Deck cost is driven by size and decking material, then by everything attached to it — railings, stairs, and footings. The deck field (the floor) is priced per square foot by material; the add-ons are separate. Knowing which is which keeps a quote from surprising you.
The deck cost calculator estimates the field by area and material with a low-to-high range. For a DIY material list, the deck board calculator gives boards and joists.
Cost per square foot by material (2026)
| Material | Installed $/sq ft | 16 x 12 (192 sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated | $25-$40 | $4,800-$7,680 | Cheapest; needs sealing; most common |
| Cedar | $30-$50 | $5,760-$9,600 | Natural look; softer; periodic finishing |
| Composite | $35-$70 | $6,720-$13,440 | Low maintenance; long warranties |
| PVC | $55-$80 | $10,560-$15,360 | No wood fiber; premium; very low upkeep |
The field price is not the whole deck
The per-square-foot number covers the deck surface and standard framing. Priced separately, and often a big share of the total:
- Railings — priced per linear foot, and code-required above a certain height
- Stairs — risers, treads, and stringers; see the deck stair calculator
- Footings and posts — more on poor soil or for tall decks
- Lighting, skirting, and built-ins
- Demolition of an old deck, and permits
Wood vs composite: upfront vs lifetime
Pressure-treated wood wins on upfront cost. Composite and PVC cost more to install but skip the staining and sanding, resist rot and fading, and carry long warranties — so over 15 to 25 years the gap narrows. If you will keep the home and hate maintenance, the premium can pay back; for a short hold, treated wood is hard to beat on price.
Framing and footings drive structure cost
Under the boards, joists are usually 16 inches on center and posts sit on concrete footings. The deck joist and footing calculator counts joists by spacing and footings by post layout, and the deck stair calculator sizes risers, treads, and the stringer length. Structural members must meet local code and span tables.
How to compare deck quotes
- Confirm the deck square footage and decking material.
- Separate the field price from railings and stairs.
- Check footing count and whether poor-soil work is included.
- List lighting, skirting, and demolition.
- Confirm permits and who pulls them.
Run your deck through the deck cost calculator, switch materials to compare, and add railings and stairs as their own lines before comparing to a contractor bid.
FAQ
How much does a deck cost to build?
For a 16 x 12 ft (192 sq ft) deck installed in 2026, pressure-treated runs about $4,800 to $7,680, cedar $5,760 to $9,600, composite $6,720 to $13,440, and PVC $10,560 to $15,360. Railings, stairs, and height add to it.
How much is a deck per square foot?
Installed, pressure-treated is about $25 to $40 per square foot, cedar $30 to $50, composite $35 to $70, and PVC $55 to $80. The field price does not include railings, stairs, or site work.
Is composite or wood decking cheaper?
Pressure-treated wood is the cheapest upfront. Composite and PVC cost more to install but need far less maintenance and last longer, so the lifetime cost is closer than the sticker price suggests.
What adds to a deck quote?
Railings, stairs, lighting, built-in benches, multi-level or tall designs, hard footings on poor soil, demolition of an old deck, and permits are priced on top of the per-square-foot deck field.