Estimate deck building cost from deck area, decking material and how high the deck sits.
Quick answer: A 300 sq ft deck at a typical $35 per square foot is about $10,500 of base cost before material and height adjustments, since pressure-treated wood sits below the typical rate and composite above it. Removing the old deck adds roughly $400, a permit about $400, and a 12% contingency.
sq ft
$/sq
Typical U.S. range: $20–$75 per sq ft
$
$
%
Estimated total
$10,304
300 sq ft at $35
Cost per sq
$34
Total divided by quantity
Cost breakdown
Materials (60% of base)$5,040
Labour (40% of base)$3,360
Old deck removal$400
Permits & fees$400
Contingency (12%)$1,104
Estimated total$10,304
Plausible planning band: $8,422 to $12,656 — roughly ±20% around your unit price, before any regional or seasonal swing.
This is a planning estimate built from the unit price you enter. Real quotes depend on your region, season, site access and the contractor — get at least three.
Core facts
Typical U.S. range
$20–$75 per sq ft
Typical deck size
250–400 sq ft
Cost split
About 40% labor, 60% materials
Cost drivers
Decking material, height and railing
What is Deck Cost Calculator?
A deck is priced by its surface area, but the two things that move the number most are the decking material and how high the deck sits off the ground. Pressure-treated lumber is the least expensive common choice, composite costs more but needs less maintenance, and hardwood such as ipe or cumaru sits at the top. Height matters because a raised deck needs longer posts, bracing, stairs and often a railing, all of which add both material and labor. Railing, stairs and lighting are frequently separate line items. This calculator uses your deck area and a unit price you control, then adds removal of the old deck, a permit and a contingency.
Common uses for Deck Cost Calculator
Budget a new deck before you talk to builders
Compare pressure-treated, composite and hardwood decking costs for the same deck
See how much a raised or elevated deck adds over a ground-level one
Price the deck and leave room for railing and stairs
Height changes everything
A ground-level deck is essentially a platform on shallow footings. Raise it a few feet and it becomes a structure: deeper footings, longer posts, bracing, a larger ledger connection, stairs and usually a railing. Each of those adds material and labor. Height also affects how easy the site is to work on, because everything has to be carried or lifted into place.
Decking material trade-offs
Pressure-treated lumber is inexpensive, strong and repairable, but it needs staining every year or two and can splinter. Composite resists rot and fading and needs little upkeep, though it costs more and can get hot in full sun. Hardwood such as ipe is dense, beautiful and expensive, and it usually needs specialist fasteners. Choose by how much maintenance you are willing to do.
What a deck quote should cover
A complete deck quote covers footings and inspection, framing, decking, fasteners, stairs, railing, and finishing such as staining or sealing. Watch for exclusions, because some quotes assume you will handle the permit, the staining or the removal of the old deck. Ask how the builder will protect the lawn and siding, and confirm the payment schedule before work starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a deck cost per square foot?
Typical installed figures run from about $20 per square foot for a simple pressure-treated deck to $75 or more for premium hardwood with a complex layout. Material, height, railing, stairs and site access all move the price, which is why two quotes for similar sized decks can differ widely.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
Composite typically costs more up front than pressure-treated wood, but it does not need annual staining or sealing and resists splintering and rot. Over a long ownership period the maintenance saving can offset much of the premium. In a house you plan to sell soon, the sums are less favorable.
Does a deck need a permit?
Often yes, especially for anything raised, attached to the house or above a certain height, and rules vary by city and county. Decks also have requirements for footing depth, ledger attachment, railing height and stair design. Check locally before you buy materials.
How much does a railing add?
Railing is often priced per linear foot and is usually not part of a square-foot deck rate. It becomes necessary above a certain height, and material choice ranges from basic wood or metal to cable and glass systems that cost considerably more. Measure your perimeter before comparing quotes.
How long does it take to build a deck?
A straightforward ground-level deck can be framed and decked in a few days to two weeks, while a raised deck with stairs, railing and inspection holds commonly runs several weeks. Weather, permit turnaround and material lead times are the usual causes of delay.