range for each component based on current market pricing.
Decking Material Costs (Installed)
Pressure-Treated Wood: $15–$25/sq ft. Cedar: $25–$35/sq ft. Composite: $30–$45/sq ft. PVC/Synthetic: $35–$55/sq ft. Hardwood (Ipe): $40–$65/sq ft. These are fully installed prices including framing, joists, and decking boards. Material costs account for roughly 55–65% of the total, with labor making up the remaining 35–45%.
Elevation Adjustments
Ground-level decks (0–2 ft) use the base cost rate. Elevated decks (4–8 ft) add approximately 10% for taller posts, beam framing, and additional hardware. High or multi-level decks (8+ ft) add approximately 20% for engineering requirements, larger footings, lateral bracing, and increased labor complexity.
Railing Cost Estimates
Railing is priced per linear foot of perimeter. We estimate the railing perimeter as 3 sides of a square with equal area to your deck (one side attaches to the house). Wood: $20–$35/lin ft. Composite: $30–$50/lin ft. Metal/Aluminum: $40–$80/lin ft. Cable: $50–$100/lin ft. Actual perimeter varies with deck shape.
Stairs and Permits
Deck stairs cost $100–$200 per step including stringers, treads, and labor. A standard 4 ft elevation requires 5–6 steps. Building permits range from $200–$500 depending on your municipality and deck size. Permits are required in most areas for decks over 200 sq ft or 30 inches above grade.
Data Sources
Cost data is compiled from contractor surveys, RSMeans construction data, Home Depot and Lowe’s material pricing, and HomeAdvisor/Angi project cost reports. Prices reflect 2025–2026 national averages and are updated quarterly. Actual costs vary by region — coastal and urban areas tend to be 15–25% higher than the national average.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a deck? +
The average cost to build a deck ranges from $4,000 to $12,000 for a basic 200 sq ft pressure-treated wood deck, or $15,000 to $35,000+ for a larger composite or hardwood deck. The national average is about $7,700. Costs depend on deck size, material, elevation, railing choice, and your local labor market. Ground-level decks are the cheapest; elevated or multi-level decks with premium materials can exceed $50,000.
What is the cheapest decking material? +
Pressure-treated wood is the cheapest decking material at $15–$25 per square foot installed. It’s widely available, easy to work with, and structurally strong. The trade-off is shorter lifespan (10–15 years) and ongoing maintenance — you’ll need to stain or seal it every 1–3 years. For the lowest total cost of ownership over 20+ years, composite decking ($30–$45/sq ft) is often cheaper because it requires no staining or sealing.
How much does a 12x12 deck cost? +
A 12×12 deck (144 sq ft) costs approximately $2,200–$3,600 for pressure-treated wood, $4,300–$6,500 for composite, and $5,800–$9,400 for hardwood (Ipe). These estimates include materials and labor for a ground-level deck without railing. Add $1,200–$3,000 for railing, $500–$1,200 for stairs, and $200–$500 for a building permit.
How much does a 20x20 deck cost? +
A 20×20 deck (400 sq ft) costs approximately $6,000–$10,000 for pressure-treated wood, $12,000–$18,000 for composite, and $16,000–$26,000 for hardwood. These estimates include materials and labor for an elevated deck. Railing for a 400 sq ft deck adds $1,200–$6,000 depending on material (wood, composite, metal, or cable). Budget an additional $200–$500 for permits.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost? +
Yes, for most homeowners. Composite decking costs 50–80% more upfront than pressure-treated wood but requires virtually zero maintenance — no staining, sealing, or painting. Over a 25-year lifespan, you’ll save $5,000–$15,000 in maintenance costs. Composite decking also won’t splinter, warp, or rot. Most brands (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) offer 25–50 year warranties. The ROI at resale is comparable to wood decks at 65–75%.
Do I need a permit to build a deck? +
In most US municipalities, yes. A building permit is typically required for any deck that is attached to the house, over 200 sq ft, or more than 30 inches above grade. Permits cost $200–$500 and require an inspection to verify the deck meets structural and safety codes. Freestanding ground-level decks under 200 sq ft may be exempt in some areas. Always check with your local building department before starting construction.
How long does it take to build a deck? +
A professional crew typically builds a standard 200–300 sq ft deck in 3–5 days. A small ground-level patio deck (under 150 sq ft) can be completed in 1–2 days. Large or multi-level decks (400–600+ sq ft) take 1–3 weeks. DIY builds take roughly 2–3 times longer. Factors that extend the timeline include permit inspections, complex designs, concrete footing curing time (24–48 hours), and weather delays.
What adds the most cost to a deck project? +
The biggest cost drivers are: (1) Deck size — every additional square foot adds $15–$65 in cost. (2) Material choice — upgrading from pressure-treated wood to composite adds $15–$20/sq ft. (3) Elevation — elevated decks cost 10–20% more than ground-level due to posts, beams, and bracing. (4) Railing — premium railings (metal, cable) can add $3,000–$8,000+ to a standard deck. (5) Extras like built-in seating, pergolas, lighting, and custom stairs can add $2,000–$10,000+.
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