Deck Calculator
Enter the deck footprint, choose the decking material and the railing to get an installed cost range, including the linear feet of railing to build.
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Estimated cost
$5,800 – $13,320
Typical figure around $9,560.
- Deck surface
- 192 sq ft
- Railing (3 open sides)
- 40 linear ft
Installed price including footings, framing, flashing and labor. A deck above 30 in, or with stairs, needs engineering and costs more.
Planning estimate only — confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor before ordering.
How this estimate is calculated
The estimate is built from length (ft), width (ft), decking and railing, then priced at national average rates. It reports deck surface and railing (3 open sides), with quantities rounded up so you are never short of material and the standard waste allowance already included where it applies.
Installed price including footings, framing, flashing and labor. A deck above 30 in, or with stairs, needs engineering and costs more.
The dollar range is a national average, so treat it as a starting point rather than a bid. Labor rates, permit fees and material delivery differ by region — the state table below shows how your state compares, and construction cost by state breaks the picture down further.
Cost by decking
Each row prices the same default job shown in the calculator above, changing only the decking. Use it to see what the upgrade or the cheaper option really costs before you commit.
| Decking | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $5,800 | $13,320 |
| Composite | $6,760 | $17,160 |
| Cedar | $9,640 | $17,160 |
What the same job costs by state
Every row applies that state's construction cost index to the national range calculated above. The index bundles local labor rates, permit fees and material delivery, so it is a planning figure rather than a bid.
| State | Index | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 0.92 | $5,336 | $12,254 |
| Texas | 0.93 | $5,394 | $12,388 |
| North Carolina | 0.94 | $5,452 | $12,521 |
| Georgia | 0.95 | $5,510 | $12,654 |
| Arizona | 1.01 | $5,858 | $13,453 |
| Florida | 1.02 | $5,916 | $13,586 |
| Pennsylvania | 1.03 | $5,974 | $13,720 |
| Illinois | 1.05 | $6,090 | $13,986 |
| Colorado | 1.08 | $6,264 | $14,386 |
| Washington | 1.15 | $6,670 | $15,318 |
| California | 1.32 | $7,656 | $17,582 |
| New York | 1.42 | $8,236 | $18,914 |
Index 1.00 is the national average. See construction cost by state for metro-level figures and the projects homeowners ask about most.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost per square foot?
Installed prices in 2026 run about $25 to $60 per square foot in pressure-treated wood, $30 to $80 in composite and $45 to $80 in cedar, including footings, framing and labor but excluding railing.
How much does a 16 × 12 deck cost?
At 192 square feet, pressure-treated decking lands near $4,800 to $11,500 before railing, composite near $5,800 to $15,400 and cedar near $8,600 to $15,400. Wood railing on 40 linear feet adds roughly $1,000 to $1,800.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
Composite costs more per square foot, but it needs no staining, resists splintering and carries warranties of 25 years or more. Over a 20-year horizon the price gap usually narrows once sanding, sealing and board replacement are counted.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Almost always yes: decks are structures attached to the house, and most code departments require a permit with footing and framing inspections. Low ground-level decks under 30 inches are sometimes exempt, never assume it.
Does this cost change from state to state?
Yes. Applying each state's construction cost index to the national range of $5,800 to $13,320, the same job runs from about $5,336 to $12,254 in Ohio (index 0.92) to $8,236 to $18,914 in New York (index 1.42).
What is not included in this estimate?
Installed price including footings, framing, flashing and labor. A deck above 30 in, or with stairs, needs engineering and costs more. The figure is a national planning average for the work described above, not a contractor's quote.
