Installed route
Deck installation quotes
Use the installed total to compare local quotes. Ask about footings, framing, railings, stairs, permits, and demolition in writing.
Deck cost
Deck cost calculator.
Estimate installed deck cost by material — pressure-treated, cedar, composite, or PVC — per square foot with a low-to-high range. A 16 x 12 ft pressure-treated deck lands around $6,240. Estimate only, not a quote.
PT, 16 x 12
$6,240
$33/sq ft
Range
$4,800-$7,680
material drives the price
Area
192 sq ft
16 ft x 12 ft
Cost by material
16 x 12 ft deck (192 sq ft) by material
Material is the biggest cost lever. These use mid-range installed prices per square foot for 2026 — railings, stairs, height, and region move them.
| Material | Per sq ft | Installed total | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated | $33 | $6,240 | $4,800-$7,680 |
| Cedar | $40 | $7,680 | $5,760-$9,600 |
| Composite | $53 | $10,080 | $6,720-$13,440 |
| PVC | $68 | $12,960 | $10,560-$15,360 |
Quote scope checklist
- Railings and stairs
- Footings, posts, and beams
- Deck height and levels
- Old-deck demolition
- Permits and lighting
Quotes and materials
Installed or DIY
Use the installed total to compare local quotes, or switch to the deck board calculator for a DIY material list.
DIY material
Decking and framing material
If you build it yourself, price decking, framing lumber, fasteners, and footings. The deck calculator gives the board and joist counts.
Add-ons
Railings and stairs
Railings, stairs, and lighting are priced separately and can add a lot to a deck. Budget them on top of the per-square-foot field.
Site and permits
Permits and demolition
Permits, removing an old deck, height, and tricky footings on poor soil can raise a quote. Confirm what the price includes.
Formula shown
How the deck cost estimate works
1. Deck area
area = length ft x width ft
2. Installed cost
total = area x installed price per sq ft (by material)
3. Range
low and high use the material price range for your market
Field price vs. the whole deck
The per-square-foot price covers the deck field. Railings, stairs, lighting, multi-level designs, tall decks, hard footings, and demolition are priced on top. Use the range and confirm scope in writing.
Sources
- Ergeon deck cost guide — 2026 installed deck cost per square foot by material
- Trex deck cost — composite deck installed cost context
- Decks.com composite pricing — composite vs wood decking price comparison
Reviewed for estimating accuracy
Last updated: June 25, 2026
Estimate only.
This calculator is not a quote. Verify product yield, price, delivery minimums, and local conditions with your supplier or contractor before buying materials.
FAQ
Deck cost questions
Deck cost by material, cost per square foot, composite vs wood, what is excluded, and why it is an estimate not a quote.
How much does a deck cost? + -
It depends on size and material. 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.
How much does a deck cost 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. Railings, stairs, height, and site conditions move it. The calculator lets you set the price.
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 can be closer than the sticker price suggests.
What is not included in this estimate? + -
Railings, stairs, lighting, built-in benches, pergolas, tall or multi-level designs, hard footings on poor soil, demolition of an old deck, and permits are extra. Use the range and get written quotes.
Is this a deck quote? + -
No. It is a planning estimate. Deck prices vary widely by region, design, and height. Get measured, written quotes from local contractors and compare scope before deciding.