Enter the deck area in square feet, choose a decking material and height, and add extras like stairs, railing or demolition. The result is a price range based on published 2026 cost-guide data, not a quote.
Nationally, deck cost averages about $8,300, with most homeowners paying $4,300–$12,700 for a professionally built deck. For price tables by size and material, see our full guide to the cost to build a deck, or the deck replacement cost guide if an old deck has to come out first.
Calculator
Typical results
For reference, typical totals reported in 2026 for professionally built decks:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12x12 ft (144 sq. ft.) pressure-treated, ground level | $3,600–$7,200 | Simple platform |
| Mid-size deck, about 12x16 to 14x20 ft | $4,300–$12,700 | National average about $8,300 |
| 20x20 ft (400 sq. ft.) | $10,000–$24,000 | Railing and stairs usually needed |
What goes into the estimate
- Deck size. Price scales with the deck's square footage. Larger decks can come in slightly lower per sq. ft. because setup costs are spread out, but the calculator uses a straight per-sq.-ft. rate.
- Material. Installed prices range from about $25–$50 per sq. ft. for pressure-treated pine to $40–$80 for composite and $100–$125 for aluminum, including framing, footings and labor.
- Height off the ground. Ground-level decks cost about $25–$30 per sq. ft., elevated decks $30–$50, second-story decks $50–$60 and multi-level designs $60–$100. The height factors approximate those gaps.
- Railing and stairs. Wood or vinyl railing runs about $20–$60 per linear foot and a set of stairs about $1,400–$2,600, so they are added as separate extras.
- Region. Labor and material prices vary across the US. The calculator applies a factor from 0.85 (lower-cost rural areas) to 1.35 (the most expensive metros).
How we built the ranges
Per-sq.-ft. material prices, the stairs, railing and permit ranges, and the height spread come from HomeGuide's deck cost guide (February 2026); demolition ($5–$15 per sq. ft.) and staining ($550–$1,250) come from Angi's deck repair and deck staining guides (updated August and October 2026). The national average and typical range match Angi's deck building data (updated September 2026), and the unit prices match our cost to build a deck guide. The height multipliers are conservative WhatHomeCosts estimates informed by HomeGuide's ground-level, elevated, second-story and multi-level price ranges (the material prices already cover some height variation); the minimum job charge reflects HomeGuide's price for an 8x10 deck.
The estimate does not include roofs or pergolas, built-in benches, lighting, skirting, hot-tub reinforcement, engineering fees, site grading or drainage work. Real quotes depend on soil, frost depth, footing count, local code requirements and the specific products you choose.
FAQ
What is the average deck cost?
The average deck costs about $8,300 to build, with most homeowners paying $4,300–$12,700. Installed prices run about $25–$60 per sq. ft. depending on material and height.
Is the calculator result a quote?
No. It is a budgeting range to help you check whether quotes are reasonable. Get at least three written quotes from licensed deck builders based on a site visit.
Why is composite decking so much more expensive?
Composite boards cost about $12–$22 per sq. ft. for materials alone, versus $2–$5 for pressure-treated lumber. They need less maintenance, so part of the extra cost is offset by skipping staining every few years.
This tool gives a rough estimate only. Get at least three written quotes for your project.
For a full breakdown of prices, read our complete cost to build a deck guide.
Sources
- HomeGuide — How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck? (2026) (Feb 10, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Angi — How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck? [2026 Data] (updated Sep 24, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Angi — How Much Does Deck Replacement or Repair Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Aug 3, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Angi — How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck? [2026 Data] (updated Oct 1, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all tools & calculators cost guides.