Deck Building Cost Estimator

Understanding Deck Building Costs

Building a deck is one of the highest-return home improvement projects you can undertake. A well-built deck typically returns 60–80% of its cost in added home value, and it provides years of outdoor living enjoyment. Costs vary significantly based on the wood species, the complexity of the design, your local labor market, and permit fees.

Decking Board Coverage

Standard decking boards are sold in linear feet and are typically 5/4 x 6 inches (which finishes to about 5.5 inches wide). When laid with a 1/8-inch gap between boards for drainage and expansion, each linear foot of board covers roughly 0.46 square feet. To cover a given area, divide the total square footage by 0.46 — then add 10–15% for end cuts, waste, and boards that must be discarded for knots or defects.

Wood Type Comparison

Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable option, costing roughly $2–4 per linear foot. It must be stained or sealed regularly (every 2–3 years) to prevent splitting. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and has a beautiful color, costing $3–6 per linear foot. It is softer than most woods, so it may dent in high-traffic areas. Composite decking (e.g., Trex, TimberTech) costs $4–8 per linear foot but requires almost no maintenance and lasts 25–30 years. Hardwood ipe (Brazilian ironwood) is extremely dense and naturally resistant to rot and insects, costing $8–15 per linear foot. It requires specialized tools and fasteners due to its hardness.

Labour Rates

Professional deck installation typically runs $15 to $35 per square foot of labour, depending on complexity and region. A simple ground-level deck sits at the low end; an elevated deck with stairs, railings and built-in benches at the high end.

Note that this is not the same as an hourly wage multiplied by hours. A contractor’s rate carries overhead, insurance, tools, transport and profit on top of the hours worked, so a quote will always come in above the raw labour arithmetic. The calculator above shows both figures precisely so you can see the gap rather than being surprised by it.

For reference on the hours themselves: a two-person crew builds a simple ground-level deck at roughly a quarter of an hour per square foot of finished surface, so a 240 sq ft deck is about four days for two people. Doing it yourself saves 40 to 60% of the total project cost and costs you those hours instead.

Permit and Hidden Costs

Always budget for building permits ($100–$500 in most areas), concrete for footings, joist hangers, screws, and post anchors. These “hidden” materials typically add 15–25% to the lumber cost.