What Should You Charge for Deck Construction? 2026 Pricing Guide

What should you charge for deck construction in 2026? Average rates range $15–$45 per sq ft. See typical job costs, what affects pricing, and build a professional proposal.

Deck Construction Cost at a Glance

$15–$45 per sq ft

Typical market range. Actual costs vary by region, job scope, and provider experience.

Common Deck Construction Service Prices

Service	Typical Price Range
Pressure-treated wood deck (200 sq ft)	$5,000–$10,000
Composite deck (200 sq ft)	$8,000–$16,000
Deck replacement (decking only)	$3,000–$8,000
Pergola addition	$3,000–$8,000

Prices are U.S. market averages for 2026. Local rates vary.

What Affects Deck Construction Pricing

Decking material — pressure-treated wood vs. composite vs. hardwood
Deck height — ground level vs. elevated requires different framing
Railing type — cable, wood, and aluminum railings have different costs
Permit and inspection requirements
Attached vs. freestanding — attached decks need ledger bolting and flashing

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Deck Construction Pricing FAQ

How much does a 12x16 deck cost?

A 192 sq ft pressure-treated deck runs $4,500–$9,000 installed. The same size in composite material runs $8,000–$14,000. Both include basic railings and stairs — custom railings cost more.

How long does deck building take?

A standard 200–300 sq ft deck takes 3–7 days to build after permits are approved. Permitting typically takes 2–4 weeks. Custom shapes, railings, and built-in features extend the timeline.

Composite vs. wood deck — which is better?

Composite costs 2x more upfront but requires almost no maintenance. Pressure-treated wood needs staining or sealing every 2–3 years. Composite pays for itself in 10–15 years when you factor in maintenance costs.

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