Deck Cost Estimator
Estimate the cost to build a deck by size, material, railing, stairs and footings — itemized material and labor ranges from published cost data, before the first contractor call.
Your project
Add your project details
Enter your deck size and material, then choose “Estimate my deck cost”. Your inputs are saved on this device and restored on your next visit.
How it works
Enter your project details
Size, state, board material, railing, steps and footings — counts use standard auto values you can override.
See a detailed cost breakdown
Material and labor ranges for decking, footings, railing and steps, with the state labor adjustment on labor only.
Use it to plan and compare
A realistic range to set your budget and get more accurate contractor quotes.
Deck material costs compared
| Material | Board material | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $3–$8 / sq ft | Priced |
| Composite | $8–$20 / sq ft | Priced |
| Premium hardwood or PVC | — | Not priced in the current data package |
Board material includes a 10% waste allowance in estimates. Railing is priced with the wood band for every tier in the current data package.
Typical deck cost ranges by size
| Deck size | Area | Planning range |
|---|---|---|
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | $4,815–$12,488 |
| 16 × 12 ft | 192 sq ft | $5,813–$14,550 |
| 16 × 16 ft | 256 sq ft | $7,224–$17,433 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 sq ft | $8,816–$21,616 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 sq ft | $10,920–$27,120 |
Deck cost questions
Where does the 10% waste allowance apply?
Only to the decking board material: board material is priced on area × 1.10. It never inflates labor, framing, footings, railing or steps.
Does choosing composite boards change the railing price?
Not in the current data package. Railing is priced with the published wood railing band for every tier, and the frame is priced in wood; the material choice changes the board material band and its installation context, not the railing band.
Are the footing and step counts structural advice?
No. Counts are budget inputs with standard auto values (an 8 ft footing grid; railing on three sides). A builder or engineer must confirm the real structure for your site and local code.
What is not included in the estimate?
Existing deck demolition, tree or stump removal, major grading or retaining walls, electrical work such as lighting or hot tub hookups, and permit fees unless they are already inside the published rates.
How does the state adjustment work?
Material prices are national ranges and never change by state. Labor is adjusted by a state multiplier derived from BLS OEWS May 2023 construction wages (SOC 47-0000), so the same deck prices labor higher in high-wage states and lower in low-wage states.
Data sources: Fixr deck cost data (2023) for boards, framing, footings, railing and steps materials; Angi (2025) footing and railing labor; PrismQuoter (2026) framing and board-installation labor; EngineerFix (2025) stair labor; state labor adjustment from BLS OEWS May 2023 (SOC 47-0000). Updated November 2026. See the methodology page for the full source register.