Deck Cost Calculator (2026)
Estimate the cost to build a deck by material and state. A typical 16x20 ft deck runs $6,000–$22,000 depending on material and site conditions.
What deck material?
Cost by material / system
| Option | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $5,000 | $12,000 |
| Composite | $10,000 | $22,000 |
| PVC / vinyl | $12,000 | $26,000 |
| Hardwood (ipe, mahogany) | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Aluminum | $8,000 | $18,000 |
What drives the price
Material is the biggest driver (roughly $15–$75 per square foot installed), followed by height, stairs, railings and whether the ground needs grading. Composite and PVC cost more upfront but need less maintenance over 20 years.
Cost by state
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming District of Columbia
FAQ
How much does a deck cost?
A 16x20 ft pressure-treated deck runs $5,000–$12,000; composite is $10,000–$22,000. Height, stairs and railings add significantly.
Is composite worth it?
Composite costs 2x wood upfront but avoids annual staining and typically lasts 25–30 years.
Do I need a permit?
Almost always for a deck attached to the house or above a certain height. Your local building department sets the threshold.