Deck Building Cost: Price Ranges by Material and Source
Fixr’s national average puts a new deck at about $9,000 to $20,000 installed, which gives homeowners a rough starting budget before they call contractors. The per-square-foot figures from HomeGuide, Forbes Home, and Bob Vila do not all match, so check each one against the size and materials you have in mind.
Deck building cost breakdown
Each row lists the source and unit for its figure.
| Type or size | Unit | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| New deck, total cost (HomeGuide) | per square foot | $25 to $50 |
| Wood deck, with labor and hardware (Forbes Home) | per square foot | $30 to $60 |
| Platform deck (Fixr) | per square foot | $10 to $30 |
| Composite decking (HomeGuide) | installed, per square foot | $40 to $80 |
| Trex composite decking (HomeGuide) | installed, per square foot | $45 to $70 |
| Wood or vinyl railing (HomeGuide) | per linear foot | $20 to $60 |
| 320 sq. ft. composite deck with railings (Fixr) | installed, typical national average | about $14,000 |
| 12 by 12 foot deck (HomeGuide) | installed, average range | $3,600 to $7,200 |
| Outdoor outlet on a deck (Forbes Home) | per outlet | $150 to $300 |
| Adding a roof to a deck (Bob Vila) | installed, added cost | $3,000 to $10,000 |
Pressure-treated material prices are covered in the next section.
Labor vs. materials
HomeGuide puts labor to build a new deck at $11 to $22 per square foot. Bob Vila’s labor range for building a deck is $15 to $35 per square foot, which sits higher. Both are labor-only figures, so they leave out lumber and decking.
Material prices also disagree. HomeGuide lists pressure-treated pine at $14 to $28 per square foot, while Forbes Home lists pressure-treated lumber at $5 to $8 per square foot. The two material ranges are far apart, so ask each contractor what lumber the quote is based on.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Forbes Home estimates that a do-it-yourself install would come to about 65% of what a decking company charges for the total job. That number does not tell you whether you have the framing skill, tools, and time the build needs, so weigh those honestly before you start.
Deck framing is structural work, so a licensed pro and a building permit may be required. Bob Vila puts the average permit cost at $225 to $500 when one is needed for a traditional deck built as a permanent structure. Adding an outdoor outlet is electrical work, and a licensed electrician and a permit may be required for it.
Ways to save
- Keep the board layout plain. Bob Vila says a herringbone, diagonal, or other special pattern adds 20 percent for labor and materials.
- Price pressure-treated pine next to composite.
- Ask for railings as a separate line item. HomeGuide prices railings per linear foot, so you can see that cost on its own.
- Get several written quotes and compare them line by line.
- Clear the yard and open access paths before the visit, so the quote reflects the actual site.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask each contractor for a written quote that separates materials, labor, permits, and any removal of an old deck. Name the decking brand and type in your request, so every quote prices the same product.
Ask whether railings, outdoor outlets, and a roof are included, and who pulls the permit. Compare totals only after the quotes use the same size, material, and scope. That way the figures above serve as a check, not as the final price.
What changes the price
- Decking material, such as pressure-treated lumber, cedar, composite, or Trex
- Deck type, such as platform, raised, or two-story
- Geographic location, which Fixr lists as a factor
- Railings, roofs, and outdoor outlets, each priced as an added cost
- Special board patterns like herringbone or diagonal stripes
- Permits and removal of an existing deck
Frequently asked questions
Does deck building cost change by region?
Fixr says the per-square-foot average depends on material, deck type, and geographic location, so local bids can differ from national figures.
Do the per-square-foot prices include railings?
Forbes Home's wood deck figure assumes you are not adding many extras, so railings, roofs, and outlets may raise the total.
Is a national average enough to budget with?
It works as a starting point, but local bids and the materials you pick can change the final number.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.