How Much Does a Deck Cost in 2026?
A new deck costs $4,500–$13,000 in 2026, with the national average for a 300 sq ft pressure-treated deck at around $8,500 installed. Pressure-treated lumber is the cheapest at $15–$25 per square foot; composite (Trex, TimberTech) costs $30–$60 per square foot; cedar and ipe sit in between. DIY can cut total costs by 50–60% if you have the tools and a weekend. Use our deck calculator to estimate materials before pricing.
Key facts at a glance
- •Average 2026 deck cost: $30–$60 per sq ft installed (materials + labor)
- •300 sq ft pressure-treated deck: $4,500–$7,500 installed
- •300 sq ft composite deck: $9,000–$18,000 installed
- •DIY savings: 50–60% (you pay materials only)
- •Permit cost: $50–$500 depending on jurisdiction
Deck cost per square foot by material
Decking material is the single biggest cost driver. Pressure-treated southern yellow pine is the cheapest at $15–$25 per square foot installed; composite (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) costs 2–3× more but lasts 25+ years with no maintenance.
| Material | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
Pressure-treated pine | $15 | $20 | $25 |
Cedar | $25 | $30 | $35 |
Redwood | $30 | $38 | $45 |
Composite (Trex, TimberTech) | $30 | $45 | $60 |
Ipe / hardwood | $35 | $47 | $60 |
PVC (Azek) | $35 | $47 | $60 |
Total deck cost by size
Most residential decks fall between 200–500 sq ft. Costs scale linearly but smaller decks have higher per-sq-ft labor cost due to fixed setup (footings, posts) being amortized across less surface.
| Size | Square feet | Typical cost range |
|---|---|---|
10×10 deck 100 sq ft | 100 sq ft | $1.5K – $2.5K |
12×12 deck 144 sq ft | 144 sq ft | $2.2K – $3.6K |
12×16 deck 192 sq ft | 192 sq ft | $2.9K – $4.8K |
14×16 deck 224 sq ft | 224 sq ft | $3.4K – $5.6K |
16×20 deck 320 sq ft | 320 sq ft | $4.8K – $8.0K |
20×20 deck 400 sq ft | 400 sq ft | $6.0K – $10K |
What drives deck cost up or down
Beyond material and size, several factors swing the total cost by 30–50%. Multi-level decks need extra framing. Elevated decks (over 30 inches above grade) require railing and often footings below frost line. Built-in features (benches, planters, pergola attachment) each add $500–$3,000.
- •Height above grade: ground-level decks are 20–30% cheaper than elevated
- •Railings: $20–$80 per linear foot depending on material
- •Stairs: $50–$150 per step
- •Built-ins (benches, lighting, pergola): +$1,000–$10,000
- •Permit + inspection: $50–$500
- •Demo of old deck: $5–$15 per sq ft
Estimate your deck materials in 60 seconds
Skip the back-of-napkin math. Our free deck calculator runs the formulas for decking boards, joists, posts, and footings based on your dimensions and material choice. It also estimates material cost using 2026 prices.
DIY vs hiring a pro
Building a deck yourself saves 50–60% in labor cost. A pressure-treated 12×16 deck materials cost: $2,800–$4,800. The same deck installed: $5,800–$9,800. The labor premium pays for skilled framing carpentry, code-compliant footings, and warranty on the work.
If you DIY, budget 3–5 weekends for a deck under 300 sq ft. The hard parts are setting footings (rentals: posthole digger, mixer) and getting the framing square. Decking boards are the easiest stage.
How to budget smart in 2026
The biggest budget mistake is choosing material on price alone. Pressure-treated saves money upfront but needs stain or sealer every 2–3 years. Composite costs 2× more but saves $200–$400/year in maintenance. Over 20 years, composite often wins on total cost.
Get 3 contractor quotes — prices vary by 30–50% in the same market. Ask for itemized estimates that separate labor, material, footings, and railings so you can compare apples to apples.
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Try Remodel AI freeFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a 12×16 deck?+
A 12×16 ft pressure-treated deck (192 sq ft) costs $2,880–$4,800 in materials. Installed: $5,800–$9,800. Composite material: $5,800–$11,500 in materials, $11,500–$17,000 installed.
What is the cheapest decking material?+
Pressure-treated southern yellow pine is the cheapest at $15–$25 per square foot installed. It lasts 10–15 years with stain or sealer every 2–3 years.
Is composite decking worth the cost?+
Composite costs 2× upfront but lasts 25+ years with zero maintenance. Pressure-treated saves $5–$10 per sq ft upfront but requires $200–$400/year in stain. Over 20 years, composite is often cheaper in total cost.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?+
Most jurisdictions require a permit for decks over 30 inches above grade or larger than 200 sq ft. Permits cost $50–$500 and require inspections. Check your city's building department before building.
How long does it take to build a deck?+
A pro typically builds a 200–300 sq ft deck in 3–5 days. DIY: 3–5 weekends. Bigger decks with stairs and multi-level designs can take 1–2 weeks pro, 1–2 months DIY.
How much value does a deck add to a home?+
Remodeling Magazine's 2025 Cost vs Value report shows wood decks recoup ~65% of cost at resale; composite recoups ~63%. Real estate agents in deck-friendly climates often quote 70–75% return.
Can I build a deck without footings?+
Most building codes require concrete footings below frost line for any permanent deck. Surface-mount deck blocks are allowed for some low-height (under 30 inches), free-standing decks but check local code.
What size deck should I build?+
Rule of thumb: 20 sq ft per person at peak use. For a family of 4 hosting 8 guests, a 240 sq ft deck (12×20) is comfortable. Don't oversize — bigger decks cost more to maintain and can overwhelm small yards.