Last Updated on September 8, 2026 by teamobn
Nothing exposes the “just Google it” problem like deck pricing. One search returns “$15 per square foot,” the next “$45 per square foot,” and both are correct, for different decks.
The real answer depends on four things that change the number by thousands: the decking material, how high off the ground, what features you’re adding (railings, stairs, pergola, lighting), and who’s swinging the hammer. Nail down those four, and the range collapses from useless to useful.
How Much Will Your Deck Cost?
Free 60-second calculator · realistic estimate · materials list included
Decking materials, honestly compared
- Pressure-treated pine, $15–25/sq ft installed. The cheapest, most common, and most maintenance-heavy option. Needs to dry weeks before staining, then re-sealed every 2–3 years. Life expectancy 15–20 years.
- Cedar, $25–40/sq ft. Beautiful, weathers naturally to silver-gray, needs less maintenance than pine but still requires sealing to hold color. 20–25 years.
- Composite (Trex, TimberTech, etc.), $35–65/sq ft. Higher upfront, near-zero maintenance, 25–30-year warranties standard. Winning long-term math for most homeowners.
- Tropical hardwood (Ipe, cumaru), $55–95/sq ft. Denser and harder than most hardwoods used indoors. Lasts 40+ years. Requires specialty fasteners and slow going.
What actually drives the total
Beyond material, the two biggest cost swings are height and railings. A ground-level deck avoids railings entirely (in most codes). Anything over 30 inches typically requires them, and railings alone can add $25–55 per linear foot. Stairs add $400–1,200 each set. A pergola adds $1,500–6,000. Hidden fasteners look better and cost $2–4/sq ft extra.
The labor line item
Installation typically runs $20–40 per square foot in most US markets, meaning labor can equal or exceed materials on a modest deck. DIY saves that entirely. A 12×16 deck is realistic for an experienced weekend builder over two long weekends. Permits are usually required for decks above 30 inches; skip that step and you’ll pay for it at sale time.
Get your estimate and materials list
Enter your dimensions, chosen material, height, features, and whether you’re building or hiring. The calculator returns a realistic range with the materials breakdown, plus a rough shopping list (joists, boards, posts, hardware) that gets you close enough to walk into a lumberyard with a real number.
Frequently asked questions
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
Over 15+ years, usually yes. You save the annual sealing, and it still looks new when pine would need boards replaced. Under 5 years, pressure-treated pine is cheaper on total cost of ownership.
How much can I save by DIYing my deck?
Typically 40–60% versus a full-service contractor, since labor is a large fraction of the total. Skill matters most on the ledger board, footings, and the initial framing square, the finish work is more forgiving.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
In most US jurisdictions, decks above 30 inches or attached to the house require a permit and inspection. Ground-level free-standing decks often don’t. Check your city or county building department. The process usually takes days, not weeks.
Ready to price your dream deck? Let’s get started…
