Last updated October 2026 · Reviewed by the CostWise Lab team
How much does a deck cost in 2026?
A ground-level deck typically costs $20 to $35 per square foot in pressure-treated wood and $30 to $60 in composite, installed. A common 12 × 16 ft deck (192 sq ft) lands around $4,000 to $9,000 in treated wood and $6,000 to $14,500 in composite.
| Decking | Ground level, per sq ft | 12 × 16 ft deck |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $20 – $35 | $3,840 – $6,720 |
| Cedar / redwood | $28 – $55 | $5,380 – $10,560 |
| Composite | $30 – $60 | $5,760 – $11,520 |
| PVC / capped composite | $45 – $75 | $8,640 – $14,400 |
What changes the price
- Height. Raised and second-story decks need taller posts, beams, bracing and code-compliant railings. They cost roughly 45% more per square foot.
- Railings and stairs. These are often the most expensive part of a raised deck.
- Footings. Frost depth in cold states means deeper concrete footings.
- Permits. Most towns require a permit, typically $200 to $1,500.
- Waste and fasteners. Hidden fasteners and 10–20% extra material are common on composite decks.
Wood or composite?
Pressure-treated wood is cheapest up front but needs sealing or staining every few years. Composite costs more on day one and needs little more than cleaning, so it can come out ahead over 10–15 years. Most decks use a pressure-treated frame either way; the material choice mainly affects the boards you walk on.
Methodology
The calculator multiplies the deck area by a national installed price range for the decking material. Raised decks are multiplied by 1.45, the ratio between published raised and ground-level prices for treated decks ($30–$50 vs $20–$35 per sq ft). The result is then scaled to your state.
State adjustment: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2024). Treat the result as a planning range, not a quote.
Sources
- Inspect & Test — Deck construction cost by material (2026)
- NerdWallet — The cost to build a deck in 2026
- Inch Calculator — Cost to build a deck (2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis — Regional Price Parities by state (2024, via FRED)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to build a deck?
A ground-level, rectangular deck in pressure-treated wood with simple railings is the cheapest option, at about $20 to $35 per square foot installed.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
It costs more up front but needs far less maintenance. If you plan to stay in the home 10+ years, the savings on staining and repairs can offset much of the difference.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Usually yes, especially for decks attached to the house or more than 30 inches above the ground. Check with your local building department.
Does the estimate include stairs and railings?
Basic railings are usually included in installed per-square-foot prices, but long stair runs, glass or cable railings and built-in benches add to the cost.