Free deck building estimator
What will your deck actually cost to build?
Enter your deck's size, material, and a few details for an itemized cost range built from current 2026 contractor rates — before you ever pick up the phone.
What drives the cost of building a deck
Two decks of the same size can differ by thousands. These factors move the number most.
Material choice
The biggest lever. Pressure-treated is the budget option; composite and PVC cost two to three times more but cut decades of maintenance.
Size & shape
Cost scales with square footage, but angles, multiple levels, and curves add labor. A simple rectangle is cheapest per square foot.
Height & footings
Raised and second-story decks need taller posts, more bracing, deeper footings, and stairs — all of which raise cost.
Railing & stairs
Railing is priced per linear foot and stairs per step. On smaller decks these can be 20–30% of the project.
Deck cost by material (installed, per square foot)
Typical 2026 installed cost ranges, materials and labor combined.
| Material | Per sq ft | 192 sq ft deck | Lifespan & upkeep |
|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $15–$25 | $2,880–$4,800 | 15–20 yrs · seal yearly |
| Cedar | $20–$35 | $3,840–$6,720 | 15–25 yrs · stain |
| Redwood | $25–$40 | $4,800–$7,680 | 20–30 yrs · seal |
| Composite (Trex) | $30–$60 | $5,760–$11,520 | 25–30 yrs · rinse only |
| PVC / vinyl | $35–$60 | $6,720–$11,520 | 30+ yrs · rinse only |
| Tropical hardwood (Ipe) | $40–$70 | $7,680–$13,440 | 40+ yrs · oil |
Planning a DIY job?
Common materials and tools for this project. (Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.)
Deck cost questions, answered
How much does it cost to build a deck in 2026?
Most homeowners spend between $4,000 and $12,000, or roughly $15 to $60 per square foot installed, depending on material, size, height, and local labor rates.
Is a composite deck worth the extra cost?
Composite and PVC cost about two to three times more than pressure-treated lumber up front but last 25 to 30+ years with almost no maintenance, so the lifetime cost often evens out.
How much of a deck's cost is labor?
Labor is typically 45 to 55 percent of a professionally built deck, and higher for raised decks and stairs.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
In most U.S. municipalities a permit is required for attached or raised decks. Permits usually cost $150 to $500.
How accurate is this estimate?
It is a planning estimate from current installed-cost ranges. Confirm with quotes from licensed local builders before budgeting.