Deck Cost Calculator
Enter your deck size and the material and labor prices to estimate the cost of building a deck.
What your result means
Total cost is material plus labor for the deck surface. It does not include stairs or railings, so add 10 to 15% for those plus any finishes. Pressure-treated is the cheapest decking, cedar is mid-tier, and composite costs the most upfront but skips the staining and sealing.
How to use this calculator
- Measure deck dimensions.
- Pick material price ($15-25 pressure-treated, $25-45 composite).
- Enter labor cost per sq ft.
- Read area, material, labor, total.
- Add 10-15% for railings, stairs, finishes.
The formula
Deck area is length times width. Material is the area times your material price, labor is the area times the labor rate, and the two add up to the total for the surface.
Worked example
Say you're building a 16 by 12 ft deck with $20 a square foot decking and $15 a square foot labor. That's 192 sq ft, so $3,840 in material and $2,880 in labor, for $6,720 before stairs and railings.
Deck cost by material (installed, per sq ft)
| Material | Installed cost per sq ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated | $15 – $25 | 15 – 20 yrs |
| Cedar | $20 – $30 | 20 – 30 yrs |
| Composite | $25 – $45 | 25 – 50 yrs |
Tips & gotchas
- Pressure-treated is cheapest at $15 to $25 a square foot installed.
- Cedar lands mid-tier around $20 to $30 a square foot.
- Composite like Trex runs $25 to $45, but there's no staining or sealing.
- Stairs add roughly $50 to $100 a step.
- Railings add about $25 to $60 a linear foot.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost?
$20 to $45 a square foot installed, plus stairs and railings on top.
Is composite worth the extra cost?
Yes for long-term value. No staining or sealing, and it lasts decades.
How long does a deck last?
Pressure-treated 15 to 20 years, cedar 20 to 30, composite 25 to 50.
Do I need a permit for a deck?
Usually, for any deck over 30 inches tall or attached to the house.
Can I DIY a deck?
Simple ground-level decks, yes. Tall or attached decks need permits and inspection.
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Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.