A new deck is one of the best-value home upgrades for outdoor living, and the cost depends heavily on size and material. Most homeowners pay $4,000 to $20,000 for a professionally built deck, or roughly $30 to $60 per square foot installed. A simple pressure-treated platform sits at the low end; a large composite deck with railings, stairs, and built-in features reaches the top.
Below is how decking costs break down by material and feature, what pushes the price up, and ways to get more deck for your money. These are typical national ranges that shift with material choice, design complexity, and local labor. For a real quote, see the ServiceGoat Cost Guides or connect with local pros at the end of this page.
Deck cost by material
Material drives both the upfront price and how much upkeep you’ll do later. Pressure-treated wood is cheapest to install; composite costs more but barely needs maintenance.
| Decking material | Installed cost per sq ft | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $15–$30 | Annual seal/stain |
| Cedar or redwood | $25–$40 | Periodic seal |
| Composite (e.g. Trex) | $30–$60 | Very low |
| PVC / capped polymer | $35–$70 | Very low |
| Tropical hardwood (ipe) | $40–$80 | Periodic oil |
What drives the cost
- Size: The largest factor — cost scales directly with square footage.
- Material: Composite and PVC cost 2–3x pressure-treated upfront but save on maintenance.
- Height and stairs: Elevated decks need more framing, footings, and railing; stairs add labor.
- Railings and features: Cable or glass railing, built-in benches, pergolas, and lighting add up.
- Site and footings: Sloped or rocky ground and deeper frost footings raise labor.
- Permits: Most attached decks require a permit and inspection ($150–$500).
Cost breakdown
On a typical mid-range deck, expect roughly 50% materials and 50% labor, though composite shifts the balance toward materials. Framing (joists, posts, footings) and the substructure are often a third of the build but invisible once finished — never skimp here, because the structure determines safety and lifespan. Railings and stairs are where custom features quickly raise the total.
| Component | Share of typical build |
|---|---|
| Decking boards | 30–40% |
| Framing & footings | 25–35% |
| Labor | 35–50% |
| Railings, stairs, extras | 10–20% |
Example projects
12×16 ft pressure-treated deck
A ground-level 192 sq ft pressure-treated deck with basic railing typically costs $4,500–$8,000 — a budget-friendly way to add usable outdoor space.
16×20 ft composite deck with stairs
A 320 sq ft composite deck with quality railing and a short stair run commonly runs $14,000–$22,000, trading higher upfront cost for decades of low maintenance.
How to save on deck building
- Keep the shape simple. Rectangles are far cheaper to frame than multi-level or curved designs.
- Use pressure-treated for the frame and splurge only on the visible decking surface.
- Build in the off-season when contractors have more availability.
- Get three quotes and make sure each includes permits, footings, and cleanup.
- Plan for the long run: composite costs more now but skips years of staining and board replacement.
Get deck building quotes from vetted pros
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More cost guides: ServiceGoat Cost Guides · Fence Installation Cost · Landscaping Cost