How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck

Q: How much does it cost to build a deck in 2026?

Building a deck in 2026 costs $23 to $78 per square foot installed (materials + labor). A 200 sq ft pressure-treated wood deck costs $4,600-$8,600. A composite deck the same size runs $6,600-$12,600. PVC decking is the most expensive at $7,600-$15,600 for 200 sq ft. These include basic railing and stairs.

Q: Is composite decking worth the extra cost?

For most homeowners, yes. While composite costs 50-80% more upfront than pressure-treated wood, it requires almost zero maintenance over its 25-30 year lifespan. A wood deck needs staining every 2-3 years at $500-$1,500 per application. Over 20 years, total ownership cost for composite is often equal to or less than wood.

Q: How long does it take to build a deck?

A typical deck build takes 1 to 3 weeks of active construction. A simple 200 sq ft ground-level deck can be built in 3-5 days. A 300+ sq ft elevated deck with stairs and railing takes 2-3 weeks. Add 1-4 weeks for permit approval. Most contractors can have a standard deck completed within a month from start to finish.

Q: Do I need a permit to build a deck?

In most jurisdictions, yes. Decks attached to a house, elevated more than 30 inches above grade, or larger than 200 sq ft typically require a building permit ($100-$500). The permit ensures proper ledger attachment, footings, railing height (36-42 inches), and structural safety. Freestanding ground-level decks may be exempt in some areas.

Q: What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

The most affordable approach is a ground-level, freestanding deck using pressure-treated lumber. Skip the railing (not required at ground level), use concrete deck blocks instead of poured footings, and keep the shape simple (rectangular). A DIY 12x12 ft ground-level deck can cost as little as $1,500-$3,000 in materials.

Q: How much does a pergola add to deck cost?

A pergola adds $3,000 to $8,000 to a deck project depending on size and material. A simple 10x10 ft pressure-treated wood pergola costs $3,000-$4,500. Cedar pergolas run $4,000-$6,000. Vinyl or aluminum pergolas with motorized louvers cost $6,000-$12,000+. Pergolas can be added later without rebuilding the deck.

2026 Deck Cost Comparison by Material

Material	Cost/SF	200 SF Deck	Lifespan	Maintenance
Pressure-Treated Wood	$15-$25	$3,000.00 - $5,000.00	10-15 years	Stain/seal every 2-3 years
Cedar	$20-$35	$4,000.00 - $7,000.00	15-20 years	Stain/seal every 2-3 years
Composite (Trex, TimberTech)	$25-$45	$5,000.00 - $9,000.00	25-30 years	Occasional cleaning only
PVC / Cellular PVC	$30-$60	$6,000.00 - $12,000.00	30+ years	Minimal - soap and water

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?

The cost to build a deck in 2026 ranges from $15 to $60 per square foot for materials plus $8 to $18 per square foot for labor, depending on the decking material, size, and features. A typical 200-square-foot deck costs between $4,600 and $15,600 installed.

Pressure-treated wood remains the most affordable option at $15-$25/sf and is ideal for budget-conscious homeowners. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) costs more upfront at $25-$45/sf but requires almost zero maintenance over its 25-30 year lifespan, making it the best value for most homeowners. PVC decking is the premium choice at $30-$60/sf, offering the longest lifespan and complete moisture resistance.

Features add up quickly. Railing adds $25-$60 per linear foot, stairs cost $100-$250 per step, and a pergola runs $3,000-$8,000. Built-in seating and LED lighting are popular upgrades that add comfort and ambiance.

Material Pros & Cons

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pros: Most affordable, widely available, easy to work with

Cons: Requires regular maintenance, can warp/crack, splinters

Cedar

Pros: Natural beauty, naturally rot-resistant, no chemical treatment

Cons: More expensive than PT, still needs sealing, can gray over time

Composite (Trex, TimberTech)

Pros: Low maintenance, no staining needed, won't splinter, 25yr+ warranty

Cons: Higher upfront cost, can get hot in sun, limited color changes

PVC / Cellular PVC

Pros: Most durable, fully waterproof, mold/mildew resistant, lightest weight

Cons: Most expensive, can feel less natural, expansion/contraction in heat

Build Your Custom Estimate

Deck Size

Decking Material

Features

Railing ($25-$60/linear ft)

Stairs (per step) ($100-$250/steps)

Built-In Seating ($50-$120/linear ft)

Pergola ($3,000-$8,000/each)

Deck Lighting ($500-$2,500/package)

Deck Cost Estimate — Pressure-Treated Wood

Deck Size

200 sq ft

Total Estimated Cost

$6,075.00 – $12,180.00

Category	Low Estimate	High Estimate
Decking Materials (200 sf × $15-$25)	$3,000.00	$5,000.00
Railing (43 linear ft)	$1,075.00	$2,580.00
Stairs (per step) (4 steps)	$400.00	$1,000.00
Labor ($8-$18/sf)	$1,600.00	$3,600.00
Total	$6,075.00	$12,180.00

Money-Saving Tips

Build in the off-season (fall/winter) when contractors offer lower rates
A simple rectangular deck is 20-30% cheaper than a multi-level or curved design
Pressure-treated wood with regular staining can look great for half the cost of composite
Skip the pergola initially - it can be added later without rebuilding the deck
Get at least 3 quotes - deck pricing varies significantly between contractors

12,800+ estimates calculated this month

Deck Cost Planning Guide

Detailed cost factors, labor rates, and money-saving strategies for deck projects.

What Factors Affect Deck Cost the Most?

Material selection and deck height are the two biggest cost factors, together accounting for 60–80% of total project cost variation.

Material: Composite is 2–3× the cost of pressure-treated lumber
Height: Elevated decks (8+ ft) require engineered posts and cross-bracing, adding $5,000–$15,000
Stairs: Each set of stairs adds $500–$2,500 depending on length and material
Railing: $20–$100+/linear foot depending on material (cable, glass, composite, aluminum)
Shape: Curves, angles, and multi-levels add 20–50% vs. a simple rectangle

Key Takeaways

Material + height = 60–80% of cost variation
Stairs: $500–$2,500 per set
Complex shapes add 20–50% to cost

Deck Labor Costs & Timeframes

Deck labor runs $8–$22 per square foot, depending on complexity, and a typical deck takes 3–7 days to build.

Ground-level deck: $8–$12/sq ft labor, 2–4 days
Standard elevated deck: $12–$18/sq ft labor, 3–5 days
Multi-level/complex: $18–$25/sq ft labor, 5–10 days
Demo of existing deck: $2–$5/sq ft, 1 day for most decks

DIY saves 40–60% but requires proper knowledge of structural connections, especially the ledger board-to-house attachment.

Key Takeaways

Standard deck labor: $12–$18/sq ft
Build time: 3–7 days typical
DIY saves 40–60% but structural knowledge critical

Cost-Saving Strategies for Deck Projects

Building in the off-season (fall/winter) can save 10–20% on labor as contractors are less busy.

Off-season build: 10–20% labor savings (October–February in most markets)
Hybrid materials: Composite decking on pressure-treated framing saves 15–25% vs. all-composite
Simple design: Rectangle with one set of stairs is 30–50% less than multi-level
Standard sizes: Design to standard lumber lengths (8, 10, 12, 16 ft) to minimize waste

Key Takeaways

Off-season builds save 10–20% on labor
Hybrid framing saves 15–25% vs. all-composite
Design to standard lumber lengths to cut waste

How to Use This Calculator

Compare materials in the cost table

Start with the material comparison table showing cost per square foot, lifespan, and maintenance requirements for pressure-treated wood, cedar, composite, and PVC.

Read the material pros and cons

Review the pros and cons for each material to understand the trade-offs between upfront cost, maintenance, and longevity before making your selection.

Build your custom estimate

Select your deck size (or enter a custom square footage), choose your decking material, and toggle features like railing, stairs, built-in seating, pergola, and lighting.

Review the detailed cost breakdown

See an itemized estimate covering materials, each selected feature, and labor with low-to-high ranges. Use the money-saving tips to optimize your budget.

Deck Cost Formulas

Total Cost = Decking Materials + Features + Labor
Decking = Square Feet × Material Cost/SF
Labor = Square Feet × $8-$18/SF

Where:

Pressure-Treated: = $15-$25 per sq ft for materials
Cedar: = $20-$35 per sq ft for materials
Composite: = $25-$45 per sq ft for materials
PVC: = $30-$60 per sq ft for materials

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a deck in 2026?

Building a deck in 2026 costs $23 to $78 per square foot installed (materials + labor). A 200 sq ft pressure-treated wood deck costs $4,600-$8,600. A composite deck the same size runs $6,600-$12,600. PVC decking is the most expensive at $7,600-$15,600 for 200 sq ft. These include basic railing and stairs.

Is composite decking worth the extra cost?

For most homeowners, yes. While composite costs 50-80% more upfront than pressure-treated wood, it requires almost zero maintenance over its 25-30 year lifespan. A wood deck needs staining every 2-3 years at $500-$1,500 per application. Over 20 years, total ownership cost for composite is often equal to or less than wood.

How long does it take to build a deck?

A typical deck build takes 1 to 3 weeks of active construction. A simple 200 sq ft ground-level deck can be built in 3-5 days. A 300+ sq ft elevated deck with stairs and railing takes 2-3 weeks. Add 1-4 weeks for permit approval. Most contractors can have a standard deck completed within a month from start to finish.

Do I need a permit to build a deck?

In most jurisdictions, yes. Decks attached to a house, elevated more than 30 inches above grade, or larger than 200 sq ft typically require a building permit ($100-$500). The permit ensures proper ledger attachment, footings, railing height (36-42 inches), and structural safety. Freestanding ground-level decks may be exempt in some areas.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

The most affordable approach is a ground-level, freestanding deck using pressure-treated lumber. Skip the railing (not required at ground level), use concrete deck blocks instead of poured footings, and keep the shape simple (rectangular). A DIY 12x12 ft ground-level deck can cost as little as $1,500-$3,000 in materials.

How much does a pergola add to deck cost?

A pergola adds $3,000 to $8,000 to a deck project depending on size and material. A simple 10x10 ft pressure-treated wood pergola costs $3,000-$4,500. Cedar pergolas run $4,000-$6,000. Vinyl or aluminum pergolas with motorized louvers cost $6,000-$12,000+. Pergolas can be added later without rebuilding the deck.

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Built on real contractor pricing and industry cost databases, updated for 2026 market conditions.

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2026 Deck Cost Comparison by Material

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?

Material Pros & Cons

Pressure-Treated Wood

Cedar

Composite (Trex, TimberTech)

PVC / Cellular PVC

Build Your Custom Estimate

Deck Cost Estimate — Pressure-Treated Wood

Deck Cost Planning Guide

What Factors Affect Deck Cost the Most?

Key Takeaways

Deck Labor Costs & Timeframes

Key Takeaways

Cost-Saving Strategies for Deck Projects

Key Takeaways

How to Use This Calculator

Compare materials in the cost table

Read the material pros and cons

Build your custom estimate

Review the detailed cost breakdown

Deck Cost Formulas

Where:

Free to Embed on Your Website

Get Free Estimating Tips

See the Full Cost Breakdown

Turn Cost Research Into Winning Bids

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Contractors Choose EstimationPro AI

Estimates in 60 Seconds

Accurate Pricing Data

Professional Proposals

Get Paid Faster

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