How Much Does a Deck Cost to Build?
Calculate the total cost to build a deck by material and size. Pressure-treated, composite, or hardwood — with railing, stairs, and labor.
Deck Costs by Material (2026)
Pressure-treated wood: $18-30/sq ft installed. Cheapest option, requires annual staining/sealing, 15-20 year lifespan. Cedar: $25-40/sq ft. Naturally rot-resistant, beautiful aging. Composite (Trex, TimberTech): $30-50/sq ft. Zero maintenance, 25-year warranty, most popular choice. PVC (Azek): $40-55/sq ft. Fully synthetic, stain-proof, premium pricing. Ipe hardwood: $45-65/sq ft. Extraordinary durability (40+ years), requires professional installation.
ROI: Does a Deck Pay for Itself?
Decks recoup 65-75% of their cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. Wood decks have the highest ROI (70-75%) because the lower upfront cost produces a better ratio. Composite decks recoup 60-65% but add more to home livability and require no ongoing maintenance costs.
Permits and Building Codes
Most jurisdictions require a building permit for any deck over 200 sq ft or more than 30 inches above grade. Code requirements include: railing height (36-42 inches depending on jurisdiction), baluster spacing (max 4 inches), joist spacing (16 inches OC for most decking), and ledger board attachment to the house. Permits typically cost $100-500.
Remodeling Magazine's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report shows that a wood deck addition recoups 71.3% of its cost at resale — one of the highest ROIs of any exterior improvement, behind only garage door replacement (194%) and manufactured stone veneer (89%).
