Cost guide
Deck Cost in 2026
Material is the biggest lever on deck cost, followed by size and height. See what each option costs, then price your own deck.
Step 1 of 4
Your deck
Size and height.
Labor costs differ a lot by state. This adjusts every line.
A 12 × 16 deck is 192 sq ft. A 16 × 20 is 320.
Height off the ground
Estimated deck cost
$15,200
$10,200 – $20,100
The estimator above starts as a raised 300 sq ft pine deck. For a full line-by-line breakdown with your state, see the deck cost calculator.
Deck cost by material (300 sq ft)
| Scenario | Estimated range | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pineLowest cost; needs sealing every 1–3 years | $10,200 – $20,100 | $34–$67 |
| Cedar or redwoodNatural and rot-resistant | $13,100 – $24,900 | $44–$83 |
| CompositeLow maintenance, 25+ year warranties | $16,800 – $32,800 | $56–$109 |
| PVC or cappedBest moisture and stain resistance | $20,400 – $38,800 | $68–$129 |
| Ipe hardwoodExtremely dense and long-lived | $22,200 – $42,800 | $74–$143 |
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.
Deck cost per square foot
Installed, a raised deck with a wood railing, four steps and a permit costs about $34–$67 per square foot in pressure-treated pine, $44–$83 in cedar, $56–$109 in composite and $74–$143 in ipe. The ranges are wide because height, railing style and your state all move the price.
Deck cost by size
Cost per square foot falls a little as a deck gets bigger, because stairs, permits and the ledger connection are fixed costs. These rows use pressure-treated pine.
| Scenario | Estimated range | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 150 sq ft deckAbout 10 × 15 ft | $5,700 – $11,700 | $38–$78 |
| 200 sq ft deckAbout 12 × 16 ft | $7,200 – $14,500 | $36–$73 |
| 300 sq ft deckAbout 15 × 20 ft | $10,200 – $20,100 | $34–$67 |
| 400 sq ft deckAbout 20 × 20 ft | $13,100 – $25,600 | $33–$64 |
| 500 sq ft deck | $16,000 – $31,100 | $32–$62 |
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 deck 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 a deck affordable
- Build low. A ground-level deck needs less framing and can skip code railings.
- Choose pressure-treated pine for the structure and spend on the surface you see and touch.
- Keep the shape simple. Corners, angles and multiple levels add labor fast.
- Turn off what you do not need. Lighting and a tear-out of an old deck are separate line items.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost?
A 300 sq ft raised deck costs about $10,200–$20,100 in pressure-treated pine, $13,100–$24,900 in cedar, $16,800–$32,800 in composite and $22,200–$42,800 in ipe. These are national averages with a wood railing, four steps and a permit.
How much does a 200 or 400 sq ft deck cost?
In pressure-treated pine, a 200 sq ft deck (about 12 × 16 ft) costs about $7,200–$14,500 and a 400 sq ft deck costs about $13,100–$25,600.
Is a composite deck worth the extra cost?
Composite costs about $56–$109 per square foot against $34–$67 for pressure-treated pine. You pay more up front for a surface that needs no sealing and usually carries a 25-year or longer warranty.
How much does it cost to replace a deck?
Price the new deck as above, then turn on Tear out an old deck in the estimator. Demolition and disposal add about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Does the estimate include railing, stairs and permits?
Yes. Railing, stairs and the permit and inspection are included by default, and you can change each one in the estimator. Lighting is off until you turn it on.
Why does a second-story deck cost more?
Tall posts, more bracing and longer stairs add framing and labor. Choose Second story under height in the estimator to see the difference.