Building a deck costs $8,321 on average, and most homeowners pay $4,338 to $12,653, according to Angi's guide updated September 24, 2026. HomeGuide puts installed prices at $25 to $50 per square foot for pressure-treated pine and $40 to $80 for composite. Size and material move the price most. House AI can show a deck on a photo of your house before you get quotes.
Your total depends on the size, the material, how high the deck sits, and extras like stairs.
Deck cost per square foot by material
HomeGuide's guide, dated February 10, 2026, prices each material installed. Angi lists the decking alone. Neither gives an installed price for PVC.
| Material | Installed, per sq ft (HomeGuide) | Decking only, per sq ft (Angi) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $25 to $50 | $2 to $5 | The lowest starting price, and it lasts 10 to 25 years |
| Cedar | $30 to $47 | $3 to $7 | Naturally resists rot and insects, and lasts 15 to 20 years |
| Redwood | $28 to $54 | $5 to $35 | Angi puts high-end redwood at the top of the decking range |
| Composite | $40 to $80 | $12 to $22 | Lasts 25 to 50 years and needs cleaning, not staining |
| PVC | Not published | $5 to $13 (boards only) | Angi says PVC decking lasts 30 to 50 years |
Lifespans for wood and composite come from HomeGuide's composite versus wood guide, dated October 14, 2025. It puts wood upkeep at $400 to $600 a year, against about $50 to clean composite.
Deck cost by size
HomeGuide prices common sizes for a pressure-treated pine deck attached to a one-story home. A 10 by 10 foot deck runs $2,500 to $5,000, a 12 by 12 deck $3,600 to $7,200, a 16 by 16 deck $6,400 to $12,800, and a 20 by 20 deck $10,000 to $20,000. Angi's figures run higher, at $16,000 to $24,000 for a 20 by 20 deck.
Height changes the price too. HomeGuide puts an attached ground-level deck at $25 to $30 per square foot installed, a raised deck at $30 to $50, a second-story deck at $50 to $60, and a multi-level deck at $60 to $100. Stairs add $1,400 to $2,600, and railings $20 to $60 per linear foot.
Most towns require a permit. Angi says permits cost $230 to $500 in most areas, while HomeGuide lists $50 to $150, so ask your building department.
How to preview a deck before you get quotes
Step 1: Measure the area
Multiply the length by the width for the square footage. Note how high the door sits above the ground, since that sets the deck's height and stairs.
Step 2: Try the deck on a photo of your house
Take a photo of the back of your house, upload it to House AI Exterior Design, and describe the deck in your own words, such as a gray composite deck with black railings. Each design takes about 15 seconds, and every user gets 3 free designs a day, so you can compare cedar with composite on the same photo.
Step 3: Get three quotes on the same plan
Give each builder the same size, material, height, and railing. House AI doesn't measure your yard, check footings, or know your local code, and board color and railing details can drift in a render, so let the builder measure and confirm the plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to build a deck?
A ground-level deck in pressure-treated pine. HomeGuide puts pressure-treated pine at $25 to $50 per square foot installed, the lowest starting price in its material table.
How much does a 12 by 12 deck cost?
HomeGuide puts a 12 by 12 pressure-treated deck at $3,600 to $7,200. Angi lists $5,760 to $8,640.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
It can be if you plan to stay. HomeGuide says composite lasts 25 to 50 years and costs about $50 a year to clean, against $400 to $600 a year for wood.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Usually, yes. Angi says deck permits cost $230 to $500 in most areas, and rules vary by town.
Keep reading
- Can AI Design My House Exterior From a Photo?
- Curb Appeal Makeover: AI Exterior Design Tips
- AI Exterior Design
- Garden Design
- House AI Pricing
Sources: Angi, "How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck? [2026 Data]," updated September 24, 2026. Angi, "PVC vs. Composite Decking," updated August 4, 2026. HomeGuide, "How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck? (2026)," February 10, 2026. HomeGuide, "Composite Decking Vs. Wood Cost (2026)," October 14, 2025. All checked October 17, 2026. House AI figures come from the House AI app.