Is your garden missing a comfortable, well-made seating area? Then you’re probably thinking about building a deck to relax on.
A garden deck is a great project to take on. Decks can be easily made to any size or shape, there are more material options compared to patios, and it’s possible to get the job done yourself.
But how much is it going to cost you?
That’s what we’re here to help with.
If you’re in need of a proper price breakdown on what it might cost you to build a garden deck in 2026, here’s everything you need to know.
How much does it cost to build a deck?
Long story short, it depends.
On average, a deck project runs a price of around $8000 to $9000 in the US.
At the higher end of the scale, these costs can easily shoot up to around $15,000 as well.
Of course, there are lower end decking project prices too, which tend to total around $3000 to $4000.
Why does the cost of decking vary so much?
There are quite a few factors to think about:
- How big do you want your deck to be?
- What do you want your deck to be made of?
- Are you going to build it yourself or hire a professional?
Let’s go through these cost factors in a bit more detail below.
Deck size and shape
Sizing has the most influence over the final price of a deck. Whether you’re planning to build it yourself or hire someone, the bigger the deck, the more expensive the project will turn out to be.
Laying the deck yourself means you only need to pay for materials. That could cost you up to $20 per square foot.
On the other hand, hiring a professional can take this price to $30+ per square foot.
To get a proper picture of this cost, a small 12×12 deck will measure 144 square feet in total.
A professional hire cost for this project, at a price of $30 per square foot, could be around $4,300. Pricing at $50 per square foot could push the cost to $7,200.
Decking material
Homeowners tend to choose either Wood or PVC for their deck.
These are the two most common types of decking material you’ll find on offer at DIY stores or available from professional deck builders.
Other materials, such as metal, may also be available.
Wood
Wood is an incredibly adaptable material. It works well in outdoor conditions, has some natural waterproofing, and doesn’t stick out as part of the garden scenery.
Certain types of wood are naturally resistant to insect damage as well.
That being said, wood decking tends to need more long term maintenance than non-natural decking materials. Regular re-sealing or staining will be required.
Similarly, wood decks will need replacing in a shorter time frame – usually around once a decade.
This can make a wood deck more expensive over time, despite being cheaper to build.
If you want a wood deck, you’ll have the choice of quite a few different types. These include:
- Pressure-treated wood
Standard timber that’s been pre-treated against weather and wildlife damage.
Has the lowest cost per square foot, at around $3 to $7.
- Traditional or natural wood
Natural wood comes in varieties like Pine, Cedar and Redwood.
Lower-end varieties such as Cedar can cost around $5 to $8 per square foot.
More durable, premium varieties such as Redwood can cost up to $13 per square foot.
PVC
PVC decks are made from vinyl, meaning they are non-natural. As such, they aren’t susceptible to water damage, fading, or cracking.
This makes them last longer than wood decks, but their upfront cost to build is higher.
PVC decking usually costs around $5 to $15 per square foot.
Composite decking
Composite decking is made from a mix of both wood and plastic materials.
Going for composite can give you the best of both worlds, as your deck will look natural but won’t need as much long term maintenance.
However, a composite deck can be costly to build, with a price range of $5 to $20 per square foot.
Get an estimate on your deck project
If you’d like to get a deck built this year, we’re here to make it happen.
No matter what budget you’re working with, the size of your deck, or your desired material, we’ve got an obligation-free quote waiting for you.
All you need to do is get in touch!
