How Much Does Wood Decking Cost Per Square Foot?
A wood deck runs $12 to $15 per square foot nationally for standard pressure-treated lumber, including labor and basic materials. That’s the number you need to budget from — and it covers everything from the boards to the fasteners to the crew’s time.
But that range is just the starting point. The real cost depends on where you live, what kind of wood you choose, and how complex your deck design is. Here’s what actually drives the price.
What’s Included in That $12–$15 Range?
The national average breaks down like this:
- Wood decking material: $0.21–$0.29 per sq ft
- Installation labor (basic): $2.51–$2.97 per sq ft
- Job supplies (screws, nails, hardware): $0.08–$0.09 per sq ft
- Equipment allowance (saws, drills, compressors): $5.09–$7.43 per sq ft
- Debris disposal: $3.49–$3.86 per sq ft
- Removing old decking (if needed): $0.13–$0.16 per sq ft
Notice that equipment and disposal eat up a big chunk. That’s not just padding — it’s the cost of running a crew with proper tools and hauling away waste.
How Prices Vary by City
Location matters more than almost anything else. Here’s what you’ll pay in 20 major US metros:
| City | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $13–$17 |
| San Jose, CA | $13–$17 |
| San Francisco, CA | $13–$17 |
| Seattle, WA | $13–$16 |
| Chicago, IL | $13–$16 |
| Boston, MA | $13–$16 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $12–$16 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $12–$16 |
| San Diego, CA | $12–$16 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $12–$16 |
| Columbus, OH | $11–$15 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $11–$15 |
| Denver, CO | $11–$15 |
| Atlanta, GA | $11–$14 |
| Houston, TX | $11–$14 |
| Dallas, TX | $11–$14 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $11–$14 |
| Miami, FL | $11–$14 |
| San Antonio, TX | $11–$14 |
| Austin, TX | $11–$14 |
The spread is real. A deck in San Francisco can cost $4 more per square foot than one in San Antonio. That’s a $1,600 difference on a 400 sq ft deck.
What Homeowners Actually Report Paying
Real people are out there getting quotes, and the numbers can be all over the place. One homeowner near Philadelphia was quoted $25 per square foot for a Trex Enhanced deck — that’s composite, not wood, but it shows how fast prices climb when you upgrade material. Another in the same area got a $91 per square foot quote for a full composite install with railing and steps.
For wood, a 16×20 cedar deck (320 sq ft) brought in three quotes around $35,000 — that’s roughly $109 per square foot. The homeowner priced materials at $4,000 and was shocked by the labor. But as one commenter pointed out, that labor covers years of experience, insurance, and tools you don’t own.
Another homeowner got a 20×12 deck replacement quoted at $20,000 for cedar and $28,000 for composite. That works out to about $83 per sq ft for cedar and $117 for composite. The contractor warned that new-growth cedar doesn’t hold up like the old-growth stuff did — a real concern if you’re looking at a 60-year-old deck that’s still standing.
The Gotchas Homeowners Warn About
- Material cost is just the start. One DIYer spent $12,000 on materials for a 16×13 deck, then another $4,000 on tools. And he still had to do the work himself.
- Quotes that seem too cheap usually are. A 28×13.5 deck quote for only $3,000 more to go from wood to composite raised red flags immediately. Multiple pros said that price wasn’t realistic.
- Pressure-treated wood prices have jumped. One homeowner noted 4×4 posts at $22 each before tax. That’s not your grandfather’s lumber yard.
- Old-growth vs. new-growth matters. Cedar from 60 years ago had more heartwood and tannins. New cedar won’t last as long — a real consideration if you’re paying for a premium wood.
How to Save Money and Get a Fair Quote
- Do it yourself if you have the skills and time. One homeowner saved $31,000 on a 16×20 cedar deck by DIYing. But you need to be honest about your abilities and tool access.
- Stick to a simple rectangle. The more angles, curves, and levels, the higher the labor cost.
- Ask for a breakdown. A good contractor will show you material, labor, equipment, and disposal separately. If they won’t, that’s a red flag.
- Get three quotes minimum. If all three come in around the same price, that’s your local market rate. Don’t expect to haggle it down by 50%.
- Consider pressure-treated pine over cedar or composite. It’s the cheapest option and lasts 10–15 years if you seal it regularly.
FAQ
How much does a wood deck cost?
Nationally, $12–$15 per sq ft for pressure-treated pine installed. But expect $13–$17 in expensive metros like New York or San Francisco.
How much is wood decking per m2?
Convert from square feet: $12–$15 per sq ft equals about $129–$161 per square meter.
How much does a 14×20 deck cost?
A 14×20 deck is 280 sq ft. At $12–$15 per sq ft, that’s $3,360–$4,200 for basic pressure-treated wood. Add railings or steps and you’ll pay more.
What’s the labor cost to build a deck per square foot?
Basic installation labor runs $2.51–$2.97 per sq ft. But total labor including equipment and disposal is more like $8–$11 per sq ft.
How much does a 10×10 deck cost?
100 sq ft. At $12–$15 per sq ft, that’s $1,200–$1,500 for materials and labor. A small deck like this might have a higher per-foot cost because of minimums.
Can I build a deck myself to save money?
Yes, but you’ll spend $4,000–$12,000 on materials alone depending on size and wood type, plus tools. You save the labor, which is often 60–70% of the total cost.
These are reference ranges — not a quote. Your actual price depends on your deck’s size, design, wood choice, and your local market. Get three bids from licensed contractors before you commit.