Deck Cost Per Square Foot

1. Typical price ranges by material

Deck cost is usually quoted per square foot of deck surface. These are broad, commonly seen ranges for a straightforward, single-level attached deck — your local market, deck height, and site access can move a specific quote well outside them.

• Pressure-treated wood: roughly $25–$40 per sq ft installed. The least expensive common decking material.
• Cedar or redwood: roughly $35–$55 per sq ft installed. Priced above pressure-treated wood for appearance and rot resistance.
• Composite (e.g. capped polymer boards): roughly $40–$65 per sq ft installed. Higher material cost, generally lower long-term maintenance.

2. What moves the price

• Height above grade: a deck built high off the ground needs taller posts, more bracing, and often stairs and additional railing — all extra material and labor.
• Footings and soil: rocky or hard-to-dig soil, or a frost line that requires deeper footings, adds labor time. See the footing depth guide.
• Shape and layout: diagonal decking, multiple levels, curves, and picture-frame borders all increase waste and labor versus a simple rectangle. See the waste factor guide.
• Railing length: more perimeter exposed above grade (corner lots, elevated decks) means more linear feet of railing, which is priced separately from decking.
• Site access: a backyard reachable only by hand-carrying material costs more in labor than one a truck can back into.

3. DIY materials-only vs. hiring a contractor

Labor commonly makes up somewhere around 40–50% of an installed price on a straightforward deck build, so materials-only DIY pricing tends to land noticeably below the installed ranges above — though tool rental, permit fees, and your own time still apply.

4. Worked example

A 300 sq ft composite deck at $40–$65 per sq ft installed:

For an exact material list at your own dimensions, start with the deck board calculator, then work through joists, footings, fasteners, and railing. See a full walkthrough in the 12×16 deck worked example.