How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Building a deck enhances your outdoor living space and adds value to your home. The average cost to build a deck is $8,241, with most homeowners spending between $4,341 and $12,586. Factors like size, materials, and design complexity influence your total cost. Hiring a professional ensures your project is completed safely and efficiently.

Top Factors That Affect Your Deck Cost

Several factors influence the cost of building your deck, including size, materials, design complexity, and additional features. Labor costs typically range from $15 to $35 per square foot, and materials like lumber can fluctuate in price due to supply chain issues.

1. Labor

Labor costs to build a deck range from $15 to $35 per square foot. Easy-to-install materials like pine keep labor costs lower, while exotic hardwoods like ipe increase the price due to the additional effort required.Framing your deck costs an additional $9 to $12 per square foot for labor.

2. Materials

Materials significantly impact your deck's overall cost. Pressure-treated wood costs $2 to $5 per square foot, while premium composites or fiberglass range from $12 to $22 per square foot. A professional can help you choose the best material for your needs and budget.

3. Permits

A deck permit costs between $230 and $500, depending on your location. Most states require permits for decks, and costs vary based on size and elevation. Check with your contractor and local municipality for regulations in your area.

4. Demolition and Removal

Demolishing and removing an old deck costs $5 to $15 per square foot. This includes tearing up the old deck surface, removing brackets, pilings, foundations, hauling away debris, and local disposal fees. If you're only replacing the surface boards, expect costs similar to installing a new deck, considering labor and disposal fees for removing the old boards.

5. Season

Building your deck during the off-season, like winter or major holidays, can save you money. Many companies offer discounts—sometimes up to 20% off —when demand is lower. In summer, deck builders are busier and may charge premium prices. To get the best price, consult with several local deck builders.

What Your Deck Budget Gets You

Your deck budget determines the scope of your project. A standard deck can be built using basic materials for an average cost of $8,217. Opting for premium features or larger sizes increases costs. Understanding how your budget aligns with your goals helps you plan effectively.

Deck Cost Estimator by Size

Wondering how much your deck might cost based on its size? Here's a breakdown of common deck sizes and their average price ranges to help you estimate your project:

Decking Costs per Square Foot

Decking materials cost between $2 and $45 per square foot, not including labor. Here are the most popular types of decking and their typical costs per square foot:

Wood Decking

• Pressure-treated wood resists moisture, rot, and insects at a price of $2 to $5 per square foot, making it a popular option for those on a budget.

• Redwood decking costs range from $5 to $35 per square foot, depending on the grade. Redwood is beautiful and durable, but it is also expensive and a non-renewable resource.

• Mahogany decking costs $8–$11 per square foot. Mahogany is lower maintenance than pressure-treated wood and takes on stain well.

• Tigerwood decking costs from $7–$15 per square foot and bears a distinctive striped pattern from which it gets its name.

• Ipe decking costs $10–$20 per square foot. This exotic hardwood is known for its durability and long lifespan.

• At $3–$10 per square foot, bamboo is an affordable, environmentally friendly option. Bamboo is actually a grass, not wood, but has many of the same qualities.

• Cedar decking costs $3–$7 per square foot, making it comparable to pressure-treated wood but without any of the chemical treatments. Cedar is a naturally insect- and UV-resistant wood harvested sustainably in North America.

Plastic or Composite Decking

Composite deck materials cost between $12 and $22 per square foot for materials only, or $25 to $54 per square foot when installed.

Trex decking costs $5 to $10 per square foot for boards only. Expect to pay $10 to $27 per square foot, including decking, railing, and framing. Trex is a popular type of composite decking made from 95% recycled materials. It's a low-maintenance option resistant to termites, rot, warping, and splintering.

Aluminum

Aluminum decking runs $15 to $20 per square foot. Many of these systems are gapless, meaning they make a seamless waterproof roof for anything underneath. Because they are both waterproof and lightweight, they make great outdoor spaces that double as roofs above carports, patios, and outdoor kitchens.

Decking Prices by Type

While most people install a ground-level deck attached to their homes, there are many other options. A popular choice is to build a second-story deck, creating a beautiful elevated deck space upstairs and shade and shelter for the ground floor.

Ground-Level Decks

Ground-level decks cost an average of $15 per square foot, ranging from $10 to $20 per square foot. They are the least expensive option because they require minimal framing and no stairs or railings.

They're also not generally attached to the home as they don't need the extra support because they lack real elevation and are essentially a wood or composite alternative to a patio.

Floating Decks

Floating decks cost an average of $40 per square foot. You can pay anywhere from $20 to $60 per square foot, depending on material and location. Floating decks are usually a little more elevated than ground-level decks, but not usually enough to require driven-in pilings. They do, however, require more framing and sometimes concrete footings to make them stable.

These decks don't attach to the house and are commonly set away from the building, sometimes as a focal point or entertaining space in the yard.

Second-Story Decks

A raised deck costs around $45 to install and ranges from $40 to $50 per square foot. The most common type is elevated and attached to a home's second story.

Second-story decks require foundations and support pillars to hold them up and sit on brackets attached to the home. Some have posts that sit on concrete footings, while others have support posts driven into the ground.

Elevated Concrete Decks

An elevated concrete deck costs an average of $50 per square foot. You can pay anywhere from $30 to $75 per square foot. The price you'll pay depends on your location, the slab size, and the finishing materials you choose.

Elevated concrete decks require strong concrete and steel foundations as they're much heavier than wood or composite decks, hence the increased cost. These decks have an interesting, contemporary appearance and are very low-maintenance.

Multi-Level Decks

On average, multi-level decks cost $50 per square foot, but prices range from $30 to $75 per square foot, depending on size and material. While not as common, multi-level decks are a great way to add extra entertaining space to smaller homes and can cover two or three stories.

Just remember that the higher and bigger you go, the more support the deck needs, so the costs rise.

Prices for Additional Decking Features

Once the deck is in place, you need to furnish it, whether you're building an entertaining space, a place for family fun, or a tranquil haven to relax in. There is a range of must-haves and nice-to-haves that you should consider for your deck, but remember to factor their prices into your budget, as costs can quickly mount.

Stairs

Depending on material, size, and elevation, you can expect to pay between $25 and $50 per stair. For an average staircase of between eight and 16 steps, you'll pay $160 to $560 for prefabricated wooden stringers. For wooden stairs with custom stringers, expect to pay $280 to $800, and for metal stairs, expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000.

Railings

Railings for decking cost between $35 and $210 per linear foot. The price depends heavily on the type of railing you choose. While railings are not necessary for a ground-level floating deck, they're essential for raised decks because they add safety. Take a look at the most popular deck railing choices and how much they cost.

Fireplace or Firepit

Basic firepit installation costs for your deck range from $100 to $2,000(averaging around $300). If you prefer an outdoor fireplace, the cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $8,000.

Enclosures, Pergolas, and Roofs

Deck or patio enclosures cost around$50 per square foot or between $20 and $75 per square foot. Building a pergola costs $45 per square foot, on average. Depending on size and materials, you'll pay anywhere from $30 to $60 per square foot.

For a deck roof, prices range from $3,000 to $10,000. A more affordable alternative is an awning. Installing an awning costs $1,200 to $3,700.

Flooring and Patterns

The flooring material you choose can range in cost from $2 to $45 per square foot. Additionally, the pattern of your deck can increase the total project price by up to 20%. Simple, plain designs are the most economical because they take the least time to install and require the least amount of material. If you really want to up your deck’s wow factor, you can go with a complex hexagonal pattern or a herringbone-style deck, which can increase costs due to increased labor and materials. Remember to add 20% to your budget to accommodate this extravagance.

Built-In Seating

Built-in seating prices vary hugely, from $100 to $8,000 or more, with the average homeowner spending around $1,800. The price variance is based on the size, style, and material you choose for your seating.

A simple built-in bench with minimal upholstery and no storage costs as little as $100, while an upholstered bench with interior storage made of mahogany or oak can run you $3,000. Built-in booths for dining give your eating area a funky retro flavor and cost between $1,000 and $7,000 each, plus the cost of the dining table.

Planter Boxes

Planter boxes cost anywhere from $10 to $200 each for prefabricated styles. Custom planter boxes cost $100 to $1,000, depending on the type of wood for planters you choose and their size. You'll need to account for the cost of the wood, at around $300 per cord, as well as the carpenter's hourly rate of $35 to $100.

Hot Tub

Hot tub installation costs between$650 and $6,100, with most people paying around $3,400. This includes the cost of the hot tub and the installation. Above-ground hot tubs are the most affordable and the most common, as they sit on top of your deck and just need you to fill them and plug them in. Remember, though, that the deck must be designed/rated to support an in-deck hot tub.

You can, however, have an in-ground hot tub installed in your deck, although the hot tub will most likely need a concrete pad beneath it for support. While this is the most costly option, at $5,000 to $20,000 all-in, it creates a more cohesive, tranquil, spa-like finish and is a good option if you plan to spend a lot of time enjoying the hot tub.

Skirting

Deck skirting costs $2 to $50 per linear foot, with the price variance based on the skirt style and material. Skirting provides a nice, neat finish and stops pets and wildlife from getting underneath.

Other Features

There are many other features you can add to your deck to make the space usable day or night, year-round. Here is a selection of the most popular additions.

• Lighting costs $8–$30 each. Post lighting runs $30–$100+ each. Light fixture installation costs can run another $150 each.

• Heaters cost $100–$300, depending on style and output.

• Outdoor misting systems cost $2,100–$3,400.

• Deck staining costs $550–$1,250. For the DIYer, the price of stain is around $30 per gallon.

• Sealing a deck costs $550–$1,330. Sealer runs $30–$40 per gallon.

Cost to Build a Deck Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

Building a deck yourself may seem cost-effective, but it can be challenging and time-consuming. Mistakes can be costly, and you'll need to ensure compliance with local building codes and obtain permits. Hiring a professional deck builder ensures your project is completed safely, efficiently, and up to code.

Pro Tip: "Ensure you reach out to multiple pros when planning your deck," says Andy Kilborn, Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA. "Some companies may have relationships with materials companies, leading to a decent discount."

Hire a professional deck builder today to ensure your project is done right.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.