Cost guide
Outdoor Living Cost in 2026
Decks, patios and pergolas extend your living space outdoors. Material and site conditions drive the cost far more than size alone.
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Step 1 of 4
Your deck
Size and height.
Labor costs differ a lot by state. This adjusts every line.
sq ft
A 12 × 16 deck is 192 sq ft. A 16 × 20 is 320.
80 sq ft1200 sq ft
Height off the ground
Estimated deck cost
$15,200
$10,200 – $20,100
Want the line-by-line breakdown, with labor and materials split out for your state? Open the Deck Cost Calculator.
Outdoor project cost by type and material
| Scenario | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated deck (300 sq ft) | $10,200 – $20,100 |
| Composite deck (300 sq ft) | $16,800 – $32,800 |
| Poured concrete patio (300 sq ft) | $3,000 – $6,900 |
| Paver patio (300 sq ft) | $5,500 – $11,700 |
| Flagstone patio (300 sq ft) | $6,800 – $16,600 |
| Cedar pergola (12 × 12 ft) | $5,900 – $12,600 |
| Motorized louvered pergola (12 × 12 ft) | $15,700 – $31,200 |
Estimates at national-average pricing, calculated with our own pricing engine and reviewed September 2026. Change the inputs in the calculator to price your exact project.
What drives the cost
- Decking material sets the price, but framing and footings are the same either way.
- Composite costs more upfront and much less over 20 years than wood that needs sealing.
- Height adds cost through taller posts, bracing and more complex stairs.
- Railings are often 10–15% of the total. Metal and cable cost far more than wood.
Ways to keep an outdoor project affordable
- Ground-level projects cost less and often skip permits and railings.
- A patio usually costs less than a deck on flat ground; a deck wins on slopes.
- Compare 20-year cost. Composite costs more upfront but avoids sealing and staining.
- Build the base right. Drainage and footings are what keep the project lasting.