DECKS & PATIOS
How Much Does a Deck Cost?
Estimate the cost of building a deck or patio per square foot — materials, framing, labor and the extras that change the total.
Decks are priced per square foot, but the final number depends on the material, the framing and your local labor rate. This guide breaks down the parts and embeds the calculator so you can price a deck with real numbers.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
A pressure-treated wood deck typically runs $15–$35 per square foot installed. Materials are $3–$6/sq ft, framing and labor add the rest. A 320 sq ft deck costs about $4,800–$11,200. Composite decking pushes the total to $25–$45/sq ft.
What drives the cost per square foot
Material is the biggest variable: pressure-treated pine, cedar and composite all price differently per square foot. Labor depends on the framing, deck height, and how much prep the site needs.
Local labor rates move the total the most — a two-story deck with stairs and railings takes much more time than a ground-level patio.
- Total deck area
- Decking material and boards
- Framing complexity and deck height
- Footings, stairs and railings
- Site access and demolition
Price the job by area with waste
Add a waste allowance for cuts and angles, then multiply the area by the combined material and labor rate per square foot.
Use the calculator below with your numbers.
The extras that change the total
Concrete footings, stairs, railings, lighting, permits and demolition of an old deck are usually separate line items. Corner and angled cuts add labor and waste.
Budget like a pro
Get two or three quotes that include materials and labor. Confirm the material and the framing plan in writing before work starts.