Deck Installation Cost Estimator
Enter the deck size and material for professionally installed pricing.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Installed deck = size × material rate (+ raised premium):
- Pressure-treated (~$28/sq ft): cheapest — stain every 2–3 years.
- Cedar (~$38/sq ft): prettier, still needs maintenance.
- Composite (~$55/sq ft): ~2x wood upfront, near-zero maintenance — 15-year totals converge.
- Raised (+$12/sq ft): footings below frost line, railings, stairs — required above 30".
- DIY: materials run ~40–50% of installed — decks are very DIY-able with a helper and a weekend.
- Permits: almost always required for attached/raised decks — budget $200–500.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost installed?
About $28/sq ft pressure-treated, $38 cedar, $55 composite, $62 PVC — plus ~$12/sq ft for raised decks needing rails and stairs.
Wood vs composite deck?
Wood: half the upfront cost, needs staining every 2–3 years. Composite: ~2x upfront, near-zero maintenance. 15-year totals are close.
How much is a 400 sq ft deck?
Roughly $11,200 pressure-treated, $22,000 composite — ground-level, mid-range.
Can I build my own deck?
Yes — materials are ~40–50% of installed cost. Footings and ledger attachment are the critical skills.
Do I need a permit?
Almost always for attached or raised decks. Ground-level floating decks sometimes exempt — check locally.
How long does it take?
A pro crew: 3–7 days for a typical deck. DIY: 2–4 weekends.
What adds cost?
Height (rails/stairs), complex shapes, built-in benches/lighting, and poor soil needing deeper footings.
Does a deck add home value?
Wood decks recoup ~50%, composite ~40% at resale. Build for enjoyment, not ROI.
How long do decks last?
Pressure-treated 15–20 yrs (with maintenance), cedar 20–25, composite/PVC 25–30+.
What is a floating deck?
Ground-level deck on blocks instead of footings — cheaper, often permit-exempt, but limited to low heights.