Deck Cost Calculator
Estimate the installed cost to build a deck from its size and your material and labor rates per square foot. Splits material, labor, and total.
How this calculator works
Deck cost is estimated as a blended installed rate per square foot — material and labor — applied to the deck area.
Formula: Total = deck area × material rate + deck area × labor rate.
Worked example
A 16 ft × 12 ft deck (192 sq ft), $15/sq ft material, $15/sq ft labor:
- Area: 16 × 12 = 192 sq ft
- Material: 192 × $15 = $2,880
- Labor: 192 × $15 = $2,880
- Total installed: $5,760
Cost reference
| Deck size | PT (~$20/sq ft) | Composite (~$40/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 × 12 (144 sq ft) | ~$2,880 | ~$5,760 |
| 16 × 12 (192 sq ft) | ~$3,840 | ~$7,680 |
| 20 × 16 (320 sq ft) | ~$6,400 | ~$12,800 |
How to use
Enter deck length and width and set rates for your material and region. For the exact board and joist counts, use the Decking Board and Deck Joist calculators; add permits and footings separately.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck?
Pressure-treated decks run roughly $15–25 per square foot installed; composite decks $30–60. The calculator defaults to $15 material and $15 labor per square foot (a mid-range composite build); adjust to your material and local labor.
Does this include the substructure?
The per-square-foot rate is meant to cover the whole build — decking, joists, beams, posts, and fasteners — as a blended installed cost. For a precise material takeoff, use the Decking Board and Deck Joist calculators.
What raises deck cost the most?
Height off the ground (more posts and stairs), railings, and material grade. A ground-level PT deck is the cheapest; an elevated composite deck with a railing system and stairs is several times the base rate.
Are permits and footings included?
No — permits, concrete footings, and any demolition of an old deck are separate. Footings alone can add a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on count and depth.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.