WheelbarrowMath

Deck Cost Calculator

Estimate what a new deck costs to build yourself or have built, from its size and local prices.

ft

The decking boards run this way.

ft

The joists run this way.

in

A 5/4 × 6 or 2 × 6 board is 5.5 in wide.A 5/4 × 6 or 2 × 6 board is 14 cm wide.

in

Trex recommends 3/16 in (0.1875) between composite boards.Trex recommends 4.8 mm (0.48 cm) between composite boards.

Board length
Board direction
in

Trex calls for 16 in on center for straight decking and 12 in for diagonal.Trex calls for 41 cm on center for straight decking and 30 cm for diagonal.

%
Prices (typical US prices; edit for your area)
/sq ft

Typically $14–$28 a sq ft for a new deck's materials.Typically $150–$300 a m² for a new deck's materials.

/sq ft

Typically $11–$22 a sq ft.Typically $120–$240 a m².

Typically $50–$150.

Your Results

Calculating …

What a Deck Costs

HomeGuide’s cost data for new decks:

Per sq ft
Materials$14–$28
Labor$11–$22
Installed$25–$50

By decking material, installed:

MaterialPer sq ft
Pressure-treated pine$25–$50
Cedar$30–$47
Composite$40–$80
PVC or aluminum$100–$125

Worked example. A 16 × 12 ft deck is 192 sq ft. At $21 a sq ft for materials, $16.50 for labor and a $100 permit:

Cost
Materials, 192 sq ft at $21$4,032
Labor, 192 sq ft at $16.50$3,168
Permit$100
Built by a pro$7,300 ($38 a sq ft)

What Drives the Price

  • Decking material is the biggest swing: composite and PVC cost more up front but don’t need staining.
  • Height. Raised decks need taller posts, more bracing, stairs, and railings.
  • Railings and stairs can add a lot; long railings on a raised deck can rival the decking itself.
  • Site. Slopes, rocky soil, and deep frost lines mean more digging and concrete for footings.
  • Extras like built-in benches, lighting, and pergolas add to the total.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

Building a low, simple deck is a big but achievable DIY project. Doing it yourself saves the labor, roughly 40% of the price in the example. The structure is what has to be right: footings, beams, the ledger connection to the house, and railings all have code requirements, and most areas require a permit and inspections. The deck calculator counts boards, joists, and screws for the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Deck Cost per Square Foot?

HomeGuide puts new decks at $25–$50 a sq ft installed on average. By material, pressure-treated pine runs $25–$50, cedar $30–$47, composite $40–$80, and PVC or aluminum $100–$125.

How Much Does a 16 × 12 Deck Cost?

At the calculator’s default prices ($21 a sq ft materials, $16.50 labor, $100 permit), a 192 sq ft deck comes to about $7,300 built by a pro, or about $4,100 in materials if you build it yourself.

Do I Need a Permit for a Deck?

Usually you do, especially for decks attached to the house or raised off the ground. HomeGuide puts deck permits at about $50–$150.

Sources

Prices are national ballparks checked October 2026. Local prices vary.