Installed cost by material
Prices are per square foot installed — materials and labor — for a ground-level deck at national average rates:
| Material | Per sq ft | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $20–$40 | Cheapest to build, most maintenance: re-stain or re-seal every 2–3 years or it grays and splinters. |
| Cedar | $30–$50 | Naturally rot-resistant, no chemical treatment. Still wants periodic sealing to keep its color. |
| Composite (Trex, TimberTech, etc.) | $35–$60 | No staining, 25–50 year warranties. Costs more upfront, usually cheaper over 15+ years. |
| Cellular PVC | $45–$80 | No wood fiber at all — the most weatherproof and the most expensive. Lifetime warranties on top brands. |
Elevated decks — anything tall enough to need stairs and full railing — run 20–40% more for the extra footings, framing, and rail labor. The other quiet adders: permits ($100–500),demolition of an old deck, complex shapes(angles and levels add cuts and waste), and ledger repairsif the house framing behind the old deck has rot.
How we get these numbers
Base ranges come from current published national cost guides, checked against each other and refreshed at least twice a year (last:August 2026). Unlike manufacturer estimators, ranges include labor at $15–35 per square foot nationally. Metro adjustments use published construction cost indexes — from about −10% in lower-cost Southern metros to +35% in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sources:
- Ergeon — Deck Cost: Real Prices by Material and Size (2026)
- Trex Protect — Cost of Deck Installation (2026)
- Hammerio — Deck Cost Guide: Average Prices by Material & Size (2026)
These are planning estimates, not quotes. Site access, footing depth (frost lines), and railing choices move real bids — get two or three.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 12x16 deck cost?
A 12×16 ft deck (192 sq ft) costs about $3,850–$7,700 installed in pressure-treated wood, $6,700–$11,500 in composite, and $8,650–$15,350 in PVC at national average rates. Elevated versions with stairs and full railing run 20–40% more.
Why is my quote so much higher than manufacturer calculators?
Because manufacturer calculators (Trex, AZEK, Fiberon) price materials only. Labor runs $15–35 per square foot on top — often half the installed total. Add footings, permits, railing, and stairs, and a 'materials' number can double by the time it's a real quote. This calculator shows installed totals from the start.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
Usually, if you'll keep the home 10+ years. Composite costs $10–20 more per square foot than pressure-treated wood upfront, but wood needs re-staining every 2–3 years ($300–800 each time on a mid-size deck) and earlier board replacement. Over 15 years the totals typically cross.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Almost always for anything attached to the house or more than 30 inches off the ground — and railings are required at that height too. Permits typically run $100–500. A deck built without a required permit can bite at home-sale time, so make sure any contractor's bid includes pulling it.
How much of deck cost is labor?
Nationally, $15–35 per square foot of the installed price — commonly 40–60% of the total. That's why per-square-foot prices vary so much by metro: the boards cost about the same everywhere; the carpenters don't.