The best way to elevate your outdoor living space design is by adding a new deck. The national average price of deck building is $8,000. The final cost will be determined by the material you chose, the deck’s square footage and some additional factors that we will discuss in this article.
Key takeaways:
- The average deck cost is $8,000
- Deck cost per square foot ranges between $10 and $30
- The final price of your new deck will be determined by factors such as material, size and labor costs
Average deck prices in 2024
| National average | $8,000 |
| Typical range | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Low-end cost | $1,600 |
| High-end cost | $21,000 |
The average cost of building a deck is $8,000, most homeowners will pay between $4,000 and $10,000. Some more luxurious options typically go up to $21,000.
Deck building cost breakdown
The total cost of a new deck will be determined by these 7 factors:
- Size
- Material
- Installation and labor
- Style and foundation type
- Features and add-ons
- Location
- Permits
1. Cost of a deck per square foot
Deck pricing per square foot is $10 to $30, including substructure, decking, hardware and fasteners.
| Deck size | Average cost range |
| 16’x20’ (320 square feet) | $9,700 – $20,000 |
| 12’x24’ (288 square feet) | $9,000 – $17,600 |
| 14’x20’ (280 square feet) | $8,500 – $17,000 |
| 6’x16’ (256 square feet) | $7,700 – $15,500 |
| 12’x20’ (240 square feet) | $7,300 – $14,500 |
| 12’x16’ (180 square feet) | $5,500 – $11,000 |
| 12’x12’ (144 square feet) | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| 10’x12’ (120 square feet) | $3,700 – $7,400 |
| 10’x10’ (100 square feet) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 8’x10’ (80 square feet) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
2. Material cost for deck
The average cost of decking material is between $3 and $30 per square foot. This price range does not include labor costs. The material that you choose will make up around 30% of the total deck costs. It can even go up to 50%.
| Decking material | Cost per square foot (materials only) |
| Composite decking (Trex) | $5 to $11 |
| Ipe wood | $7 to $20 |
| Aluminum (or metal) | $15 to $20 |
| Bamboo | $4 to $10 |
| Cedar | $4 to $10 |
| Pressure-treated decking | $16 to $26 |
| Mahogany | $8 to $12 |
| Tigerwood | $8 to $15 |
| Redwood | $5 to $10 |
But besides the price, there are other factors that you should consider when choosing the right decking material for your project. Some of them are:
| Factors | Best decking material |
| Longevity | Ipe wood |
| Sustainability | Composite decking |
| Low maintenance | Aluminum and composite |
| Appearance | Tigerwood |
Composite decking cost
This is a great eco-friendly decking option since it often consists of recycled content, such as plastic bags. The cost of composite decks falls between $5 to $11 per square foot for materials alone. The price is higher for professionally installed composite decking, from $25 to $54 per square foot. Composite decking requires minimal upkeep, typically limited to occasional cleaning.
Beyond cost considerations, Trex composite decking brings forth a range of benefits:
- Durability – Resistant to the elements, pests, and mold
- Sustainability – Utilizes recycled wood fibers and plastic
- Easy maintenance – No sanding, staining, or sealing required
- Customization – Diverse color and style options for tailored aesthetics
Ipe wood decking price
Ipe wood decking comes at an average cost of $7 to $20 per square foot. While a bit pricier, these deck boards offer exceptional density, durability, and longevity. Ipe wood decking can last up to 50 years. But, keep in mind that due to its challenging workability, installing Ipe wood will increase labor and installation costs.
Aluminum or metal deck cost
Metal or aluminum deck materials are priced at $15 to $20 per linear foot. Aluminum or metal decking is known for being:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Low maintenance
Bamboo deck cost
Bamboo decking material averages $4 to $10 per square foot. Bamboo decking is:
- Strong
- Affordable
- Resistant to mold and rot
However, it is not suitable for colder climates and it requires annual resealing.
Cedar wood decking price
Cedar decking costs approximately $4 to $10 per square foot on average. This is one more environmentally and eco-friendly option, slightly cheaper than composite decking. Cedar is a softwood that is:
- Inexpensive
- Naturally resistant to bugs, moisture, and UV rays
Pressure-treated decking price
Pressure-treated wood is a traditional decking material with a price range of approximately $16 to $26 per square foot. This wood undergoes chemical treatment to enhance its resistance against rot, weather damage, and pest infestations. While this is a great durable option, it has a higher price and it requires more maintenance, including annual sealing.
Mahogany wood deck cost
Mahogany deck prices usually range from $8 to $12 per square foot. Although moderately expensive, mahogany demands less maintenance compared to pressure-treated wood and it offers a naturally stunning appearance and color.
Tigerwood deck cost
Tigerwood, an exotic hardwood, typically ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot. It has a beautiful striped pattern, which many adore. Although the price of tigerwood is almost the same as mahogany, it is more challenging to install, resulting in additional labor costs.
Redwood deck cost
Redwood is also one of the decking materials known for its beauty. The average price of redwood decking is $5 to $10. Same as cedar, because of its natural resistance, redwood does not need chemical treatment. Redwood is also a softwood, but it is the most resistant of all, it can last up to 30 years.
3. Cost of installing a deck
With installation and labor costs the deck price is $35 to $60 per square foot. Typically, the cheaper the decking material is, the less it will cost you to install it. Labor cost is determined by the time and complexity of the installation. If you choose heavier materials that are harder to transport and install, the price will be higher.
4. Deck cost by style and foundation type
The more complex your deck ideas and design, the more expensive your project will be. Small, ground-level decks that are attached to your house are the most affordable option.
Wrap-around deck cost
This is a wonderful option if your house is surrounded by a stunning view. They cost between $5,500 and $17,500.
Floating decks cost
This is a great option for those who don’t want a deck connected to their house. Floating or freestanding decks aren’t attached to any building, but they are much more expensive than the regular ones. On average you will spend between $20 and $60 per square foot for a floating deck.
Multi-level deck prices
Multi-level decks can have 2 or even 3 stories. They require more time to be built and more support, this equals more money. You will pay between $35 and $75 per square foot for a multi-level deck.
Raised foundation deck cost
This is a great option for those who have a sloped backyard. The raised foundation is made from concrete, so this is a very durable deck. On average, you will pay between $4,000 and $11,000 for a raised foundation deck.
Cost of ground-level deck
A ground-level deck or a platform deck is pretty much a patio. They don’t have a foundation, stairs or framing. This makes them one of the most affordable deck options. Ground-level decks cost around $10 to $20 per square foot.
5. Cost of deck features and add-ons
Adding details and personal touches to your deck design is what will make it special. There are some more affordable, and some quite expensive options:
| Deck features and add-ons | Cost |
| Stairs | $1,500 |
| Railings | $100 per linear foot |
| Lightning | $20 per fixture |
| Roof | $3,000 – $11,000 |
| Firepit | $250 – $2,200 |
| Furniture | $600+ |
| Privacy screens | $20 per panel |
| Hot tub | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Deck bar | $200 – $2,000 |
| Planters | $25 – $400 per piece |
There are many different features to choose from to enrich your outdoor living space. Some affordable options are adding a light fixture and some planters. If you want to splurge, a hot tub is our recommendation.
6. Deck location
Your location will determine the final cost of the deck, mainly because:
- Climate – The climate in your area will affect the materials that you can use to build a deck. If you live in areas prone to flooding you might have to raise the foundation.
- Property taxes – Depending on your area, adding a deck might increase your property taxes. Contact your local tax office for more information.
- Building permits – Building permit cost varies from location to location. Rural areas usually have fewer requirements and lower costs.
- Labor – Larger cities with higher cost of living, typically have higher labor costs.
7. Permits
In almost every jurisdiction, you will need to have a deck building permit. There are some exceptions when it comes to smaller decks that are not attached to your house. The average deck permit cost is between $50 and $600.
Additional costs and considerations when building a deck
Next to the 7 main cost elements that will determine the final price of your new deck, there are some additional costs that you should consider:
- Removal of an existing deck
- Deck skirting
- Deck cover
- Repair and maintenance
Removal of an existing deck
If you have an existing deck that can’t be repaired or it simply doesn’t suit your aesthetics, you will need to demolish it. First, you will have to obtain a demolition permit. Our advice is to try to salvage as many materials as you can and then reuse them for new deck construction. If you want to hire a professional to remove your deck it will cost you between $5 and $15 per square foot.
Read our article on Deck replacement and repair cost.
Deck skirting cost
Installation of deck skirting on average costs between $25 and $30 per square foot. This is a great way to cover the foundations for the raised deck. The main factor that will affect the price of deck skirting is the material that you choose. Skirting can be made from lattice, vinyl sheets, metal or wood.
The deck cover
The new covered deck ranges between $5,000 and $20,000. If you want to cover an existing deck, you will pay between $2,000 and $10,000. Deck size and the materials that you choose for the cover are the factors that will determine the price. There are DIY kits for deck covering that range from $2,000 to $6,000.
Repair and maintenance
If you decide to build a composite deck, your maintenance costs will be minimal. Other than standard cleaning there aren’t other expenses. When it comes to wooden decks situation is a bit different. These decks will need to be resanded and stained or sealed once a year. Depending on your deck size, this will cost you between $500 and $1,500.
Costs to build a deck yourself
Building a deck on your own typically extends throughout 3 to 4 weeks. You will have to prepare the ground, install footings, find and buy materials and then the building process begins. Keep in mind that obtaining necessary permits, a crucial step may be more time-consuming for DIY deck builders than for a deck building company.
This is a cost comparison:
| DIY deck costs | $2,500 – $6,800 |
| Professionally installed deck costs | $4,000 – $8,000 |
The price of the equipment isn’t included in the table above. When it comes to tools that are necessary for deck construction, if you don’t own them, you will have to purchase the following equipment:
| Equipment | Average cost |
| Hammer | $19 |
| Protective equipment | $55 |
| Mixing paddle | $15 |
| Tape measure | $15 |
| Sawhorses | $33 |
| Level | $30 |
| Clamps | $7 |
| Speed square | $10 |
| Total cost | $184 |
Poor work or inadequate footings can expose homeowners to liability for injuries resulting from accidents. This risk is applicable even for confident DIYers attempting projects like floating decks. Common issues with DIY decks include:
- exposed nails or screws
- uneven boards
- a potentially collapsing foundation
- unstable stairs or railings
Deck cost calculator
The formula you should use to calculate and estimate your deck construction costs is:
Cost of Materials + Labor Cost + Other Costs
- Cost of Materials = Quantity of Materials × Cost per Unit
- Labor Cost = Number of Hours of Labo r× Hourly Rate of Labor
- Other Costs = Sum of Additional Costs
6 tips for saving money when building a deck
We understand that know that you saw all these prices, you know that building a deck isn’t cheap. Here are some money-saving ideas:
- Plan your budget – You probably already know this, but planning a budget and sticking to it is the best way to save money. It is very easy to get carried away and spend much more than you planned to.
- Demolish the existing deck on your own – If you tear down the old deck, you can save on labor costs.
- Keep it simple – The simpler the design, the less expensive the deck will be. Additional levels, steps and curves will automatically raise the price. Also, wood usually comes in standard lengths of 8, 10, 12 and 16 feet, by choosing the simple design, you will have less waste.
- Use less expensive materials – Higher-end woods are more expensive to buy, install and maintain.
- Thrifted outdoor furniture – You can embellish your deck and add your accessories by thrifting or up-cycling old furniture and decorations. If you don’t have any good thrifting stores near you, try Facebook marketplace or yard sales.
- DIY finishing details – Steps like staining and sealing the wooden beams you can do on your own.
Price of a deck FAQs
How much does a 14×20 deck cost?
14×20 deck building costs are between $8,500 and $17,000.
How much does it cost to repair a deck?
You will pay between $800 and $3,000 for a deck repair.
Does a deck add value to a home?
Yes, the new deck will add value to your property. Most homeowners can expect 100% ROI, while those living in southern states can expect up to 150% ROI.
How do people pay for a deck?
Some people pay it in cash, some get deck loans. Most deck loans have to be paid back within a 2 to 7-year period.
Site plans for deck building permit
The easiest way to ensure a smooth deck-building process is by not worrying about the permits. We got you covered. Our team of experts will create and deliver a site plan for permits in 24 hours. After that, you can apply for your building permit and start the construction process.
Credits:
freepik photo 1, author: wayhomestudio (link)
