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Deck Cost Guide · Updated August 2026
Short answer: most homeowners spend $4,340 to $12,653, averaging $8,318, based on national 2025 data. Size, material, and design are what move your project up or down that range — here's the real breakdown, plus what a licensed local team like ours actually looks at on-site.
Nationally, deck construction averages $8,318, with a typical range of $4,340 to $12,653 (HomeAdvisor, 2025). That range covers everything from a small pressure-treated platform to a mid-size composite deck. It does not cover every situation — a large elevated composite deck can run well past $20,000 — which is why the breakdown below matters more than the average by itself.
The single biggest driver of total cost. A 100 sq. ft. deck and a 400 sq. ft. deck use roughly the same crew and setup time, so bigger decks are usually cheaper per square foot, not more expensive.
A simple rectangle costs less than a multi-level deck with built-in benches, custom stairs, or curved framing. Complexity adds labor hours before a single board is ever cut.
Decking is only part of the material cost — substructure, railing, hardware, and fasteners all add up. Composite and PVC cost more upfront than wood but need far less annual maintenance.
Labor typically runs $15 to $35 per square foot and accounts for the largest share of most deck budgets — it's the difference between a deck that lasts 10 years and one that lasts 30.
Material-only pricing, national averages (HomeAdvisor, 2025). Installed totals run higher once labor and substructure are included.
| Material | Cost Per Sq. Ft. | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $2 – $5 | $3.50 |
| Cedar | $3 – $7 | $5.00 |
| Composite / PVC | $12 – $22 | $17.00 |
| Ipe Hardwood | $10 – $20 | $15.00 |
Source: HomeAdvisor, 2025 deck cost data. TimberTech notes that upgrading from pressure-treated wood to composite typically adds as little as 15% to total project cost, even though composite boards themselves cost 20–40% more than wood.
| Deck Size | Square Footage | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | 100 sq. ft. | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| 12×12 | 144 sq. ft. | $5,760 – $8,640 |
| 12×20 | 240 sq. ft. | $9,600 – $14,400 |
Source: HomeAdvisor, 2025. These are national averages across all materials. TimberTech's own cost guide frames most full composite or PVC deck projects at $10,000 to $30,000 installed for a small-to-mid-size deck, rising to $30,000–$60,000 for larger single-level builds, since labor and substructure make up most of the total cost.
In most areas, yes. Any attached or elevated deck typically requires a building permit, and permit fees usually run $230 to $500 (HomeAdvisor, 2025). Requirements vary by locality — height, size, and whether the deck attaches to your house all factor in. A licensed contractor should pull and manage the permit as part of the project, not leave it on you to sort out.
Composite decking material typically runs $12 to $22 per square foot (HomeAdvisor). TimberTech notes that upgrading from pressure-treated wood to composite typically adds as little as 15% to total project cost, even though the boards themselves cost 20-40% more, since labor and substructure make up most of what you're paying for.
Most decks run $15 to $45 per square foot installed, depending on material and complexity. Ground-level decks trend toward the low end; second-story or elevated decks trend toward the high end because of the added structural work.
Replacing a deck costs roughly the same as a new build, plus demolition, typically $5 to $15 per square foot to remove the old structure. If the frame is still sound, resurfacing instead of a full replacement can cost significantly less.
The national average is $8,318, with most homeowners spending between $4,340 and $12,653 (HomeAdvisor, 2025). Size, material, and design complexity are what move a project up or down that range.
In most areas, yes — any attached or elevated deck typically requires a building permit, usually $230 to $500 (HomeAdvisor). Requirements vary by locality, so check with your building department or ask your contractor to handle it.
Written by Ashleigh & Joey, Evoke Design + Build
Husband-and-wife design-build team serving Hampton Roads since 2017. Ashleigh handles design, Joey runs construction. Licensed & insured contractor. Read more about us →
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