A deck is one of the biggest single checks a homeowner writes — and quotes for the same deck can differ by thousands. Enter your size and material below for a grounded estimate before you talk to builders.
What will your deck cost?
Enter your deck size and material to get the total installed cost — railing and stairs included if you want them.
Your estimate
Rates are typical US installed prices (material + labor) for a ground-level deck. Permits ($100–$500 in most areas), demolition of an old deck, lighting, and second-story height all add cost. DIY-ing a ground-level wood deck can cut the total by roughly half — you are mostly buying back your own labor.
How to use this deck cost calculator
- Enter the deck's length along the house and how far it projects out.
- Pick the decking material — the typical installed rate fills in; adjust it to local quotes if you have them.
- Tick railing (priced on the three open sides) and stairs if your design includes them.
How we calculate deck cost
Deck cost = area (length × width) × the installed rate for your material, which bundles boards, framing, footings, fasteners and labor. Railing is priced per linear foot on the three sides not against the house, and stairs are a flat allowance. Quotes vary with height off the ground, site access and local labor — treat this as a grounded range, not a bid.
Deck cost FAQs
How much does a 12×16 deck cost?
In pressure-treated wood, about $6,700 installed at typical rates. The same deck in composite runs about $10,600, and in PVC about $12,500 — before railing, stairs and permits.
What is the average cost per square foot to build a deck?
Most homeowners pay $30–$75 per sq ft installed: pressure-treated wood at the bottom of the range, composite in the middle, and PVC and ipe at the top. Height off the ground, access and local labor rates move any given quote around inside that range.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
Over 15–20 years, often yes: composite needs no staining or sealing and resists rot, while wood needs refinishing every 2–3 years — a few hundred dollars in materials each time, or $1,000+ hired out. Upfront, wood wins by a wide margin.
What adds the most cost to a deck project?
Railing (especially metal or cable systems), stairs, a second-story or steep site, and demolition of an old deck. Permits are smaller — typically $100–$500 — but skipping them can cost far more at resale.