Deck Building Cost

What a new deck costs

Most homeowners spend between $4,500 and $18,000 on a new deck, with the average project landing around $8,000 to $15,000 for a standard 300-square-foot deck. The material you choose is the single biggest cost driver, pressure-treated lumber can cut your budget in half compared to composite or hardwood options.

Based on quotes from our database, including 253 deck-specific contractor quotes from our general project category. Our general category averages $24,110 across all project types, with deck-specific quotes centering around $8,000 – $15,000 for typical builds.

What affects deck cost

Two decks with the same square footage can vary by thousands of dollars. Here are the factors that move the needle most:

• Size— Every additional square foot adds $15–$75 depending on material. Going from a 200 sq ft deck to a 400 sq ft deck doesn't double the price, though, since framing and foundation costs don't scale linearly.
• Height off the ground — A ground-level deck on a flat lot is straightforward. A second-story deck or one built on a steep slope needs taller posts, more concrete footings, and extra bracing, easily adding $2,000–$5,000 to the project.
• Material choice — Pressure-treated pine is the budget option. Cedar looks better and resists rot naturally but costs more. Composite boards eliminate most maintenance but carry a premium upfront.
• Railing style — Basic wood railings run $20–$35 per linear foot. Cable railing systems cost $60–$100+ per linear foot. Glass panels can push that to $100–$200 per linear foot.
• Stairs — Each set of stairs typically adds $500–$2,000, depending on the number of steps, material, and whether they wrap or curve.
• Permits — Most municipalities require a permit for any deck over 200 sq ft or more than 30 inches off the ground. Permit fees range from $100 to $500.
• Demo of an old deck — Tearing out an existing deck adds $500–$2,500 depending on size and whether the old footings can be reused.

Permits and building codes

Almost every deck project requires a building permit. The threshold varies by jurisdiction, but the general rule is: if your deck is more than 30 inches off the ground or larger than 200 square feet, you need one. Some cities require permits for any attached structure, regardless of size.

Permit fees typically run $100–$500, with inspections at the footing, framing, and final stages. Your contractor should handle the permit application, but verify that upfront, some smaller operators leave it to the homeowner.

Building without a permit is a bad idea. If your local code enforcement catches it, you could face fines and be required to tear down the deck. It also becomes a problem when selling your home, unpermitted work complicates inspections and can kill deals.

How to save on your deck project

You don't have to sacrifice quality to bring the price down. A few smart choices can save you thousands:

• Go with a smaller footprint — A well-designed 250 sq ft deck is more usable than a sprawling 400 sq ft deck with wasted space. Measure your furniture layout first, then size the deck to fit.
• Keep the shape simple — Rectangular decks cost less than multi-level designs, octagons, or curved edges. Every angle and level transition adds labor and material waste.
• Schedule in the off-season — Contractors are busiest from April through September. Booking a fall or winter build (weather permitting) can net you 10–20% savings since crews have more availability and are willing to negotiate.
• Handle demo yourself— If you're replacing an old deck, tearing it out is labor-intensive but not technically difficult. Renting a dumpster and doing demo over a weekend saves $500–$1,500 in labor.
• Compare at least three quotes — Pricing varies significantly between contractors, even in the same area. Getting multiple bids helps you spot outliers and gives you leverage to negotiate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to build a deck?

Most homeowners spend $4,500 to $18,000 on a new deck. A standard 300 sq ft deck costs $4,500 to $7,500 in pressure-treated wood, $9,000 to $15,000 in composite, and $12,000 to $22,500 in hardwood like ipe.

Is composite decking worth the extra cost?

Composite decking costs $30 to $50 per sq ft versus $15 to $25 for pressure-treated wood, but it needs almost zero maintenance. Over 10 to 15 years, composite often breaks even or comes out ahead once you factor in the cost of staining wood every 2 to 3 years.

Do I need a permit to build a deck?

Almost always. Most municipalities require a permit for decks over 200 sq ft or more than 30 inches off the ground. Permit fees run $100 to $500. Building without a permit can result in fines and problems when selling your home.

How much do deck railings cost?

Basic wood railings run $20 to $35 per linear foot. Cable railing systems cost $60 to $100+ per linear foot, and glass panels push that to $100 to $200 per linear foot. Railing style is one of the bigger cost variables in a deck project.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

Use pressure-treated lumber ($15 to $25 per sq ft), keep a simple rectangular shape, and build at ground level. Scheduling in fall or winter can save 10 to 20% since contractors have more availability. Doing your own demo of an old deck saves $500 to $1,500.