Enter your deck size, material, height, and labor preference below. The estimate updates live with materials, foundation, railings, stairs, permit, and pro labor broken out.
By Alexander Georges ·
At a glance
Deck building costs $4,000 to $25,000 in 2026, with material driving most of the swing: pressure-treated lumber at $5 to $10 per sqft, cedar at $10 to $15, composite at $20 to $35, and tropical hardwood at $25 to $45 per sqft installed.
Typical cost
$4,000 to $25,000
300 sqft, varies by material
Time
3 to 7 days
Pro crew, ground-level
DIY savings
30 to 60%
Ground-level only
Permit
Usually required
Deck size & height
Elevated decks cost more due to structural requirements
Materials
Composite costs more upfront but lasts 25+ years with no sealing
Each step adds ~$250 in materials + labor
Labor & location
Ground-level PT decks are DIY-able; elevated or composite = hire pros
Estimated total range
$9.5K
–$13K
Most likely: $11,195
Line-item breakdown
Decking (pressure-treated)
250 sqft × $7.5/sqft
$1,875
Foundation (ground level)
Posts, footings, concrete
$400
Railings
60 linear ft × $32/ft
$1,920
Stairs (2 steps)
$500
Permit & inspection
Typical for most jurisdictions
$250
Pro labor
250 sqft × $25/sqft
$6,250
Subtotal
$11,195
Contingency (+15%)
$1,679
Total
$11,195
Typical timeline: 6–8 days pro build
Numbers update as you adjust inputs. 2026 national averages.
How this calculator works
Want the full data behind these numbers? Read the 2026 Home Improvement Cost Report, our synthesis of public industry sources for project costs across 22 categories and every region.
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Frequently asked
The estimate is typically within ±15-20% for standard projects. Accuracy decreases for: unusual shapes (curved, multi-level, or around obstacles), difficult site conditions (slopes, poor soil, utilities), premium accessories (lighting, built-in seating, pergolas), and HCOL markets where specialty contractor pricing swings wide. Use the estimate for budgeting; always get 2-3 contractor quotes before committing.
Ground-level pressure-treated decks (under 200 sqft) are genuinely DIY-able if you have intermediate carpentry skills, access to basic power tools, and 5-7 full days available. Skip DIY for: decks over 30 inches high (code-required railings and egress), composite or tropical hardwood (hidden fasteners and tight tolerances), multi-level designs, or attached decks to the home (ledger board attachment is where DIY decks fail). Hire pros for anything elevated or complex.
Almost always yes. Most jurisdictions require permits for any deck attached to the house, any deck over 30 inches high, and any deck over 200 sqft regardless of attachment. Even freestanding ground-level decks often require permits due to setback rules. Cost is typically $150-500. Skipping the permit creates insurance exposure and forces retroactive permits (2-3x cost) at home sale. Always pull the permit.
Pressure-treated (PT) lumber is the cheapest upfront at $5-10/sqft for materials. However, PT requires annual sealing and typically lasts 15-20 years before board replacement. Composite costs 3-4x more upfront ($20-35/sqft) but requires zero sealing and lasts 25-35 years. Over 25 years, composite often comes out cheaper per year of use. Cedar is in the middle: more attractive than PT, less maintenance than painted wood, but lasts only 20-25 years.
Pro crews typically complete a 200-400 sqft ground-level deck in 3-7 working days, a first-story deck in 5-10 days, and a second-story deck in 7-14 days. DIY takes 3-5x longer: expect 2-3 weekends for a simple ground-level deck, longer if you're figuring out techniques as you go. Add 2-6 weeks upfront for permit processing before any work starts.