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Deck Cost Calculator

Estimate what it costs to build a deck — by size, decking material, height, railing, and stairs. You get a low-to-high price range with decking, railing, and stairs broken out.

Inputs

Leave 0 for none. A 12×16 deck open on 3 sides is about 40 ft of railing.

Result

Adjust the inputs to see your result.

How the estimate works

Deck builders price mostly by the square foot of deck surface, with the cost already blending decking boards, the substructure (posts, beams, joists), and labor. The calculator multiplies your deck's area by a national installed range for the material you pick — from about $15–$25 per sq ft for pressure-treated pine up to $40–$80 for exotic ipe — then applies a height factor, because a raised or second-story deck needs taller posts, more bracing, and harder access.

Railing and stairs are priced separately, since they vary so much: railing runs roughly $20–$60 per linear foot installed, and stairs about $150–$300 per step including stringers and footings. Your region then scales the whole thing up or down. The result is an honest low-to-high range, because real deck bids vary that much.

What drives the price

  • Material is the biggest lever — composite and PVC cost roughly 2–3× pressure-treated lumber, and ipe more still.
  • Size scales nearly linearly: doubling the square footage roughly doubles the decking cost.
  • Height and access add framing and labor — an elevated deck costs noticeably more than the same deck on grade.
  • Railing and stairs are add-ons that can each add thousands; a fully railed deck with a long stair run is a different budget than an open ground-level platform.

Common mistakes

  • Skimping on the ledger and footings. A poorly flashed ledger is the #1 cause of deck collapses — this is not where to save.
  • Forgetting railing and stairs. They're easy to leave out of a mental estimate and can add 20–40% to the job.
  • Comparing material price without lifetime cost. Wood is cheaper to build but needs staining every few years; composite costs more up front and almost nothing after.
  • Taking one bid. Deck bids for the same job routinely vary 30–40%. Always get three.

When this calculator is the wrong tool

Use a pro for: rooftop and structural decks, decks with built-in benches, planters, pergolas, or lighting, multi-level designs, or anything requiring engineered footings on a slope. This tool estimates a standard residential deck.

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FAQ

Questions, answered

How much does it cost to build a deck?
For a typical 12×16 ft (192 sq ft) deck, most homeowners pay roughly $3,000–$5,000 for pressure-treated lumber, $6,000–$11,500 for composite, and more for PVC or exotic hardwoods like ipe — all installed. Add railing, stairs, height, and your local labor rates and the range widens. The national average runs about $30–$60 per square foot installed across materials.
Is a composite deck worth it vs wood?
Composite (Trex, TimberTech) costs roughly twice as much as pressure-treated up front — about $30–$60 per sq ft versus $15–$25 — but it lasts 25–30 years with no staining, sealing, or sanding. Wood is cheaper to build but needs refinishing every 2–3 years, so over the deck's life composite often costs less. PVC is pricier still and the most weather-proof.
Does a deck add value to a home?
Yes. A new wood deck typically returns around 50–65% of its cost at resale, and a well-built deck expands usable living space and helps a home show better. Composite returns slightly less of its higher cost but appeals to buyers who don't want maintenance. Either way, a deck is one of the more reliable outdoor improvements for resale.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Usually, yes — especially for decks attached to the house or more than about 30 inches above grade, which most codes require to have a permit, guard railing, and a footing/ledger inspection. Freestanding ground-level decks under a certain size are sometimes exempt. Always check with your local building department before you start; an un-permitted deck can stall a future sale.
What is the cost per square foot to build a deck?
Installed, expect roughly $15–$25 per sq ft for pressure-treated pine, $20–$45 for cedar or redwood, $30–$60 for composite, and $40–$80 for PVC or exotic hardwood. Those figures include labor and the substructure for a basic deck; railing, stairs, and elevated framing add to the per-foot number.