Cost by deck material (per ft²)
| Material | Material cost | Installed cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $1.25/lf | $24–$45/ft² | 15–20 yr |
| Cedar | $3.00/lf | $28–$55/ft² | 20–25 yr |
| Composite (Trex-class) | $5.50/lf | $40–$75/ft² | 25–30 yr |
| Hardwood (ipe) | $8.00/lf | $55–$100/ft² | 40+ yr |
What this calculator includes
- Decking surface: by chosen material, ~1.1 lf per ft² of deck.
- Frame & posts: joists, ledger, rim, beam at ~1.7 BF per ft²; 4×4 PT posts every ~32 ft².
- Footings: 80-lb concrete bags, 1.5 bags per post hole.
- Fasteners: deck screws, joist hangers, flashing — flat $0.75/ft².
- Railing: $25/lf (PT) to $40/lf (composite), if enabled.
- Stain: only for PT/cedar (1 gal per 175 ft²).
- Labor: $8–$25/ft² depending on region and material complexity.
What pushes deck cost up
| Factor | Cost impact |
|---|---|
| Elevated deck (6+ ft) | +25–40% (more posts, longer span, code) |
| Stairs (per flight) | +$500–$1,200 |
| Built-in benches/planters | +$300–$800 each |
| Multi-level layout | +30–50% |
| Removal of old deck | +$3–$6/ft² |
| High-cost region (CA, NY) | +30–40% on labor |
| Permit + inspection | $50–$300 flat |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a deck cost in 2026?
A pressure-treated 12×16 deck (the most popular size) runs $4,500–$8,500 installed in 2026 — about $24–$45 per square foot. Composite decking pushes the high end to $10,000–$13,000 for the same size; cedar sits in between at $7,000–$10,500.
Pressure-treated vs composite — what's worth the extra?
PT wood costs ~50% less upfront but needs staining every 2–3 years and lasts 15–20 years. Composite (Trex, TimberTech) lasts 25–30 years with no staining and resists rot, splinters, and mold — but adds $1,200–$2,500 to a 12×16 deck. Composite typically pays back in 8–10 years vs. PT.
Does a deck add value to my home?
Yes — wood decks recoup ~50–60% of cost at resale per Remodeling Magazine's 2025 Cost vs. Value report; composite decks recoup ~40–50%. The difference: composite costs more upfront, so absolute ROI is similar but the percentage is lower.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Most US municipalities require a permit for any deck higher than 30″ off grade or attached to the house. Permits run $50–$300 and trigger inspections of footings (before pour) and final structure. Free-standing ground-level decks under 30″ often skip permits, but property setbacks still apply.
Should I DIY my deck or hire a pro?
A 12×16 PT deck is a 4–6 day DIY project for an intermediate handyperson. You save ~50–60% (typically $2,500–$4,000 in labor). Hardest parts: squaring the frame, ledger flashing, and accurate footing layout. A botched ledger can rot the house wall, so research that step thoroughly or hire just that part out.