How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck? Material and Size Guide
A 200 sq ft deck costs $4,000-9,000 depending on material. Here is every option compared.
Deck cost per square foot installed: pressure-treated pine $15-25, cedar $20-30, composite $25-45, ipe hardwood $30-50. A standard 12×16 deck (192 sq ft) costs: pine $2,880-4,800, cedar $3,840-5,760, composite $4,800-8,640, ipe $5,760-9,600. Labor typically equals 50-65% of total cost — DIY saves $2,000-5,000 but requires tools, permits, and a weekend of work.
Lifetime Cost Changes Everything
Pressure-treated pine needs staining every 2-3 years ($200-400 each time) and lasts 15-20 years. Total 20-year cost including maintenance: $6,000-10,000. Composite needs zero maintenance and lasts 25-50 years. Total 25-year cost: $4,800-8,640. Despite higher upfront cost, composite is often cheaper per year of service and eliminates annual maintenance hassle.