How much does it cost to build a deck?
A new deck typically costs about $15–$60 per square foot installed. Pressure-treated wood sits at the low end and composite or PVC near the top. For a common 12 × 16 ft deck (192 sq ft), that's roughly $2,900–$11,500. Material is only part of it — railings, stairs, height, and labor swing the final number as much as the decking you choose.
Average deck cost
Most homeowners spend somewhere in the $4,000–$12,000 range for a standard deck. The two biggest levers are material (pressure-treated is roughly half the price of composite) and labor, which is often 50–65% of an installed deck's cost. A simple, low, rectangular deck in pressure-treated lumber is the budget end; an elevated composite deck with stairs and metal railings is the top.
Cost by decking material
Material sets both the price and how much upkeep you're signing up for. Figures below are for the decking boards alone, and installed (boards plus framing, footings, fasteners, and labor):
| Material | Boards / sq ft | Installed / sq ft | Maintenance & lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $2–$5 | $15–$30 | Re-stain every 1–3 yrs · 15–25 yrs |
| Cedar / redwood | $4–$8 | $20–$40 | Seal yearly · 15–25 yrs |
| Composite (e.g. Trex) | $5–$13 | $30–$60 | Wash only · 25–50 yrs |
| PVC / capped polymer | $8–$15 | $30–$60 | Wash only · 30–50 yrs |
| Tropical hardwood (ipe) | $8–$15 | $30–$60 | Oil periodically · 40+ yrs |
Cost by deck size
Using the full $15–$60 / sq ft installed range across materials, here's what common deck sizes run:
| Deck size | Area | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | $1,500–$6,000 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | $2,200–$8,600 |
| 12 × 16 ft | 192 sq ft | $2,900–$11,500 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 sq ft | $4,800–$19,200 |
Where the money goes
It helps to see a deck as several costs stacked together, not just "boards":
- Decking boards — the surface you walk on, and the line item you choose by material above.
- Framing — pressure-treated joists, beams, and ledger that carry the load (a structural must, regardless of decking).
- Footings & posts — concrete piers below the frost line; more and deeper footings on tall or sloped sites.
- Fasteners & hardware — hidden clips or screws, joist hangers, and post anchors.
- Railings — often a surprising share of the budget; metal, glass, and cable cost far more than wood.
- Stairs — each flight adds material and a lot of labor.
- Labor & permit — typically 50–65% of the total, plus a $50–$500+ permit.
Start with the materials take-off
Use the deck calculator to turn your deck size into deck boards and screws (with a waste allowance and editable price), then add framing, railings, and labor from the ranges above.
Open the Deck CalculatorDIY vs. hiring a pro
Because labor is the biggest single cost, doing it yourself can roughly halve the price of a deck. A low, ground-level, rectangular deck in pressure-treated lumber is a realistic project for a confident DIYer over a few weekends. But be honest about the job: elevated decks, complex shapes, tall footings, and anything attached to the house involve real structural and safety stakes (a failed ledger or undersized footing is dangerous), and most areas require a permit and inspection. When in doubt — especially on anything more than a couple of feet off the ground — hire a licensed deck builder. See our methodology for how we build these cost ranges.
What changes the price
- Height & site. Elevated or sloped lots need taller posts, more footings, and stairs — all of which add labor.
- Railings. Code-required above 30 inches; cable, glass, and aluminum systems can cost more than the decking itself.
- Shape. Angles, curves, picture-frame borders, and multiple levels mean more cuts, waste, and time.
- Demolition. Removing and hauling an old deck adds to the bill.
- Region & season. Labor rates and permit fees vary widely; booking in the off-season can save money.
Don't forget maintenance
A wood deck's real cost includes upkeep. Pressure-treated and cedar decks need cleaning and a fresh coat of stain or sealer every one to three years to prevent cracking, graying, and rot — budget for that time and material. Composite and PVC skip the staining entirely and just need an occasional wash, which is a big part of their long-term value. Planning to refinish a wood deck? Our deck stain calculator tells you how many gallons you'll need.