How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in 2026?

By Anthony Hudson · Updated August 10, 2026 · 6 min read

A typical 12×16 deck (192 sq ft) runs $1,800–$3,500 in DIY materials with pressure-treated lumber, or $4,000–$7,000 with composite decking — before permits or professional labor.

Decking surface cost by material

Pressure-treated pine: $2–$4/sq ft. Cedar: $4–$7/sq ft. Composite: $6–$12/sq ft. For 192 sq ft including the waste factor, that's roughly $400–$800 in PT lumber or $1,200–$2,400 in composite for the surface alone. Our deck board calculator converts your dimensions into an exact board count and screw quantity.

What quotes bundle separately: the framing

Beams, joists, posts, footings, and hardware (joist hangers, structural screws) typically run another $8–$15 per square foot of deck — often the line item DIYers forget to budget until they're standing at the lumber yard. This part is genuinely structural; check local code and span tables, or have a permit inspector verify before building.

The real DIY savings

Labor is 40-50% of a professionally built deck's total cost, making decks a strong DIY candidate for anyone comfortable with basic framing — but the structural portion (not the visible boards) is where mistakes get expensive and dangerous to get wrong.