Pricing guide
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?
Updated June 2026
A deck is priced per square foot built, driven mostly by the decking material and the size and height of the structure. Below are honest, typical U.S. ranges for wood and composite decks, plus what common sizes cost.
Average deck (built)
$30 to $60 / sq ft
Per square foot for a built deck. A typical 300 sq ft deck runs roughly $9,000 to $18,000, less for basic pressure-treated wood.
Quick answer
Building a deck typically costs $30 to $60 per square foot, or $15 to $35 for basic pressure-treated wood and $30 to $60 for composite. A typical 300 sq ft deck runs roughly $6,000 to $18,000 depending on material, height, and railings.
Deck Building price list
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood (per sq ft) | $15 to $35 |
| Cedar / redwood (per sq ft) | $25 to $45 |
| Composite (per sq ft) | $30 to $60 |
| Small deck (~200 sq ft) | $4,000 to $12,000 |
| Large deck (~400 sq ft) | $8,000 to $24,000 |
| Railings (per linear ft) | $20 to $60 |
Prices are typical U.S. ranges and vary by region, scope, and condition. Always get a written quote.
Cost by decking material (per sq ft)
| Material | Per sq ft | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $15 to $35 | stain every 2 to 3 yrs |
| Cedar / redwood | $25 to $45 | seal yearly |
| Composite | $30 to $60 | low (wash only) |
Cost by deck size (composite)
| Deck size | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 200 sq ft | $6,000 to $12,000 |
| 300 sq ft | $9,000 to $18,000 |
| 400 sq ft | $12,000 to $24,000 |
What affects the cost
Decking material
Pressure-treated wood is cheapest up front; composite costs more but needs far less maintenance over its life.
Size and height
A bigger deck and a raised deck (with taller posts, footings, and stairs) cost more than a low ground-level deck.
Railings and stairs
Railings add $20 to $60 per linear foot, and each set of stairs adds cost. They are often a big part of the total.
Footings and permits
Concrete footings, a permit, and ledger attachment to the house all add to the structure cost.
Where the money goes
Deck cost is the framing structure plus the decking material, with railings, stairs, and footings added on top. Composite shifts more cost to material; wood shifts it to ongoing maintenance. A raised deck with stairs and railings costs well above a simple ground-level platform.
Should you DIY or hire a pro?
A small, low, ground-level deck is a realistic DIY project for a confident builder. Raised decks, anything attached to the house (ledger and flashing matter for safety), and decks that need a permit are best left to a pro, both for code compliance and structural safety.
How to save on deck building
- Pressure-treated wood costs far less up front than composite.
- A ground-level deck avoids the cost of tall footings and stairs.
- Simple rectangular shapes are cheaper to build than multi-level or curved decks.
- Build in the off-season for better contractor availability.
- Get itemized bids that separate framing, decking, railings, and stairs.
Run a deck building business? Here is what to charge
If you run a deck or contracting business, price per square foot by material, and quote railings, stairs, footings, and permits as separate lines. Most underbids come from undercounting railing and stair labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck?+
A deck typically costs $30 to $60 per square foot built, or $15 to $35 for basic pressure-treated wood. A 300 sq ft deck runs roughly $6,000 to $18,000 depending on material, height, railings, and stairs.
Is composite or wood decking cheaper?+
Pressure-treated wood is cheaper up front ($15 to $35 per sq ft) but needs regular staining. Composite costs more ($30 to $60) but needs almost no maintenance, so it can be cheaper over the deck's life.
How much does a 300 square foot deck cost?+
A 300 sq ft deck runs roughly $6,000 to $12,000 in pressure-treated wood and $9,000 to $18,000 in composite, depending on height, railings, and stairs.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?+
Usually yes, especially for raised decks or decks attached to the house. A permit and inspection add cost but ensure the structure is safe and code-compliant.
More pricing guides
How we research these prices
These figures are typical U.S. market ranges, cross-checked against our own industry research where we have it, and reviewed periodically. Prices vary by region, scope, condition, and the pro you hire, so treat them as a starting point and always get a written quote. Last updated June 2026.
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