Deck Build Cost Calculator
Deck cost = sq ft × material rate. Pressure-treated, cedar, composite, and hardwood pricing built in.
Result
Estimated total
$7,900
Deck $5,000 + railing $2,400 + permits $500.
- Deck area200 ft²
- Material rate$25/ft²
- Decking$5,000
- Railing40 LF × $60/LF$2,400
- Permits$500
- Total$7,900
Step-by-step
- Decking = 200 × $25 = $5,000.
- Railing = 40 × $60 = $2,400.
- Total = deck + railing + permits = $7,900.
How to use this calculator
- Measure deck dimensions and multiply for ft².
- Pick material tier.
- Estimate railing in linear feet (perimeter not against house).
- Add permits — required in most jurisdictions for attached decks.
About this calculator
Deck pricing is mostly material × area, but railing is the often-forgotten line item — at $50-100/LF installed, a 40 ft railing run easily exceeds $2,000. Pressure-treated is the budget default; composite (Trex, TimberTech) doubles the price but eliminates 90% of maintenance. Hardwood (IPE, mahogany) is luxury territory at $75-100/ft². Permits run $200-1,500 depending on jurisdiction; many cities require permits for any deck attached to a house.
Frequently asked
PT: $25/ft² + $200/year staining + replace boards in 15-20 years. Composite: $55/ft² but ~zero maintenance and 25-year lifespan. Composite wins past year ~10.
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