Is composite decking worth the extra cost over wood?

Composite costs roughly 2x upfront but needs no staining and lasts 25–30+ years versus 15–25 for maintained wood. Over 20 years the total cost of ownership ends up surprisingly close once you price in wood maintenance every 2–3 years.

Do I need a permit to build a deck?

Most jurisdictions require a building permit for attached or elevated decks (generally anything over 30 inches off the ground). Permits typically cost $100–$500. Skipping one can cause problems at resale and may affect insurance coverage.

Deck Cost Calculator (2026) — Price Per Square Foot

Q: How much does a deck cost per square foot in 2026?

Installed, expect roughly $15–$30 per square foot for pressure-treated wood, $25–$45 for composite, and $30–$50 for PVC. Railing ($25–$120 per linear foot), stairs, deck height, and old-deck removal add to the total. Prices vary 30–50% by metro area.

Q: How much does deck railing cost?

Installed railing runs about $25–$40 per linear foot for wood, $40–$80 for composite, and $60–$120 for metal or cable railing. On an elevated deck, railing and stairs can rival the cost of the deck surface itself.

Your deck estimate

Deck size & material Square footage

Length × width. A 16×20 deck is 320 sq ft — a common mid-size build.

Decking material Height off the ground

Higher decks need deeper footings, taller posts, and more structure — roughly 15–30% more.

Railing, stairs & extras Railing type Railing linear feet

Rough guide: for a deck off the house, 2 × length + width. A 16×20 needs about 52 ft.

Number of steps

Each 7 inches of deck height is roughly one step.

Tear out & dispose of old deck (+$2–$5/sq ft)

Estimated installed cost

Line item	Low	High

Before you budget: Footings, framing, and labor make up more than half of most deck quotes — ask contractors for line-item bids so you can compare.

Where these numbers come from

Blended 2026 U.S. installed averages from published cost guides: deckcostguide.com 2026 pressure-treated guide, honestcasa.com 2026 deck guide, fixupfirst.com deck cost per square foot (2026), lamarlangsung.com deck building cost (2026), and Angi's 2026 deck data. Full source list with URLs is in our build notes. Verify locally — regional labor varies enormously.

What drives deck cost

Material choice moves the total more than anything else — on a 320 sq ft deck, pressure-treated vs. composite is roughly a $7,000 swing. After that: height (footings and structure), railing (often the most padded line in a bid), and stairs. Always ask for the bid broken into footings / framing / decking / railing / stairs before you sign.

Comparing materials? Read our deck material comparison, or try the fence cost calculator.

Deck cost FAQs

How much does a deck cost per square foot in 2026?

Installed: roughly $15–$30/sq ft for pressure-treated wood, $25–$45/sq ft for composite, $30–$50/sq ft for PVC. Railing, stairs, height, and removal add on top.

Is composite worth it over wood?

Composite costs ~2x upfront but needs zero staining and lasts 25–30+ years. Over 20 years, mid-range composite and well-maintained wood end up surprisingly close in total cost.

How much does deck railing cost?

About $25–$40/ft wood, $40–$80/ft composite, $60–$120/ft metal or cable — installed. On elevated decks, railing + stairs can rival the deck surface cost.

Do I need a permit?

Usually yes for attached or elevated decks (over ~30 inches). Permits run $100–$500. Unpermitted work can cause trouble at resale.

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Related guides

Deck materials compared

Pressure-treated vs. composite vs. PVC — lifespan, maintenance, and 20-year true cost.

Read the guide

What drives labor costs

Why two bids for the same deck can differ by $5,000 — and how to compare them.

Read the guide