Deck Building Cost Guide
Material costs, labor rates, and building requirements for residential deck projects in 2026.
How Much Does a Deck Cost in 2026?
A new deck costs $15–$75+ per square foot installed, depending on materials, height, and complexity.
- Pressure-treated wood: $15–$30/sq ft installed
- Cedar/redwood: $25–$45/sq ft installed
- Composite (Trex, TimberTech): $30–$55/sq ft installed
- PVC/cellular: $35–$60/sq ft installed
- Ipe/hardwood: $45–$75+/sq ft installed
A typical 16×20 ft deck (320 sq ft) costs $6,000–$18,000 in pressure-treated wood or $12,000–$25,000+ in composite.
Key Takeaways
- Pressure-treated deck: $15–$30/sq ft installed
- Composite deck: $30–$55/sq ft installed
- 16×20 deck: $6,000–$25,000 depending on material
Deck Material Comparison: Lifespan & Maintenance
Composite decking costs 2× more upfront but requires zero staining and lasts 25–50 years vs. 10–15 years for untreated wood.
- Pressure-treated pine: 10–15 year lifespan, stain every 2–3 years ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft per stain)
- Cedar: 15–20 years, stain every 2–3 years, naturally rot-resistant
- Composite: 25–50 years, no staining, occasional cleaning only
- PVC: 30–50+ years, won't stain/rot/warp, most expensive
Over 20 years, composite costs less than wood when you factor in maintenance, staining, and replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Pressure-treated lifespan: 10–15 years
- Composite lifespan: 25–50 years, zero staining
- Composite cheaper than wood over 20-year lifecycle
Deck Building Requirements & Permits
Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in most jurisdictions, plus railing and ledger board attachment to code.
- Permit fee: $100–$500 for a standard residential deck
- Railing required: When deck surface is 30"+ above grade (36" min height, 42" in some codes)
- Footing depth: Below frost line (12"–48" depending on region)
- Ledger board: Must be lag-bolted to house framing with flashing — #1 failure point
- Joist spacing: 16" OC standard, 12" OC for diagonal decking or composite
Key Takeaways
- Permit required for decks 30"+ above grade
- Railing: 36" min height (42" in some areas)
- Ledger board attachment is the #1 deck failure point
Deck ROI & Home Value Impact
A wood deck recoups about 65–75% of cost at resale, while composite decks recover 60–70%.
- Best ROI: Simple rectangular deck, 200–400 sq ft, with stairs and railing
- Diminishing returns: Multi-level decks, built-in seating, and elaborate features rarely recoup their full cost
- Regional factor: Decks add more value in climates with 6+ months of outdoor weather
Key Takeaways
- Wood deck ROI: 65–75% at resale
- Composite deck ROI: 60–70% at resale
- Best ROI: simple design, 200–400 sq ft
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Deck Dimensions
Input the length and width of your deck in feet to calculate the total square footage.
Select Decking Material
Choose between pressure-treated wood, composite, or PVC decking. Each material has different cost ranges and longevity.
Add Railing and Stairs
Indicate whether you need railing and how many stair steps. Railing is calculated for three sides of the deck.
Review Cost Breakdown
See a detailed breakdown of materials, labor, railing, and stairs with low and high estimates for budgeting.
Deck Cost Formula
Total = (Area x Material $/sf) + Railing + Stairs + (Area x Labor $/sf)Where:
- Area
- = Deck length x width in square feet
- Material $/sf
- = Cost per square foot by material type (wood $15-25, composite $25-45, PVC $30-60)
- Railing
- = Perimeter minus one access side, multiplied by $20-60 per linear foot
- Stairs
- = Number of steps x $100-300 per step depending on material
- Labor $/sf
- = Installation labor at $20-40 per square foot
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a deck per square foot?
Total installed deck cost ranges from $35-$65 per square foot for pressure-treated wood, $45-$85/sf for composite, and $50-$100/sf for PVC. These prices include materials and labor. Material alone is roughly 40-50% of the total cost, with labor making up the rest.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
Composite decking costs 40-60% more upfront but requires virtually no maintenance compared to wood, which needs staining or sealing every 2-3 years ($1-$3/sf each time). Over a 25-year lifespan, composite typically costs less when you factor in maintenance. Composite also does not rot, split, or attract termites.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
In most jurisdictions, yes. Any deck over 30 inches above grade, attached to the house, or over 200 square feet typically requires a building permit. Permits usually cost $100-$500. The deck must meet local building codes for footings, ledger board attachment, railing height (36-42 inches), and baluster spacing (less than 4 inches).
How deep should deck footings be?
Deck footings must extend below the frost line, which varies by region: 12 inches in the South, 36-48 inches in the Midwest and Northeast, and up to 60 inches in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Footings are typically 8-12 inches in diameter using concrete sono tubes. Check your local building code for exact requirements.
How long does it take to build a deck?
A professional crew of 2-3 people can build a standard 12x16 deck in 3-5 days. This includes digging and pouring footings (1 day, plus cure time), framing (1 day), decking and railing (1-2 days), and stairs (half day). Complex designs, multiple levels, or custom features add time. DIY builds typically take 2-3 weekends.
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