Calculate accurate cedar deck cost estimates with our guide, breaking down lumber choices, labor expenses, and essentials like staining and wooden railings.
How Much Does a Floating Deck Cost to Build in 2026?
Normal Range: $2,500 - $14,750
Expect floating deck costs to average between $2,500 and $14,750
How we get this data
Natalie Faye / Adobe Stock
Natalie Faye / Adobe Stock
Cost Overview:
Professional floating deck installation costs between $2,500 and $14,750, with the material you choose driving your final project total.
The complexity of your deck design and difficult site conditions will increase the amount of labor your floating deck project requires.
You should account for the cost of a designer for custom layouts and extra labor if your yard has challenging terrain.
Hiring a local deck repair professional reduces costly mistakes and ensures your finished structure meets safety standards and lasts for years.
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This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Building a floating deck costs an average of $4,500 or $20 to $60 per square foot, three to five times more than building a standard ground-level deck. The most affordable builds start at $500, while large decks made from premium materials can reach $25,000. A floating deck adds versatile outdoor living space and a comfortable spot for gatherings.
Floating Deck Cost Factors
The cost to build a floating deck depends on the cost of materials and the amount of labor required.
Labor
Labor rates range from $15 to $35 per square foot. Expect to pay an average of $25 per square foot to hire workers such as general contractors and carpenters. Building costs are higher for projects with more complex or custom designs. Complex floating decks may require a designer, while difficult site conditions may necessitate more involved labor.
Deck Materials
The cost to build a floating deck will vary dramatically based on the most important element of that deck: the wood. For example, the cost of a cedar deck will differ dramatically from the cost of a composite deck. Here is a breakdown of the different types of woods and what you can expect to pay on a square-foot basis:
Pressure-treated wood: $2–$5
Redwood: $5–$30
Mahogany: $8–$11
Ipe: $10–$20
Tigerwood: $7–$15
Bamboo: $3–$10
Cedar: $3–$7
Aluminum: $15–$20
Fiberglass and composite: $12–$22
DIY vs. Hiring a Floating Deck Installation Pro
Deciding between a DIY build and professional installation comes down to skill level, available time, and project complexity. While installing a deck requires careful planning and heavy labor, a committed DIYer with the right tools can complete a straightforward build. Because a floating deck isn’t anchored to the home, it eliminates the structural tie-in step, which can make DIY installation more approachable.
Hiring a deck pro reduces the risk of costly mistakes, provides access to trade-priced materials, and saves you considerable time—all while ensuring the finished structure meets safety standards and lasts for years.
Even if you plan to build the deck yourself, schedule an evaluation with a local deck company. A contractor can assess the site, offer recommendations, and provide a quote, giving you solid information before you decide whether to DIY or hire out.
Budgeting Tips for Floating Deck Installation
Keep your floating deck installation costs budget-friendly with these tips:
Choose a simpler design to keep labor and material costs down.
Opt for materials that suit your space best to ensure longevity and value.
Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices and get the best deal.
Be consistent with maintenance to prevent undue wear and avoid repair costs.
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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.
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