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Deck Building Cost Calculator
Can I DIY? · Sometimes DIYSee DIY materials cost vs. professionally installed cost for your deck, and a DIY-difficulty verdict based on size, material, and height off grade.
The dimension running along the house, typically.
The dimension extending out from the house.
This is the biggest driver of material cost per square foot.
$7–$12/sq ft in materials. Most common DIY choice.
This is the single biggest factor in DIY difficulty and permit requirements.
Simpler footings, often no railing required.
Add this if the deck needs a staircase down to grade.
Ground-level deck or stairs handled separately.
DIY materials cost
$1,536 – $2,880
Vs. professionally installed: $3,456 – $6,336
Cost Breakdown (Pro-Installed)
Where Your Money Goes
Estimates reflect national averages for educational purposes only. Elevated decks almost always require a building permit — check the permit guidance on the related DIY guide before starting.
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What you'll need
- ·Deck length and width in feet
- ·Decking material (pressure-treated, cedar, or composite)
- ·Height off grade — ground level or elevated
What you'll get
- ✓DIY materials cost — Decking, framing, footings, railing if needed
- ✓Pro-installed cost comparison — Same materials plus labor
- ✓Estimated savings — And a DIY-difficulty verdict
Deck cost overview
Building a fence instead? Try our Fence Installation Calculator — same DIY-vs-pro comparison, sized for fencing.
How it works
Enter deck size
Length and width in feet.
Pick decking material
Pressure-treated, cedar, or composite.
Set height and add-ons
Ground-level or elevated, plus stairs if needed.
Deck Cost by Material
| Material | Materials Cost |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated | $7 – $12 / sq ft |
| Cedar | $12 – $18 / sq ft |
| Composite | $18 – $30 / sq ft |
| Pro installation labor | $10 – $28 / sq ft |
| Railing (elevated) | $40 – $70 / linear ft |
| Stairs | $300 – $800 flat |
Elevated decks need deeper footings and structural railing, which is why height off grade is the single biggest factor in both cost and DIY difficulty.
About this calculator
Can I build a deck myself?+
A ground-level deck (typically 30 inches or less off grade) is a manageable DIY project for someone with basic carpentry experience. An elevated deck is a bigger step up — it needs deeper footings, structural railing, and usually a permit, and is best attempted only by an experienced DIYer.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?+
It depends heavily on your state and deck height. A handful of states have explicit statewide exemption thresholds for low decks (30 inches or less off grade in several states, 18 inches in Utah). Most other states delegate this entirely to your city or county — always verify locally before starting, especially for an elevated deck.
How much does it cost to build a deck?+
A 200 sq ft pressure-treated ground-level deck runs roughly $1,800–$3,600 in DIY materials, or $3,800–$7,200 professionally installed including labor. Composite decking and elevated designs with railing and stairs can roughly double that range.
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