Cost to Build a Deck in 2026 (Per Sq Ft)

A deck is part lumber, part labor, and part everything people forget: footings, stairs, railings and a permit. The estimator on this page builds a price range from the size of the deck, the decking material, labor rates and a permit, using Angi's 2026 figures as defaults. Change any number to match quotes from your area.

The 2026 numbers

Angi's 2026 data, based on more than 20,000 verified projects:

Average deck: $8,321
Typical range: $4,338 to $12,653
Overall cost per square foot: $30 to $60
Labor: $15 to $35 per square foot, about 38% of the total
Permit: $230 to $500 in most areas

Material cost per square foot

Decking	Material, per sq ft
Pressure-treated wood	$2 to $5
Cedar	$3 to $7
Redwood	$5 to $35
Composite	$12 to $22 ($25 to $54 installed)

These are decking prices. The framing underneath is usually pressure-treated lumber whatever the surface, so it adds roughly the same amount to any deck of the same size.

A worked example: a 300 sq ft deck

A 15 x 20 ft deck in pressure-treated wood, with labor at $15 to $35 per sq ft and a $350 permit:

Low: 300 × ($2 + $15) + $350 = $5,450
High: 300 × ($5 + $35) + $350 = $12,350
Middle: $8,900

The same deck in composite:

Low: 300 × ($12 + $15) + $350 = $8,450
High: 300 × ($22 + $35) + $350 = $17,450

The composite deck costs a few thousand dollars more at either end. That gap is the price of skipping a stain or sealer every couple of years.

Wood or composite?

Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest way to build a deck. It needs regular cleaning and sealing, and it can crack and splinter over time.

Cedar and redwood look better and resist rot naturally, but cost more and still need finishing to keep their color.

Composite is made of wood fibers and plastic. It does not need staining, resists rot and insects, and does not splinter. It costs more and can get hot in direct sun. Joist spacing also matters more: Trex, for example, limits standard 1 inch boards to joists 16 inches apart on a straight layout. See our deck board calculator for spacing rules and board counts.

What raises the price

Height. A deck several feet off the ground needs taller posts, bracing and longer stairs.
Railings. Codes generally require them on decks above a certain height, and they can cost as much per foot as the decking.
Stairs. Each set adds framing, treads and railings.
Footings. Deep frost lines and rocky soil make footings slower and more expensive. Setting posts in concrete is similar to fence work; the post hole concrete calculator shows the bag counts.
Shape. Curves, angles, picture-frame borders and multiple levels all add labor.
Removing an old deck. Demolition and disposal are extra.

Getting quotes

A clear deck quote lists:

Size, height and the materials for decking, framing and railings.
Footing type and depth.
Stairs and railings, with their lengths.
Who pulls the permit and books inspections.
Fasteners: hidden clips or face screws.
Cleanup, debris removal and warranty.

Since labor is about 38% of the cost, quotes from different builders for the same deck can still differ by thousands. Make sure each one covers the same things before you compare totals.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 12 x 12 deck cost?

144 sq ft at $30 to $60 per sq ft is about $4,300 to $8,600. A simple, low pressure-treated deck lands near the bottom.

Is composite worth the extra cost?

If you plan to stay for many years and do not want to stain every few years, many people decide it is. If budget comes first, pressure-treated wood costs less up front.

Do I need a permit for a deck?

Usually, yes, especially for decks attached to the house or more than a set height off the ground. Check with your local building department.

Can I build a deck myself to save money?

Labor is roughly 38% of the total, so DIY saves a lot. But footings, ledger attachment to the house and railings are structural and safety-critical. Follow your local code and get the inspections.

Next step

Count the boards and screws with the deck board calculator. Fencing the yard at the same time? The fence calculator works out posts, rails and pickets.

Prices are US national ranges for 2026. Local costs vary, so get at least three written quotes.

Cost to Build a Deck in 2026: Wood vs Composite