Deck Cost Calculator

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in 2026?

The average deck costs $16 to $50 per square foot to build, with most homeowners spending between $4,000 and $12,000 for a standard 200-300 square foot deck. Material choice is the biggest cost driver — pressure-treated wood decks average $20-$30/sqft installed, while composite decking runs $25-$45/sqft.

A typical 16x12 deck (192 sqft) costs approximately $4,800 to $6,500 in pressure-treated wood or $6,200 to $9,600 in composite. Add railing ($25-$65/lin ft), stairs ($60-$150/step), and footings ($50-$175 each) to the base decking cost for your complete budget.

Wood vs. Composite: The Real Cost Comparison

Pressure-treated wood is 40-50% cheaper upfront but requires annual maintenance costing $300-$500 per year in stain, sealer, and labor. Over 25 years, a 200 sqft wood deck costs $12,000-$18,000 in total ownership. Composite eliminates maintenance entirely and typically costs $8,000-$14,000 over the same period when you account for zero upkeep. The break-even point is typically 8-10 years.

Railing: An Often Underestimated Expense

Railing can add 20-35% to your total deck cost. A 200 sqft deck with a 56-foot perimeter needs railing on three sides (about 44 feet). At $25-$65 per linear foot for materials and installation, railing adds $1,100-$2,860. Cable and glass railing systems are the most expensive but offer unobstructed views from elevated decks.

Pricing data sourced from HomeAdvisor, Decks.com, RS Means 2026 national averages. Costs vary by region. Last updated 2026-04.