Deck Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to build a deck in pressure-treated wood or composite. Enter deck size to get a low, typical and high price, labor vs. materials and cost per square foot.
Estimated total
- Low
- $6,800
- Typical
- $11,300
- High
- $17,200
$37.67 per sq ft all-in (range $22.67–$57.33)
Where the money goes (typical)
- Materials
- $4,380 (39%)
- Labor
- $6,420 (57%)
- Permits & fees
- $500 (4%)
Line items (typical)
| Pressure-treated wood | $9,600 |
| One set of stairs (about 4–6 steps) | $1,200 |
| Building permit | $500 |
Lowest up-front cost. Needs cleaning and sealing every 2–3 years.
General U.S. estimates for installed cost, not quotes. We compared them with national per-square-foot ranges from HomeGuide (about $25–$50 for pressure-treated and $40–$80 for composite) and Angi. Prices reviewed November 2026. Get at least three local quotes before you commit.
Deck builders quote by the square foot of finished deck. That price covers footings, framing, decking boards, fasteners and a basic railing in the same material. Stairs, premium railings, demolition and permits are usually extra.
The biggest choice is the decking material. Composite costs more to build but saves on yearly maintenance. Enter your deck size, pick a material and see the full range along with the labor and material split.
How the deck cost estimate works
- Enter the deck area in square feet.
- Multiply it by the installed price per sq ft for the material you chose.
- Adjust for deck height and your local cost level.
- Add the extras you ticked, such as removal, and any permit fee.
- Show the result as a low, typical and high total, split into materials, labor and fees.
Deck area is length × width of the walking surface. A 12 × 16 ft deck is 192 sq ft; a 16 × 20 ft deck is 320 sq ft. For an L-shape, add the two rectangles.
Deck Cost by material
| Material | Installed per sq ft | Labor share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $20.00–$45.00 | 60% | Lowest up-front cost. Needs cleaning and sealing every 2–3 years. |
| Composite (Trex, TimberTech and similar) | $35.00–$70.00 | 45% | Costs more but needs no staining or sealing. 25–50 year warranties. |
Deck Cost by size
Typical total with the low–high range below it. Assumes raised (2–6 ft); average u.s.; one set of stairs (about 4–6 steps); building permit.
| Deck area | Pressure-treated wood | Composite (Trex, TimberTech and similar) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | $4,900$2,800–$8,200 | $6,700$4,300–$10,700 |
| 200 sq ft | $8,100$4,800–$12,700 | $11,700$7,800–$17,700 |
| 300 sq ft | $11,300$6,800–$17,200 | $16,700$11,300–$24,700 |
| 400 sq ft | $14,500$8,800–$21,700 | $21,700$14,800–$31,700 |
| 500 sq ft | $17,700$10,800–$26,200 | $26,700$18,300–$38,700 |
What affects deck cost
- Decking material. Composite boards cost several times more than pressure-treated boards, which adds roughly 50% or more to the installed price.
- Height and footings. Raised and second-story decks need taller posts, bigger footings, bracing and more railing, and they take longer to build safely.
- Railings and stairs. Railings are priced per linear foot and stairs per step. A deck with long railings or several stair runs costs more per square foot.
- Size and shape. Larger decks cost less per square foot because setup is shared. Angles, curves, built-in benches and picture-frame borders add labor.
- Permits and site. Most attached or raised decks need a permit and inspections. Sloped yards and hard digging raise footing costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck?
A 300 square foot deck typically costs $7,000 to $17,000 in pressure-treated wood and $11,000 to $25,000 in composite, including one set of stairs and a permit.
How much does a deck cost per square foot?
Expect about $20 to $45 per square foot installed for pressure-treated wood and $35 to $70 for composite. Second-story decks cost more.
How much does a 12x12 deck cost?
A 12 × 12 deck is 144 square feet. In pressure-treated wood that is roughly $3,000 to $6,500 before stairs and permits, and $5,000 to $10,000 in composite.
Is a composite deck worth the extra money?
Composite usually costs 50% or more extra up front but skips the staining and sealing a wood deck needs every few years. Over 15 to 20 years the total cost of the two is often close.
Is it cheaper to build a deck yourself?
Labor is roughly half of a wood deck's cost, so doing it yourself can save thousands. You still need a permit, proper footings and code-compliant railings and ledger attachment.
About these figures
General U.S. estimates for installed cost, not quotes. We compared them with national per-square-foot ranges from HomeGuide (about $25–$50 for pressure-treated and $40–$80 for composite) and Angi. Last reviewed November 2026. Your price depends on your home, your region and the contractor, so treat this as a budget range and compare it with written quotes.