Deck building costs depend on the material, size, design complexity, and railing choices. In the US, a pressure-treated wood deck costs $15–$30 per square foot installed, while composite decking runs $25–$50+ per sq ft. A standard 300 sq ft deck costs $5,000–$15,000. In Poland expect PLN 300–800/m² and in the Netherlands €150–€500/m².
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Average costs by material
- Pressure-treated pine (300 sq ft): $4,500–$9,000
- Cedar or redwood (300 sq ft): $7,500–$15,000
- Composite (Trex, TimberTech) (300 sq ft): $9,000–$18,000
- PVC/vinyl decking (300 sq ft): $10,000–$20,000
- Ipe or tropical hardwood (300 sq ft): $15,000–$30,000
- Wood railing (per linear foot): $20–$35
- Composite/metal railing: $40–$80/linear foot
- Cable railing: $60–$120/linear foot
- Stairs (per step): $75–$200
- Permits and plans: $200–$1,000
What affects the cost?
- Material choice — the biggest cost variable; composite costs 2–3x more than pressure-treated lumber upfront but requires minimal maintenance
- Deck size and shape — larger decks cost less per sq ft but more overall; curves and angles add 15–25% to labor
- Height off the ground — elevated decks (second-story, hillside) need stronger framing and more material
- Railings — basic wood rails are included in most quotes, but upgrading to cable, glass, or composite adds $2,000–$8,000
- Foundation type — concrete footings, helical piles, or post anchors each have different costs and code requirements
- Built-in features — benches, planters, lighting, and pergolas add $1,000–$5,000+ each
- Local codes and permits — setback requirements, railing height, and structural requirements vary by jurisdiction
Costs by country
Costs in the United States
In the US, a standard 300 sq ft ground-level deck in pressure-treated pine costs $5,000–$9,000 installed. The same deck in composite runs $9,000–$18,000. Elevated second-story decks cost 30–50% more due to structural requirements. Labor accounts for 50–60% of the total cost, with materials making up the rest.
Most jurisdictions require a building permit for decks, costing $200–$1,000 and adding 2–4 weeks to the timeline. Get at least 3 detailed quotes specifying material brand, foundation type, and what is included. Verify the builder is licensed, insured, and pulls the permit in their name — if they ask you to pull the permit, that's a red flag.
How to save
- Choose pressure-treated lumber — it costs half as much as composite; modern treatment lasts 15–20 years with annual staining
- Keep the shape simple — rectangular decks with 90-degree angles cost less than curved or multi-level designs
- Stay ground-level — decks at or near ground level skip the need for railings and heavy structural framing
- Build in the off-season — November through March is slower for deck builders; negotiate 10–20% off
- Source your own materials — buying lumber direct from a yard (not through the contractor) can save 15–25%
- Add features later — build the basic deck now and add benches, lighting, and a pergola over time
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck?
A new deck runs $15–$35 per square foot in the US for materials and labor. A typical 12'×16' (192 sq ft) pressure-treated deck costs $3,000–$6,000. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) runs $25–$50/sq ft, doubling cost but lasting 25+ years vs 10–15 for wood. Permits add $100–$500.
How long does deck construction take?
A standard 200–400 sq ft deck takes 1–3 weeks for a 2-person crew including permits, footings, framing, and decking. Composite installations are slightly faster (no staining needed). Multi-level or wraparound decks can take 4–6 weeks. Bad weather can extend timelines significantly.
Wood vs composite decking — which is better?
Pressure-treated wood: $15–$25/sq ft, lasts 10–15 years, requires staining every 2–3 years. Cedar: $25–$35/sq ft, 15–20 years, more resistant to rot. Composite: $25–$50/sq ft, 25+ years, no maintenance beyond cleaning. Composite costs 50–100% more upfront but breaks even by year 8–10.
Do I need a permit for a deck?
Almost always — most jurisdictions require permits for decks over 30 inches off the ground, attached to the house, or over 200 sq ft. Permits cost $100–$500 and require inspection. Building without a permit can result in fines, forced removal, and problems when selling the home.
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