Enter the size of your deck, the railing length, the number of stair steps and your local prices. The calculator adds up materials, labor, railings, stairs, removal and permits.
| Item | Cost |
|---|
Prices vary a lot by area, material and season. Use quotes from local contractors and suppliers for an accurate estimate.
What goes into the cost of a deck
- Deck materials: decking, joists, beams, posts and hardware, often priced per square foot.
- Labor: building the frame and laying the deck, usually per square foot.
- Railings: priced per linear foot.
- Stairs: priced per step.
- Removal, permits and fees: one-off costs.
The calculator doesn’t fill in prices, because they vary a lot with the decking material and your area. For a materials list, use the deck calculator.
Worked example
A 16 × 12 ft deck (192 sq ft) with 40 ft of railing and 4 steps, using example prices of $15 per sq ft for materials, $20 per sq ft for labor, $45 per foot of railing and $120 per step:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Deck materials | $2,880 |
| Labor | $3,840 |
| Railing | $1,800 |
| Stairs | $480 |
| Total | $9,000, or about $47 per sq ft |
These prices are only for illustration. Your local prices will be different.
What makes a deck cost more or less
- Decking material: pressure-treated wood usually costs least up front. Cedar costs more, and composite more again, but composite needs less upkeep.
- Height: raised decks need taller posts, more bracing and often longer stairs.
- Railings: any deck high enough to need a guard adds railing cost, and some styles cost far more than others.
- Shape and extras: curves, multiple levels, built-in benches and lighting all add cost.
- Removal and site work: taking out an old deck or working on a slope adds labor.
Getting accurate quotes
- Ask for itemized quotes from two or three local deck builders.
- Check that each includes footings, permits, railings and stairs.
- Compare the cost per square foot, which the calculator shows for your figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 12 × 16 deck cost?
That’s 192 square feet. Multiply by your local price per square foot for materials and labor, then add railings, stairs and permits. The calculator adds it all up.
Is a composite deck more expensive than wood?
Usually yes, up front. Composite needs less maintenance, so the gap narrows over the life of the deck.
Does the price include railings and stairs?
Only if you enter them. Many quotes list railings and stairs separately, so check what’s included.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
In most areas, yes, especially for attached or raised decks. Check with your local building department.
How much do deck stairs cost?
Stairs are often priced per step. Enter your builder’s price per step and the number of steps.
Results are estimates for planning. Prices vary by area, so use local quotes. See How We Calculate for the formulas we use.
Guides for this project
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