How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?
A professionally built deck commonly costs about $30 to $60 per square foot in 2026 (Inch Calculator's typical range), with pressure-treated wood at the low end and composite or PVC at the high end. A typical 12×16 deck (192 sq ft) therefore runs roughly $5,800–$11,500.
Deck cost by size
| Deck | Area | Typical cost ($30–$60/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | 100 sq ft | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 12×12 | 144 sq ft | $4,320–$8,640 |
| 12×16 | 192 sq ft | $5,760–$11,520 |
| 16×16 | 256 sq ft | $7,680–$15,360 |
| 16×20 | 320 sq ft | $9,600–$19,200 |
| 20×20 | 400 sq ft | $12,000–$24,000 |
Materials vs. labor
Decking boards are only part of the bill. Inch Calculator lists pressure-treated decking at about $3–$6 per sq ft and cedar at $8–$15, while NerdWallet (citing Angi) puts professional labor around $15–$35 per sq ft. Framing lumber, footings, hardware, railings and stairs make up much of the rest.
What raises the price
- Height: raised and second-story decks need taller posts, bracing and more railing.
- Railings: aluminum, cable and glass railings can rival the cost of the decking.
- Stairs, built-in benches, lighting and multiple levels.
- Permits and inspections — required for most attached decks.
DIY material estimate
For a 12×16 deck the deck board calculator gives 29 boards of 16 ft, 13 joists and about 676 screws. Enter your lumberyard's board price to see the decking cost.
Sources
Prices vary widely by region, season and contractor. Use these ranges to plan, then get at least three written quotes.