How Much Does Deck Building Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Deck Building Include?
Building a new deck adds outdoor living space and value to your home. Costs depend on materials, size, elevation, and features like railings, stairs, and built-in seating.
The national average cost for deck building is $8,000 per project. Most homeowners pay between $4,000 and $15,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Material
Pressure-treated wood: $15-$25/sq ft. Composite: $25-$45/sq ft. Hardwood: $30-$60/sq ft
Size
200 sq ft: $4K-$8K. 400 sq ft: $8K-$15K. 600+ sq ft: $12K-$25K
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Deck size (square footage)
- ✓Material choice
- ✓Elevation and complexity
- ✓Railing style
- ✓Stairs and features
- ✓Permits
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable option
- 2.Keep the design simple — avoid curves and multiple levels
- 3.Build during off-season for better pricing
- 4.Get at least 3 quotes from licensed deck builders
Deck Building Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $3,280 | $6,560 | $12,300 |
| Alaska | $5,120 | $10,240 | $19,200 |
| Arizona | $3,800 | $7,600 | $14,250 |
| Arkansas | $3,200 | $6,400 | $12,000 |
| California | $5,400 | $10,800 | $20,250 |
| Colorado | $4,320 | $8,640 | $16,200 |
| Connecticut | $4,880 | $9,760 | $18,300 |
| Delaware | $4,200 | $8,400 | $15,750 |
| Florida | $3,920 | $7,840 | $14,700 |
| Georgia | $3,600 | $7,200 | $13,500 |
| Hawaii | $5,680 | $11,360 | $21,300 |
| Idaho | $3,680 | $7,360 | $13,800 |
| Illinois | $4,200 | $8,400 | $15,750 |
| Indiana | $3,520 | $7,040 | $13,200 |
| Iowa | $3,440 | $6,880 | $12,900 |
| Kansas | $3,400 | $6,800 | $12,750 |
| Kentucky | $3,360 | $6,720 | $12,600 |
| Louisiana | $3,480 | $6,960 | $13,050 |
| Maine | $4,080 | $8,160 | $15,300 |
| Maryland | $4,600 | $9,200 | $17,250 |
| Massachusetts | $5,200 | $10,400 | $19,500 |
| Michigan | $3,680 | $7,360 | $13,800 |
| Minnesota | $4,080 | $8,160 | $15,300 |
| Mississippi | $3,120 | $6,240 | $11,700 |
| Missouri | $3,480 | $6,960 | $13,050 |
| Montana | $3,800 | $7,600 | $14,250 |
| Nebraska | $3,520 | $7,040 | $13,200 |
| Nevada | $4,080 | $8,160 | $15,300 |
| New Hampshire | $4,480 | $8,960 | $16,800 |
| New Jersey | $5,000 | $10,000 | $18,750 |
| New Mexico | $3,600 | $7,200 | $13,500 |
| New York | $5,280 | $10,560 | $19,800 |
| North Carolina | $3,600 | $7,200 | $13,500 |
| North Dakota | $3,600 | $7,200 | $13,500 |
| Ohio | $3,600 | $7,200 | $13,500 |
| Oklahoma | $3,320 | $6,640 | $12,450 |
| Oregon | $4,400 | $8,800 | $16,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,080 | $8,160 | $15,300 |
| Rhode Island | $4,600 | $9,200 | $17,250 |
| South Carolina | $3,480 | $6,960 | $13,050 |
| South Dakota | $3,400 | $6,800 | $12,750 |
| Tennessee | $3,440 | $6,880 | $12,900 |
| Texas | $3,720 | $7,440 | $13,950 |
| Utah | $3,800 | $7,600 | $14,250 |
| Vermont | $4,320 | $8,640 | $16,200 |
| Virginia | $4,200 | $8,400 | $15,750 |
| Washington | $4,600 | $9,200 | $17,250 |
| West Virginia | $3,200 | $6,400 | $12,000 |
| Wisconsin | $3,760 | $7,520 | $14,100 |
| Wyoming | $3,680 | $7,360 | $13,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Almost always yes. Most municipalities require permits for decks, especially those above ground level.
How long does a deck last?
Pressure-treated: 15-20 years. Composite: 25-30 years. Hardwood: 20-40 years with maintenance.