Budget your deck before you build it. Enter dimensions, choose pressure-treated, composite, or PVC decking, add railing and stairs — then compare DIY materials-only against pro installed pricing.
How to use this calculator
- Enter deck length and width.
- Choose your decking material — this sets the per-square-foot rates.
- Add railing linear feet (0 if none) and number of staircases.
- Toggle DIY vs pro build.
The math behind it
Materials = deck area × material rate + railing × $45/ft + stairs × $400 each. Pro labor = area × labor rate + railing × $30/ft + stairs × $300 each. Default rates are editable national averages for each decking type.
FAQs
How much does a 16×12 deck cost?
At default rates with 40 ft of railing and one staircase, roughly $7,200 in materials for composite ($11,600 pro-built). Pressure-treated runs about 40% less in materials.
Composite vs wood decking — which is cheaper long-term?
Wood wins on day one; composite usually wins by year 8–10 once you count staining, sealing, and board replacements. PVC costs the most upfront with the lowest maintenance of all.
What doesn’t this estimate include?
Permits, footings/piers, demolition of an old deck, and electrical — budget another 10–15% for those. Use our stair calculator to lay out your steps precisely.
Related calculators
- Stair Calculator
- Concrete Slab Calculator — for footings