Black painted brick home with a light tan deck and string lights overhead

Decking cost calculator

Learn everything you need to know about how much a deck costs.​

Decking cost calculator

Learn everything you need to know about how much a deck costs.

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Understanding the cost of a deck​

Building a deck is an exciting project—but with so many options, you may be unsure of how to budget for it. From the design complexity and structural requirements to the materials you use, there are a lot of factors to consider. Our Deck Material Cost Calculator below can help you determine the deck material cost, which is only one component of the overall project cost. Here, we’ll breakdown the cost of a deck project, share the cost of an ”average” deck, and walk you through the lifetime value of an investment in TimberTech over wood.​

Deck material Cost CalCulator

Decking cost breakdown​

Highlighted section, "Decking material & fasteners" represents 20% of the cost to build a deck. Railing material represents 12% of the total cost, decking & railing labor represents 30% of the cost, and the substructure material and labor represents 38% of the cost.

Whether you’re building with composite, PVC, or traditional wood decking, the cost breakdown generally remains the same with labor being a large portion of the total cost. However, if you choose wood decking you have to account for costly annual maintenance and repairs beyond the initial project cost.

Decking cost breakdown​

Whether you’re building with composite, PVC, or traditional wood decking, the cost breakdown generally remains the same with labor and the substructure making up the majority of the total cost. However, if you choose wood decking you have to account for costly annual maintenance and repairs beyond the initial project cost.

Baseline building cost summary

Deck substructure

Substructure

If you’re replacing an existing deck, you’ll already have a substructure in place and will likely only need to pay for repairs or expansion if you’re planning for a larger deck. For a from-scratch deck build, the cost of materials and labor to build the substructure can be more than one third of your total costs.

Decking and railing materials

Today’s decking products give you nearly endless options, and prices can vary widely. TimberTech Composite and Advanced PVC lines offer durable, natural wood looks without the maintenance of wood, and railing options to give you even more customization options.

Contractor putting down deck flooring

Labor

If you decide to work with a contractor, their labor will make up a big portion of your overall deck costs. Working with a registered TimberTech contractor comes with the added benefit of our Replacement Labor Warranty.

Fasteners

Sometimes the things you can’t see can make a big difference. Our proprietary fastening systems are designed exclusively for TimberTech decking.

The cost of an “average” deck​

There are a few factors that can drive the total project cost up or down—including the size and complexity of the deck, where you live, the contractor you choose, the landscape of your property, permit fees, and the features included like stairs or lighting. Here, we provide a snapshot of the cost of an average 16×20 foot deck for reference, but keep in mind that a more elaborate deck project can reach more than $100,000.​

For example:

16×20 = 320 sq. ft.

Cost of an average size deck

Cost of an average size deck with railing

Cost of an average size deck with railing

Cost of an average size deck

*Cost of deck material varies by collection; see Deck material Cost Calculator below for details.

Long-Term Value

Wood versus TimberTech: lifetime costs​

While a TimberTech deck may cost more upfront, the savings over time are substantial since TimberTech Decking won’t require the same annual maintenance and repairs as a wood deck. The upgrade from a pressure treated wood deck to a composite or PVC deck can add as little as 15% to the total cost of your project even though the boards themselves typically cost 20-40% more. This is because the largest portion of your project, substructure, and labor costs remain the same regardless of the decking material you choose. And if you’re considering premium hardwoods like ipe or cedar, the cost of TimberTech Decking is comparable and often less.​

Line chart of 25 year costs

Assumptions

  • ​A TimberTech deck requires optional annual cleaning
  • A wood deck requires annual cleaning plus sanding, staining and sealing every three years​
  • An Ipe deck requires cleaning, sanding, oiling and sealing every other year ​

Wood

TimberTech

The bottom line

When deciding between composite and wood decking, consider both the short-term and long-term financial implications. Composite decking offers a higher initial investment but lower lifetime costs due to minimal maintenance and longer durability. Wood decking, while cheaper upfront, requires ongoing maintenance and may need to be replaced sooner, leading to higher costs over time. Your choice will depend on your budget, how much maintenance you’re willing to do, and how long you plan to stay in your home.​

Deck material Cost CalCulAtor

Resources to get you started

Order free samples

Compare colors, finishes, and materials, and see the real wood aesthetics of TimberTech Decking in your homeowners’ outdoor spaces.

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Find a contractor

We work with thousands of pros who are trained in our installation best practices and whose work is eligible for our Limited Labor Replacement Warranty.

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Where to buy

If you need supplies for a TimberTech project or want to check out our newest product offerings, visit a dealer or retailer in your area.

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