How Much Does a Deck Cost?
A deck is more than boards — the footings, framing and railings are most of the labor. Price the structure, not just the decking, and the bid holds.
Cost by material
Pressure-treated pine is the value option at $15–$25/sq ft installed. Cedar and hardwoods sit higher, and composite (Trex, TimberTech) runs $25–$40/sq ft because the boards cost more — though labor is similar. Railings, stairs and height (ledger vs freestanding) all add.
The structure is the job
Footings, posts, beams, joists and the ledger board are most of the labor and can’t be skipped or under-sized. Stairs and railings are separate, meaningful costs. The deck calculator counts boards and joists and lets you price the structure.
From boards to a client quote
The Trowla deck calculator works out the board and joist counts from your dimensions, then lets you add framing, railings, labor and your prices for a full total and a branded quote. No sign-up.
FAQ
How much does a deck cost per square foot?
Roughly $15–$25 for pressure-treated and $25–$40 for composite, installed, before railings, stairs and elevated framing.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
It costs more upfront but needs far less maintenance than wood, so lifetime cost can be close over 20+ years.
What drives deck labor cost?
Footings and framing, height and access, stairs, railings, and the board pattern all add labor beyond the decking itself.