Deck Cost Per Square Foot Calculator
Estimate the total cost of your deck project quickly. Simply enter the total size of your planned deck in square feet and the estimated cost per square foot for your area.
The "Cost Per Square Foot" is an average and can vary widely based on materials (wood, composite), labor rates, complexity of design, deck height, railings, stairs, local market conditions, and whether it's a DIY project or professionally built. This tool provides a basic estimate; obtain quotes from contractors for accurate pricing.
Enter Deck Dimensions and Cost
Understanding Deck Cost Estimates
The cost of building a deck is influenced by many factors. Using a cost per square foot is a common way to get a rough estimate, but it's crucial to understand what contributes to this number.
Factors Influencing Cost Per Square Foot:
- Material Type: Pressure-treated pine is typically the most affordable, followed by hardwoods (like cedar or redwood), and then composite or PVC decking, which are the most expensive per square foot but offer low maintenance.
- Deck Design Complexity: Simple rectangular decks on level ground are cheaper. Multi-level decks, curved designs, built-in features (benches, planters), and complex railing systems increase costs.
- Deck Height: Higher decks require more complex framing, larger footings, and often more robust railing systems, increasing labor and material costs.
- Substructure & Footings: The foundation (concrete footings, beams, joists) is a significant cost. Difficult soil conditions or building codes requiring larger footings add expense.
- Railings, Stairs & Skirting: These necessary additions add to the total cost. Decorative or custom options cost more.
- Site Access & Preparation: Difficult-to-access yards or sites requiring significant grading or demolition will incur higher labor costs.
- Labor vs. DIY: Professional contractors charge for labor, which is a large part of the total cost. DIY reduces this significantly but requires your time and skill.
- Location: Labor rates and material costs vary significantly by region.
- Permits & Inspections: Most deck projects require building permits, which have associated fees and require adherence to codes, potentially impacting design and material choices.
This calculator provides a starting point. For a precise budget, get multiple detailed quotes from qualified deck builders.
Deck Cost Examples
These examples show how different sizes and estimated costs per square foot affect the total price. Click to see the calculation:
Example 1: Small Simple Wood Deck
Scenario: Estimate the cost of a small, basic 10ft x 10ft (100 sq ft) wood deck.
1. Known Values: Deck Size = 100 Sq Ft, Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft = $20 (Typical low-end wood estimate including labor).
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 100 × 20 = 2000
4. Result: $2,000
Conclusion: A basic 100 sq ft wood deck might cost around $2,000.
Example 2: Medium Composite Deck
Scenario: Estimate the cost of a medium 12ft x 20ft (240 sq ft) composite deck.
1. Known Values: Deck Size = 240 Sq Ft, Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft = $45 (Typical mid-range composite estimate including labor).
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 240 × 45 = 10800
4. Result: $10,800
Conclusion: A medium 240 sq ft composite deck might cost around $10,800.
Example 3: Large Complex Hardwood Deck
Scenario: Estimate the cost of a large 15ft x 30ft (450 sq ft) hardwood deck with complex features.
1. Known Values: Deck Size = 450 Sq Ft, Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft = $60 (Typical high-end hardwood or complex composite estimate).
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 450 × 60 = 27000
4. Result: $27,000
Conclusion: A large 450 sq ft high-end or complex deck could cost around $27,000.
Example 4: DIY Deck Project (Materials Only)
Scenario: Estimate the material cost for a 300 sq ft pressure-treated wood deck if doing the labor yourself.
1. Known Values: Deck Size = 300 Sq Ft, Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft = $12 (Typical material-only cost for pressure-treated wood).
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 300 × 12 = 3600
4. Result: $3,600
Conclusion: Material costs alone for a 300 sq ft wood deck might be around $3,600.
Example 5: Deck with Zero Size
Scenario: Calculate the cost for a deck size of 0 sq ft.
1. Known Values: Deck Size = 0 Sq Ft, Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft = $30.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 0 × 30 = 0
4. Result: $0.00
Conclusion: A deck with zero size correctly results in zero cost.
Example 6: Cost Per Sq Ft Variation
Scenario: Compare the cost of a 200 sq ft deck at different cost per sq ft rates.
1. Known Values (Scenario A): Deck Size = 200 Sq Ft, Cost Per Sq Ft = $25.
1. Known Values (Scenario B): Deck Size = 200 Sq Ft, Cost Per Sq Ft = $50.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation (A): Total Cost = 200 × 25 = 5000
3. Calculation (B): Total Cost = 200 × 50 = 10000
4. Result (A): $5,000. Result (B): $10,000
Conclusion: The cost per sq ft estimate significantly impacts the total cost.
Example 7: Estimating for a Small Balcony
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a small 5ft x 8ft (40 sq ft) balcony deck replacement.
1. Known Values: Deck Size = 40 Sq Ft, Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft = $35 (May be higher due to complexity/access).
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 40 × 35 = 1400
4. Result: $1,400
Conclusion: A small balcony replacement could cost around $1,400 or more depending on specifics.
Example 8: Estimating a Multi-Level Deck Section
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a 150 sq ft section of a multi-level deck where the cost per sq ft is higher.
1. Known Values: Deck Size = 150 Sq Ft, Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft = $55 (Higher due to multi-level complexity).
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 150 × 55 = 8250
4. Result: $8,250
Conclusion: A complex 150 sq ft section could cost around $8,250.
Example 9: Using Zero Cost Per Sq Ft
Scenario: Calculate the cost if the cost per sq ft is entered as 0.
1. Known Values: Deck Size = 200 Sq Ft, Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft = $0.
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 200 × 0 = 0
4. Result: $0.00
Conclusion: Entering 0 for cost per sq ft correctly results in a total cost of zero.
Example 10: Estimating for a Deck Extension
Scenario: Estimate the cost to add a 12ft x 16ft (192 sq ft) extension to an existing deck using similar materials.
1. Known Values: Deck Size = 192 Sq Ft, Estimated Cost Per Sq Ft = $30 (Assuming mid-range materials and some labor complexity).
2. Formula: Total Cost = Deck Size × Cost Per Sq Ft
3. Calculation: Total Cost = 192 × 30 = 5760
4. Result: $5,760
Conclusion: The estimated cost for the 192 sq ft extension is around $5,760.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deck Costs
1. What is meant by "Cost Per Square Foot" for a deck?
It's an average price to build one square foot of deck area. This price typically includes both materials and labor, though sometimes it refers only to materials.
2. Is this calculator providing an exact quote?
No, this calculator provides a basic estimate. The actual cost can vary significantly based on specific design choices, material grades, site conditions, contractor bids, and location.
3. What factors most influence the cost per square foot?
The biggest factors are typically the choice of decking material (wood vs. composite/PVC) and whether you hire a professional or build it yourself (labor cost).
4. Why is composite decking more expensive than wood?
Composite and PVC materials have higher upfront material costs compared to most woods (like pressure-treated pine). However, they require significantly less maintenance over their lifespan, which can save money in the long run.
5. How do I calculate the Deck Size in Square Feet?
For a simple rectangular deck, multiply the length by the width (e.g., 12 feet long x 10 feet wide = 120 sq ft). For more complex shapes, you may need to break it down into simpler geometric areas and sum them up.
6. Does the estimated cost include railings and stairs?
A typical "cost per square foot" estimate often includes standard railings and steps proportionate to the deck size. However, complex or custom railings and extensive stairs will increase the average cost per square foot or be added as separate line items in a contractor quote.
7. Should I get multiple quotes from contractors?
Absolutely. Costs can vary between builders. Getting 2-3 detailed quotes based on your specific project plan is essential for accurate budgeting.
8. Does this tool account for permits or site preparation?
No, this simple calculator does not include costs for permits, site clearing, significant grading, or special foundation needs. These should be factored into your overall project budget.
9. Can I use this to estimate the cost of refacing an existing deck?
Refacing (replacing just the deck boards and railings) is usually less expensive than a full rebuild. While you *could* use this calculator with a lower cost per square foot estimate, it's better to get specific quotes for refacing as the cost structure is different.
10. What are typical cost ranges per square foot?
As a very rough guide (and highly variable by location and specifics): Pressure-Treated Wood: $15 - $35+; Hardwoods (Cedar, Redwood, Ipe): $30 - $55+; Composite/PVC: $35 - $60+. Complex designs, high decks, or challenging sites push costs higher.
