CONSTRUCTION · OUTDOOR

Deck Cost Calculator

Estimate material, labor, and total cost for your new deck. Compare pressure-treated, cedar, and composite decking with optional railing.

LAST REVIEWED · APR 24, 2026 · BY D. MARQUEZ, P.E.
You need
192 sq ft
Est. cost
$7,436
Deck DimensionsReset
LengthAlong the house
ft
WidthOut from the house
ft
Material
Decking material
Railing
Include railing
Railing lengthThree sides typical
ft
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How the deck cost calculator works

Enter your deck dimensions and material preference. The calculator estimates material costs, labor costs, and railing costs separately so you can see where the money goes. Composite decking costs more upfront but requires almost zero maintenance over its 25+ year lifespan.

Deck material comparison

  • Pressure-treated — $15/sq ft materials, 10–15 year lifespan, requires annual staining
  • Cedar — $25/sq ft materials, 15–20 year lifespan, naturally rot-resistant
  • Composite — $35/sq ft materials, 25–30 year lifespan, virtually maintenance-free

Railing costs can add up

Railing typically runs along three sides of a deck (the fourth attaches to the house). For a 16×12 deck, that's about 44 linear feet of railing. At $25–$60/lf depending on material, railing can add $1,100–$2,640 to your project.

Methodology. Material cost = Area × material rate per sq ft. Labor cost = Area × labor rate per sq ft. Railing cost = railing length × rate per linear foot. Rates vary by material: pressure-treated ($15/sqft material, $18 labor), cedar ($25/$20), composite ($35/$22).

Sources

  • RSMeans residential construction cost data (2026)
  • Trex and TimberTech published MSRP for composite decking
  • Average contractor labor rates: $18–$25/sq ft depending on region (2026)
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a 16×12 deck cost? +
A 192 sq ft pressure-treated deck runs about $6,300 for materials and labor without railing. Add railing on three sides (~44 lf) for another $1,100, bringing the total to roughly $7,400. Composite pushes that to $12,600+.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost? +
Over 20 years, composite often costs less than wood when you factor in staining, sealing, and board replacement. A pressure-treated deck needs $200–$400/year in maintenance. Composite needs only occasional cleaning.
Can I build a deck myself to save money? +
DIY can save 40–60% of the total cost (the labor portion). However, most jurisdictions require a building permit and inspections for decks. You'll also need to meet code requirements for footings, ledger board attachment, and railing height.
How long does it take to build a deck? +
A professional crew typically builds a standard 12×16 deck in 2–3 days. DIY timelines vary widely — plan for 3–5 weekends for a first-time builder. Complex designs with multiple levels, stairs, or curved edges take longer.
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