How Much Does a Deck Cost?

Last updated: August 2026

The quick answer: A typical 300 sq ft deck costs $7,500–$16,500 installed in 2026 — about $9,000 for wood and $13,500 for composite. Per square foot: pressure-treated wood $25–$35, composite $35–$55. Enter your size below for an exact range.

Use the Deck Cost Calculator below — modify the values and click Calculate to estimate your deck cost.

Deck Size (sq ft)

sq ft

Deck Material

Deck Height

Railing

Stairs

Extras

Installed per sq ft

Materials share

Labor share

Cost Item	Estimated Amount

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How Much Does a Deck Cost in 2026?

A typical 300 sq ft residential deck in 2026 runs $7,500–$16,500 installed. Installed prices per square foot: pressure-treated wood $25–$35, cedar $30–$40, composite $35–$55, and aluminum $50–$70. The national average for a wood deck is about $9,000, while composite decks average $13,500. Wood decks recoup ~65% at resale — one of the best ROI outdoor projects.

Deck Cost by Material (installed, per sq ft)

Material	Cost per sq ft	300 sq ft total	Maintenance
Pressure-Treated Wood	$25–$35	$7,500–$10,500	Stain/seal every 2–3 years
Cedar	$30–$40	$9,000–$12,000	Stain every 2–3 years
Composite	$35–$55	$10,500–$16,500	Minimal — wash annually
Aluminum	$50–$70	$15,000–$21,000	None

What Drives Deck Costs

Material is the biggest factor — composite costs 40–60% more than pressure-treated wood but eliminates staining forever. Deck height adds significant cost: second-story decks need more framing, footings, and deck bracing (adds 30–50% over ground level). Railings run $40–$60 per linear foot for wood, $50–$80 for composite, and $70–$120 for aluminum/glass. Stairs cost $150–$250 per step. Extras like LED lighting ($400–$1,200), pergolas ($2,500–$5,000), and built-in seating ($800–$2,000) add up quickly. Permits typically run $100–$500.

Wood vs. Composite: Which Is Right for You?

Pressure-treated wood costs about 40% less upfront but needs staining and sealing every 2–3 years — roughly $300–$600 per treatment. Over 20 years, wood decks cost more in maintenance than composite decks cost in premiums. Composite never splinters, resists rot and insects, and comes with 25–30 year warranties, making it the better long-term value for most homeowners. If you're also planning a fence or other outdoor projects, building all at once saves labor mobilization fees. See the full picture with our home renovation cost calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a deck worth the cost?

Wood decks recoup about 65% of their cost at resale, making them one of the best-returning home improvements. Deck material cost is a top factor in home appraisals, and buyers consistently rank an outdoor living space among their top three wants.

Do I need a permit to build a deck?

Most municipalities require a permit for decks over 200 sq ft, any deck with stairs, or any deck attached to the house. Ground-level floating decks under 200 sq ft often don't need one. Deck permits are usually $100–$500 and include structural inspections.

How long does it take to build a deck?

A professional crew builds a ground-level 300 sq ft wood deck in 3–7 days. Composite decks take slightly longer (5–10 days) due to specialized fastening systems. Second-story decks with permits can take 2–3 weeks including inspections.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

Pressure-treated wood is the cheapest material, and a ground-level floating deck (no ledger attachment, no stairs) is the cheapest design. Building in spring/fall gets better contractor availability, and buying materials yourself at lumber yards saves 10–15% over contractor-priced lumber.

Composite decking: is it worth the premium?

For most homeowners, yes. Composite costs 40–60% more upfront, but eliminates staining, sealing, splinters, and rot. Over 20 years, composite is typically the same or lower total cost than wood once maintenance is counted, and it comes with warranties wood doesn't.

Data sources: HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide 2026, Angi 2026 Deck Construction Data, Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value 2026, Fixr 2026 Deck Cost Survey.

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Deck Quick Facts

300 sq ft wood deck: $7.5K–$10.5K
Composite: $10.5K–$16.5K
Second-story decks add 30–50%
Wood recoups ~65% at resale
Stairs cost $150–$250 per step