How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?

Top Factors That Affect Your Deck Cost

Several factors influence the cost of building your deck. The size, materials, design complexity, and added features will significantly impact your budget. Labor costs also play a big role, especially if you opt for upgraded designs or high-end materials. Most decks are built with lumber but keep in mind that wood prices can fluctuate due to supply chain issues.

1. Labor

Professional labor costs to build a deck typically range from $15 to $35 per square foot. Using easy-to-install materials like pine can keep labor costs lower while choosing exotic hardwoods like ipe will increase the price due to the extra effort required. Expect to pay $9 to $12 per square foot for labor when framing your deck.

The labor to install the deck foundation is $25 to $300 per post. The costs vary so much per post because foundation requirements differ so significantly. For example, some decks require piles, or foundation posts, driven into the ground mechanically, while others require holes dug manually with concrete poured to support the pilings. Others can get away with an above-ground foundation, with pilings that sit on top of blocks on the ground.

2. Materials

Your choice of materials greatly affects your deck's overall cost. Options range from budget-friendly pressure-treated wood to premium composites or fiberglass. Depending on your budget and the size of your deck, you might opt for more affordable materials. A professional can help you weigh the pros and cons to find the best fit for your needs.

What Your Deck Budget Gets You

While the average cost to build a new deck is around $8,000, your actual cost can be lower or higher based on your choices. A basic deck with standard materials might cost less, while a larger deck with premium features could increase the price. Understanding how your budget aligns with your goals will help you plan effectively.

Deck Cost Estimator by Size

Wondering how much your deck might cost based on its size? Here's a breakdown of common deck sizes and their average price ranges to help you estimate your project:

Decking Costs per Square Foot

Depending on the material you choose, expect to pay between $2 and $45 per square foot for decking (not including labor). Here are the most popular types of decking and their typical costs per square foot.

Wood Decking

• Pressure-treated wood resists moisture, rot, and insects at an affordable price of $2–$5 per square foot, making it a popular option for those on a budget.

• Costs for redwood decking range from $5–$35 per square foot, depending on the grade. Redwood decking is beautiful and durable but expensive and a non-renewable resource.

• Mahogany decking typically costs $8–$11 per square foot. Mahogany decking is lower maintenance than pressure-treated wood and takes on stain well.

• Ipe decking costs $10–$20 per square foot. This exotic hardwood is known for its durability and long lifespan.

• Tigerwood decking costs from $7–$15 per square foot and bears a distinctive striped pattern from which it gets its name.

• At $3–$10 per square foot, bamboo is an affordable, environmentally friendly option. Bamboo is actually a grass, not wood, but has many of the same qualities.

• Cedar decking costs $3–$7 per square foot, making it comparable to pressure-treated wood, but without any of the chemical treatments. Cedar is a naturally insect- and UV-resistant wood harvested sustainably in North America.

Plastic or Composite Decking

Composite decking costs $15 to $36 per square foot, including railings, framework, and hardware. Decking boards only cost $4 to $13 per square foot.

Trex decking costs $5 to $10 per square foot for boards only. Expect to pay $10 to $27 per square foot, including decking, railing, and framing. Trex is a popular type of composite decking made from 95% recycled materials. It's a low-maintenance option resistant to termites, rot, warping, and splintering.

Aluminum

Aluminum decking runs $15 to $20 per square foot. Many of these systems are gapless, meaning they make a seamless waterproof roof for anything underneath. Because they are both waterproof and lightweight, they make great outdoor spaces that double as roofs above carports, patios, and outdoor kitchens.

Decking Prices by Type

While most people install a ground-level deck attached to their homes, there are many other options. A popular choice is to build a second-story deck, creating a beautiful elevated deck space upstairs and shade and shelter for the ground floor.

Ground-Level Decks

Ground-level decks, or platform decks, cost an average of $15 per square foot, or between $10 and $20 per square foot, all-in. They are the least expensive option because they have minimal framing, no foundations, and no stairs or railings.

They're also not generally attached to the home as they don't need the extra support because they lack real elevation and are essentially a wood or composite alternative to a patio.

Floating Decks

Floating decks cost an average of $40 per square foot. You can pay anywhere from $20 to $60 per square foot, depending on material and location. Floating decks are usually a little more elevated than ground-level decks, but not usually enough to require driven-in pilings. They do, however, require more framing and sometimes concrete footings to make them stable.

These decks don't attach to the house and are commonly set away from the building, sometimes as a focal point or entertaining space in the yard.

Second-Story Decks

A raised deck costs around $45 to install, ranging from $40 to $50 per square foot. The most common type is elevated and attached to a home's second story.

Second-story decks require foundations and support pillars to hold them up and sit on brackets attached to the home. Some have posts that sit on concrete footings, while others have support posts driven into the ground.

Elevated Concrete Decks

An elevated concrete deck costs an average of $50 per square foot. You can pay anywhere from $30 to $75 per square foot. The price you'll pay depends on your location, the slab size, and the finishing materials you choose.

Elevated concrete decks require strong concrete and steel foundations as they're much heavier than wood or composite decks, hence the increased cost. These decks have an interesting, contemporary appearance and are very low-maintenance.

Multi-Level Decks

On average, multi-level decks cost $50 per square foot, but prices range from $30 to $75 per square foot, depending on size and material. While not as common, multi-level decks are a great way to add extra entertaining space to smaller homes and can cover two or three stories.

Just remember that the higher and bigger you go, the more support the deck needs, so the more costs rise.

Prices for Additional Decking Features

Once the deck is in place, you need to furnish it, whether you're building an entertaining space, a place for family fun, or a tranquil haven to relax in. There is a range of must-haves and nice-to-haves that you should consider for your deck, but remember to factor their prices into your budget, as costs can quickly mount.

Stairs

You can expect to pay between $25 and $50 per stair for deck stairs, depending on the material, size, and elevation. For an average staircase of between eight and 16 steps, you'll pay $160 to $560 for prefabricated wooden stringers. For wooden stairs with custom stringers, expect to pay $280 to $800, and for metal stairs, expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000.

Railings

Railings for decking cost between $35 and $210 per linear foot. The price depends heavily on the type of railing you choose. While railings are not necessary for a ground-level floating deck, they're essential for raised decks because they add safety. Take a look at the most popular deck railing choices and how much they cost.

Fireplace or Firepit

The average cost to install a firepit is $300. But you can pay anywhere from $100 to $2,000, depending on the size and style of firepit you choose. This is for an above-ground, prefabricated firepit suitable for use on a deck.

Enclosures, Pergolas, and Roofs

Deck or patio enclosures cost around $50 per square foot or between $20 and $75 per square foot. Building a pergola costs $45 per square foot, on average. Depending on size and materials, you'll pay anywhere from $30 to $60 per square foot.

For a deck roof, prices range from $3,000 to $10,000. A more affordable alternative is an awning. Installing an awning costs $1,200 to $3,700.

Flooring and Patterns

The flooring material you choose can range in cost from $2 to $45 per square foot. Additionally, the pattern of your deck can increase the total project price by up to 20%. Simple, plain designs are the most economical because they take the least time to install and require the least amount of material. If you really want to up your deck’s wow factor, you can go with a complex hexagonal pattern or a herringbone-style deck, which can increase costs due to increased labor and materials. Remember to add 20% to your budget to accommodate this extravagance.

Built-In Seating

Built-in seating prices vary hugely, from $100 to $8,000 or more, with the average homeowner spending around $1,800. The price variance is based on the size, style, and material you choose for your seating.

A simple built-in bench with minimal upholstery and no storage costs as little as $100, while an upholstered bench with interior storage made of mahogany or oak can run you $3,000. Built-in booths for dining give your eating area a funky retro flavor and cost between $1,000 and $7,000 each, plus the cost of the dining table.

Planter Boxes

Planter boxes cost anywhere from $10 to $200 each for prefabricated styles. Custom planter boxes cost $100 to $1,000, depending on the type of wood for planters you choose and their size. You'll need to account for the cost of the wood, at around $300 per cord, as well as the carpenter's hourly rate of $35 to $100.

Hot Tub

Hot tub installation costs between $650 and $6,100, with most people paying around $3,400. This includes the cost of the hot tub and the installation. Above-ground hot tubs are the most affordable and the most common, as they sit on top of your deck and just need you to fill them and plug them in. Remember, though, that the deck must be designed/rated to support an in-deck hot tub.

You can, however, have an in-ground hot tub installed in your deck, although the hot tub will most likely need a concrete pad beneath it for support. While this is the most costly option, at $5,000 to $20,000 all-in, it creates a more cohesive, tranquil, spa-like finish and is a good option if you plan to spend a lot of time enjoying the hot tub.

Skirting

Deck skirting costs $2 to $50 per linear foot, with the price variance based on the skirt style and material. Skirting provides a nice, neat finish and stops pets and wildlife from getting underneath.

Other Features

There are many other features you can add to your deck to make the space usable day or night, year-round. Here is a selection of the most popular additions.

• Lighting costs $8–$30 each. Post lighting runs $30–$100+ each. Light fixture installation costs can run another $150 each.

• Heaters cost $100–$300 depending on style and output.

• Outdoor misting systems cost $2,100–$3,400.

• Deck staining costs $550–$1,250. For the DIYer, the price of stain is around $30 per gallon.

• Sealing a deck costs $550–$1,330. Sealer runs $30–$40 per gallon.

Other Decking Cost Factors

Several other factors must be budgeted for when planning your deck-building project. Permitting, demolition, and the time of year all impact the cost of your new deck.

Permits

A deck permit costs between $230 and $500, depending on your location. While not all states require permits for decks, most do, and permitting costs and requirements can change based on the size and elevation of your deck. Check with your contractor and municipality for the regulations in your area.

Demolition and Removal

The cost to demolish and remove an old deck is $5 to $15 per square foot. This includes tearing up the old deck surface, removing the brackets, pilings, and foundations, hauling it away, and the local disposal fees.

If you only need to replace the surface boards, the price is around the same as installing a new deck; you have to account for the labor and disposal fees associated with tearing up and disposing of the old deck boards.

Season

The time of year you build your deck can impact the cost. Building during the off-season, like winter or around major holidays, might save you money. Many companies offer specials or discounts—sometimes up to 20% off—when demand is lower.

Winter is the off-season for many deck building companies, so there's less competition for their time, and therefore, they often lower their prices. Building during summer can increase your costs, as decking companies are much busier then and can charge a premium. Shop around and talk to several local deck building companies to get the best price.

Cost to Build a Deck Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

Thinking about building your deck yourself? If you have the right skills and tools, it might be an option for a basic deck. But keep in mind that building a deck can be challenging and time-consuming, and mistakes can be costly. You'll also need to ensure your deck meets local building codes and obtain any necessary permits. For elevated decks, hiring a professional is often the safest choice, as proper support and foundation are crucial.

Be sure to shop around before hiring a pro for the best experience and price. "Ensure you reach out to multiple pros when planning your deck,” says Andy Kilborn, Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA. Some companies may have relationships with materials companies, leading to a decent discount."

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.