Building a deck can cost anywhere between $4,500 and $9,500 on average nationwide. That's for a basic deck pressure-treated wood, 150-300 square feet. For a more complex deck or one with higher-quality materials hardwood or composite, multi-leveled, built-in features you're looking at an investment of $16,000 to $24,000.
What's in this Cost Guide?
What affects the cost of building a deck?
As with most home improvement projects the answer is¦ it depends. The biggest influence on the cost of your deck will be the size, materials and labor. Design extras also affect the total cost of the project, but you can get a rough idea of what a new deck will cost you if you know those three things. Here's everything you need to consider.
How much do deck materials cost (and what are my options)?
Pressure-treated wood is the most common, budget-friendly decking material. Hardwood and composite materials are for those with a higher price point. Here's a breakdown of material options and their national average cost:
Material | What is it? | What it costs |
Pressure treated wood | Affordable and widely available, pressure treated wood is coated with preservatives to help it resist weather, termite and fungal damage. Treating the wood involves saturating it, which makes it prone to warping and splintering when it first dries. But if maintained properly once it's installed, it'll last you 20+ years. | $12-$18 per square foot |
Plastic | Bugs and weather generally won't be a problem with vinyl decking, but it can get hot in the summer and some people don't like the look. Vinyl also might not be the bargain you'd expect. Plastic decking is in the middle, price-wise. The real advantage is you don't have to do much to maintain them. They're UV-resistant, require no sealers or finishes, and are free of splinters and cracks. | $13-$25 per square foot, depending on the brand |
Softwood | When most people say wood deck,' they mean redwood or cedar. Both of these are considered softwood, but they're actually pretty durable considering how lightweight and easy they are to work with. They're also workable and stable, meaning they generally don't shrink or expand much due to weather. | $20-$35 per square foot |
Hardwood | True to its name, tropical hardwood is denser than other woods and far more resistant to pests and decay. For example, ipe (pronounced e-pay') can last 40+ years. But you'll pay extra for that durability. Hardwood comes from trees that tend to grow slowly and often has to be imported. Mahogany, teak and oak are all hardwoods. | $22-$35 per square foot |
Composite wood | Wood fiber, plastic and a binding agent come together to form composite, a virtually indestructible mixed material that has pros and cons. It resists the elements well and requires less maintenance. But it also tends to be expensive, and some people find the look to be a bit, well, plastic. | $20-$40 per square foot, depending on the brand |
How much does labor cost?
On average, nationally, contractors will charge $30-$35 per square foot. The cost for labor will be about two-thirds of your total budget. Deck installation professionals charge either by the hour or by the square-foot. Labor priced per square-foot is fairly straightforward.
Typically, building a new deck takes two to three weeks. A variety of factors can affect the timeline, mainly related to your yard:
How can I save money on a new deck?
Besides shaving some square footage off your deck, you can also save money by using budget-friendly materials.
Also think about joining forces with your friends and neighbors. If you're building similar decks at the same time, you could save by purchasing materials in bulk.
What are the benefits of adding a deck?