deck Exterior · Deck

Modern composite deck at dusk with string lights and outdoor dining

Deck Cost Calculator

Compare pressure-treated wood, composite, cedar, redwood, and hardwood deck costs side by side for your state — with railing and stair options. Instant estimate, no sign-up.

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1. Your Deck

Deck Size

Length (feet)

Width (feet)

Deck area: 300 sq ft

Deck Features

Deck Height

Railing

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2. Your Location

State

Removing an Existing Deck?

Material Cost Overrides ($ per sq ft installed)

Pressure-Treated ($/sqft)

Cedar ($/sqft)

Composite ($/sqft)

Redwood ($/sqft)

Hardwood/Ipe ($/sqft)

Removal ($/sqft)

Prices are national averages adjusted by state-level labor cost multipliers. Elevated decks cost more due to structural posts, beams, and additional labor. For exact quotes, get estimates from local contractors. Use Advanced Settings to enter your actual contractor quotes.

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Deck Material Reference

Pressure-Treated

$15–$30/sq ft · 18 yr lifespan

Cedar

$25–$50/sq ft · 22 yr lifespan

Composite

$25–$60/sq ft · 28 yr lifespan

Redwood

$30–$55/sq ft · 25 yr lifespan

Hardwood (Ipe)

$50–$75/sq ft · 40 yr lifespan

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3. Your Deck Cost Comparison

Material	$/SqFt	Deck	Railing	Structure	Total	Lifespan	Cost/Year
Select a state above to see your cost comparison.

Estimates based on national averages adjusted for your state, deck height, and railing selection. Actual costs depend on site access, soil conditions, slope, permit requirements, and contractor pricing. This is a planning tool, not a binding quote. Get at least 3 quotes from local contractors.

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How This Calculator Works

This calculator estimates the total installed cost of five common deck materials based on your deck dimensions, height, railing choice, and state.

Material costs use national average price ranges from contractor pricing surveys. Each material has a low and high end — the calculator uses the midpoint, adjusted by your state's regional labor cost multiplier.

Deck height significantly affects cost. Ground-level decks are the cheapest (no structural posts or stairs). Low decks (2–4 ft) add a set of stairs and basic posts. Elevated decks (5–8 ft) require engineered structural posts, beams, and longer stair runs, adding 30–50% to the base cost.

Railing costs are calculated based on the deck perimeter (minus one side, assuming attachment to the house). Costs vary widely — wood railing runs $20–$35/ft while cable railing can reach $50–$120/ft.

Regional multipliers reflect that labor and material delivery costs vary across the country. States are grouped into four tiers: Low cost (rural South/Midwest, 0.85×), Average (most states, 1.0×), High (Northeast/West Coast, 1.15×), and Very High (NYC metro, SF Bay Area, Hawaii, Alaska, 1.30×).

Cost per year divides the total installation cost by expected lifespan. This is the fairest way to compare materials — pressure-treated wood is cheap upfront but needs staining and lasts 15–20 years, while composite lasts 25–30 years maintenance-free. The "BEST VALUE" tag highlights the material with the lowest annual cost.

Cheapest Option

Select a state — Total installed cost for your deck

Deck surface —

Railing —

Cost per year —

Lifespan —

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No email, phone number, or sign-up required. State-level pricing adjustments use Bureau of Labor Statistics regional cost data.

Deck Cost Guides

In-depth articles on materials, costs, and decisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common deck cost questions.

How much does it cost to build a deck?

A new deck costs between $15 and $75 per square foot depending on the material. For a typical 300 sq ft deck, expect to pay $4,500–$9,000 for pressure-treated wood, $7,500–$18,000 for composite, $7,500–$15,000 for cedar, or $15,000–$22,500 for exotic hardwood like ipe. Adding railings typically adds $20–$60 per linear foot. Regional labor costs can push prices 15–30% higher in major metro areas.

What is the cheapest deck material?

Pressure-treated lumber is the cheapest deck material at $15–$30 per square foot installed. It's widely available and easy for contractors to work with. However, it requires staining or sealing every 2–3 years and lasts about 15–20 years. Composite decking costs more upfront ($25–$60/sqft) but lasts 25–30 years with virtually no maintenance, often making it cheaper on a cost-per-year basis.

How long does a composite deck last?

A quality composite deck lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. Unlike wood, composite won't rot, splinter, or need staining. Most manufacturers (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) offer 25-year warranties. Composite can fade slightly over the first year then stabilizes. On a cost-per-year basis, composite often beats pressure-treated wood despite the higher upfront cost.

How much does deck railing cost?

Deck railing costs $20–$60+ per linear foot installed depending on the material. Wood railing runs $20–$35/ft, composite $30–$50/ft, aluminum $35–$55/ft, and cable railing $50–$120/ft. For a typical 300 sq ft deck with 50 linear feet of railing, expect to add $1,000–$3,000 to your total project cost.

Do I need a permit to build a deck?

Most cities require a permit for any deck over 30 inches above grade (ground level), and many require permits for any attached deck regardless of height. Permit costs typically range from $100–$500. You'll need a site plan showing setbacks from property lines and may need engineered drawings for larger or elevated decks. Freestanding ground-level decks under 200 sq ft are often exempt, but check your local codes.

What size deck should I build?

A 200 sq ft deck (10×20 or 12×16) fits a small dining set and is good for 2–4 people. A 300 sq ft deck (12×25 or 15×20) comfortably fits a dining table plus a grill area and is the most popular size. A 400+ sq ft deck supports multiple zones (dining, lounging, grilling) and is ideal for entertaining. Consider traffic flow from the house door and leave at least 3 feet of clearance around furniture.