Deck Cost Calculator
Estimate what it costs to build a deck — enter the size, material, height and railing to get a low-to-high installed total, the cost per square foot, and a materials-versus-labor breakdown.
How much does it cost to build a deck?
A deck's cost comes down to its size, the decking material, how high it sits, and railing. Installed, decks run from about $15 per square foot for pressure-treated wood up to $70 per square foot for premium PVC. The calculator above prices your exact size and choices, and splits the total into materials and labor so you can see what doing it yourself would save.
cost = area × material rate (× height) + railing length × rail rate
Deck cost by material
| Material | Installed $/sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $15 – $25 | Lowest cost, more upkeep |
| Cedar / redwood | $20 – $35 | Natural look |
| Composite (Trex) | $30 – $60 | Low maintenance |
| PVC (AZEK) | $35 – $70 | Most weather-resistant |
Cost by deck size (composite, installed)
| Deck size | Area | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 12 × 16 ft | 192 sq ft | $5,800 – $11,500 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 sq ft | $9,600 – $19,200 |
Building it yourself? Size the lumber with the deck board calculator or plan a ground-level build with the floating deck calculator. Hiring out? Compare quotes from local deck builders below.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck?
Installed, a deck typically runs about $15–$25 per square foot for pressure-treated wood, $20–$35 for cedar, $30–$60 for composite like Trex, and $35–$70 for PVC. A average 300 sq ft deck therefore lands roughly between $6,000 and $18,000 depending on material, height and railing. Enter your size and material above for an estimate.
How much does a 12×12 deck cost?
A 12×12 deck is 144 square feet. In pressure-treated wood that is about $2,200–$3,600 installed; in composite it is more like $4,300–$8,600. Adding railing, stairs or height raises it. The calculator prices your exact size and choices.
Is a composite or wood deck cheaper?
Pressure-treated wood is cheaper to build — often half the up-front cost of composite. Composite (Trex, TimberTech) and PVC (Azek) cost more initially but need far less maintenance and last longer, so they can be cheaper over the deck’s life. The calculator lets you compare materials side by side.
How much of a deck’s cost is labor?
Labor is usually around half of a built deck’s cost, sometimes more for elevated or complex designs. The estimate above splits the midpoint roughly 45% materials and 55% labor; doing it yourself saves the labor portion but adds your time and tool costs.
Does the cost include railing and stairs?
Railing adds meaningfully to the total — often $20–$60 per lineal foot installed — and stairs add a few hundred dollars per flight. The calculator includes a railing option and a height factor; unusual features like built-in benches, lighting or multiple levels would add more.