Cost to Build a Deck

Take the guesswork out of your deck budget.

Home › Start Your Journey › Cost to Build A Deck

Let’s Get Real About Decking Costs

The cost to build a deck can vary quite a bit — factors like labor, materials, geography, and existing substructures are just a few elements to take into account. In order to get a ballpark estimate for your build, explore the resources below. Read up on how composite decking can save you both time and money in the long run, check out the cost calculator, and start making a budget.

Factors That Influence Your Cost to Build a Deck

Click through the slider to learn about some of the major elements that will play into estimating the cost to build a deck.

    Labor is typically the greatest portion of deck cost.

    Labor

    Typically the greatest portion of your deck building cost.

    Find A Contractor

    Complex designs can increase deck cost.

    Design

    The more complex your design (think a herringbone pattern or unique inlay), the more you will pay in labor costs.

    Explore Deck Plans

    Substructure Cost to Build a Deck.

    Substructure

    If you already have a substructure that’s in good shape, you can save some money by just replacing the boards on top.

    Learn About Deck Joists

    Materials used will affect deck cost.

    Materials

    Price will vary depending on whether you choose capped composite or capped polymer decking, plus which collection you pick within a given product line.

    Explore Deck Materials

    Fasteners Cost to Build a Deck

    Fastening

    Often overlooked, fastening options range from basic screws to advanced color-matched plugs and hidden clips, impacting your overall cost to build a deck.

    Explore Fasteners

How TimberTech Outperforms Wood

Now that you know what will impact your estimated cost, it’s time to consider your building materials.

TimberTech capped composite and capped polymer boards keep your outdoor living space a place to enjoy, not maintain.

Compare Decking Lines

Pressure-Treated Lumber
vs.
Capped Composite Decking

Pressure-Treated Lumber

  • Environmentally harmful — contributes to deforestation.
  • No protection against the elements.
  • Eventual loss of integrity from moisture.
  • Requires costly maintenance and regular staining.

TimberTech Composite™ Decking

  • Sustainable — engineered with up to 80% recycled material.
  • Affordable — upfront costs are only slightly more than pressure-treated lumber.
  • Improved performance with 25 to 30-Year Limited Product Warranty.
  • No staining needed. Ever.

Choose capped composite.

EXPLORE COMPOSITE DECKING

Exotic Hardwood
vs.
Capped Polymer Decking

Exotic Hardwood

  • Environmentally harmful — deforests the Amazon.
  • Fleeting beauty — quickly turns from richly hued to silver.
  • Requires costly maintenance — up to almost 4x what you spend on capped polymer deck maintenance.

TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking

Choose capped polymer.

EXPLORE POLYMER DECKING

A TimberTech Deck: No Long-Term Labor Costs.

Over 10 years, maintenance costs for both pressure-treated lumber and exotic hardwoods will mount.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COMPOSITE DECK COSTS
TimberTech 3D Image Gallery Hero

Explore the Relative Cost to Build a Deck

You’re already planning on investing in your home’s value (and upgrading your lifestyle). Why not do it right?
See how the overall cost to build a deck varies over time between traditional wood and TimberTech composite decking.

    Cost comparison infographic pressure-treated wood vs TimberTech EDGE
    1 / 4

    NOTE: The estimated average cost of capped composite deck boards and pressure-treated lumber decking costs are based on the national average for a 16’ x 20’ deck. Meant for visual representation only. Actual costs may vary.

    Cost comparison infographic over 10 years between pressure-treated wood vs TimberTech EDGE
    2 / 4

    NOTE: The estimated average cost of capped composite deck boards and pressure-treated lumber decking costs are based on the national average for a 16’ x 20’ deck. Meant for visual representation only. Actual costs may vary.

    3 / 4

    NOTE: The estimated average cost of capped polymer deck boards and Ipe hardwood decking costs are based on the national average for a 16’ x 20’ deck. Meant for visual representation only. Actual costs may vary.

    Cost comparison infographic over 10 years between Ipe and TimberTech AZEK
    4 / 4

    NOTE: The estimated average cost of capped polymer deck boards and Ipe hardwood decking costs are based on the national average for a 16’ x 20’ deck. Meant for visual representation only. Actual costs may vary.

Now You Know!

You’ve officially educated yourself on the cost to build a deck – congrats! Make sure you finish laying the groundwork by exploring material options and discovering design details.

*Deck installation costs are estimates based on feedback from deck contractors. Actual costs for any particular deck installation will vary depending on several factors, especially location. Estimated maintenance costs include an assumed annual cleaning of TimberTech products and an assumed maintenance requirement of annual pressure washing and sanding, staining, and sealing a pressure-treated lumber deck every three years and an Ipe deck every two years to maintain aesthetics.

Start Your Project Right

Explore a curated selection of our most popular decking samples with a straightforward guide to the basics of textures, styles, and colors.

TimberTech-Starter-Kit
Order The Free Kit
Scroll to Top