How Much Does a Deck Cost in 2026?
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Deck costs are driven by three decisions made early in the process: size, material, and configuration. A simple rectangular pressure-treated deck at grade can be built for $8,000–$15,000. Switch to composite decking or add a second level with stairs and railings, and you can double or triple that number. Material choice alone shifts the per-square-foot cost from $15 (basic pressure-treated) to $50+ (composite or hardwood) — and that difference compounds quickly as the deck grows.
After materials, your location determines more of the final cost than any other factor. Deck labor in coastal markets costs 35–45% more than the national average, and permitting in high-activity cities adds both fees and wait time. BuildCost applies state-level multipliers, calibrated against published industry cost data, to your estimate for your market — not a national average that can be off by thousands. Enter your deck size and state below for a localized range in under 60 seconds.
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Average Deck Cost in 2026
National averages across all U.S. regions. Materials are specified per row — your local estimate will vary based on state labor rates.
| Size / Material | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small deck — pressure-treated (100 sq ft) | $8,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Average deck — composite (300 sq ft) | $16,000 | $24,000 | $32,000 |
| Large deck — multi-level (600 sq ft) | $28,000 | $42,000 | $60,000+ |
Includes footings, framing, decking, railings, one stair run, and permits. Built-in features, pergolas, and lighting are additional.
Deck Cost by Size
150 sq ft, 300 sq ft, and 600 sq ft deck cost, nationally — the most common sizes in 2026.
| Project size | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 sq ft | $2,550 | $6,420 | $13,350 |
| 300 sq ft | $5,100 | $12,840 | $26,700 |
| 600 sq ft | $10,200 | $25,680 | $53,400 |
Based on $17–$89 per sq ft nationally. Actual costs vary by region — use the calculator above for a location-specific estimate.
Deck Cost by Material
Calculated from the same national pricing used above — cost per sq ft by material choice, plus typical upkeep and service life.
| Material | Cost per sq ft | Installed (300 sq ft) | Annual upkeep | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $16–$33 | $4,794–$9,879 | $450–$850 | 10–15 yrs |
| Composite | $39–$69 | $11,679–$20,826 | $5–$15 | 25–30 yrs |
Cost-per-sq ft and installed price are calculated from BuildCost's national pricing data above. Annual upkeep and lifespan are general industry figures (manufacturer and contractor cost guides), not part of BuildCost's regional pricing data — actual results vary by climate, use, and maintenance habits.
What Affects the Cost of a Deck?
- •Decking material: Pressure-treated pine is the lowest-cost option at $15–$25 per sq ft installed. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) runs $25–$50 per sq ft installed but requires no staining and carries longer warranties. Hardwoods like ipe or tigerwood are premium options at $30–$60 per sq ft installed.
- •Size and configuration: Each additional 100 sq ft adds approximately $3,000–$8,000 depending on material grade. Multi-level decks, angles, curves, and built-in features (benches, planters, pergolas) add disproportionate labor cost compared to simple rectangular decks.
- •Labor and zip code: Deck labor rates vary 30–50% by market. California, New York, and the Pacific Northwest run 35–45% above national averages. Texas, the Midwest, and the Southeast run at or below average. Scheduling in the off-season (late fall or winter in non-freezing climates) can reduce rates 10–15%.
- •Footings and height: Ground-level decks with surface-mounted footings cost less. Elevated decks requiring concrete piers dug below frost line add $200–$500 per footing. A deck elevated 8+ feet off the ground requires structural posts and beams that significantly increase framing costs.
- •Railings and permits: Code-compliant railings for elevated decks run $50–$150 per linear foot depending on material (pressure-treated wood vs. aluminum vs. cable railing). Permit fees range from $150 to $600+. Complex railing systems are one of the most common sources of cost overrun in deck bids.
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Return on Investment
How much value does a deck add to your home at resale?
How Deck compares to other projects
ROI figures based on Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report 2024, national averages. Actual resale value depends on your market, home price tier, and project quality.
Deck Cost — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a deck cost?
A wood deck typically costs $8,000–$30,000+ depending on size, material, and location. A small pressure-treated deck (100 sq ft) runs $8,000–$15,000. An average 300 sq ft deck with composite decking averages $18,000–$28,000. A large multi-level deck with built-in features like benches, lighting, or a pergola can exceed $40,000. Composite decking costs 50–100% more than pressure-treated wood upfront but requires far less long-term maintenance.
Is composite or wood decking cheaper?
Pressure-treated wood is cheaper upfront — roughly $16–$33 per sq ft installed versus $39–$69 for composite, based on BuildCost's national pricing data. But wood costs more over time: it typically needs $450–$850 a year in staining, sealing, and board repairs and lasts 10–15 years before major replacement, while composite runs $5–$15 a year in upkeep and typically lasts 25–30 years. Over a 10-year span, wood's extra maintenance alone can approach or exceed the upfront price gap — so "cheaper" depends on whether you're comparing install cost or total cost of ownership. (Upkeep and lifespan figures are general industry research, not part of BuildCost's regional pricing data.)
How much does a deck cost in Texas?
In Texas, a deck typically costs 5–15% below national averages in most markets. A 300 sq ft pressure-treated deck in Dallas–Fort Worth or Houston averages $14,000–$22,000. Composite decks in Texas run $20,000–$30,000 for the same size. Heat and UV exposure in Texas make composite or hardwood decking worth the premium over pressure-treated pine, which can warp and crack faster in the southern climate.
How long does it take to build a deck?
A standard deck build takes 1–3 weeks from permit approval to completion. The permit process takes 1–4 weeks depending on your municipality. Footings must cure 24–48 hours before framing begins. A straightforward ground-level deck can be done in 3–5 days by an experienced crew; a multi-level deck with stairs and railings takes 1–2 weeks of active construction.
Does a deck require a permit?
Most decks require a building permit, especially those attached to the house or elevated more than 30 inches off the ground. Freestanding ground-level decks may be exempt in some jurisdictions but check with your local building department before assuming. Permits ensure the footings, framing, and railings meet structural and safety codes — and an unpermitted deck can complicate a home sale.
How do I find a contractor for a deck?
Get at least 3 bids from licensed deck contractors or residential carpenters with verifiable deck projects. Ask specifically about footing depth (frost line compliance in your area), decking material warranties, and railing code compliance. Confirm permits are included in the bid. Thumbtack and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) are good resources for finding qualified local deck builders.
How much does a 10x20 deck cost?
A 10x20 deck (200 sq ft) typically costs $4,000–$14,500 nationally. Pressure-treated pine at this size runs $4,000–$8,500; composite decking runs $9,000–$14,500 for the same footprint. Coastal and West Coast markets run 20–35% above these figures, while the Midwest and Southeast typically come in at or below them. This is a common single-level, single-run size for a mid-size backyard deck.
How much does a 12x14 deck cost?
A 12x14 deck (168 sq ft) typically costs $3,300–$12,300 nationally, depending on material. Pressure-treated pine lands around $3,300–$7,200; composite decking runs $7,500–$12,300 for the same footprint. This size is common for a compact rear-entry deck off a kitchen or dining area, and usually needs only a single stair run.
How much does a 20x30 deck cost?
A 20x30 deck (600 sq ft) typically costs $11,600–$44,000 nationally. Pressure-treated construction at this size runs $11,600–$25,700; composite decking pushes it to $26,000–$44,000. At 600 sq ft, expect multiple stair runs or a wraparound configuration, which adds labor cost beyond the straight per-square-foot material difference.
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Deck Cost by State
Local pricing, permit notes, and climate factors for every state.