Deck Cost Calculator
Estimate a new deck. Enter the size and material, then add railing, stairs, and demolition, and choose DIY or contractor to see a cost range and per-square-foot price.
3D deck · drag to rotate
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Get quotesBeyond the deck boards
Decking material sets the baseline, but railing and stairs add up fast — roughly $60 per linear foot of railing and per stair step. Removing an old deck adds demolition cost. Choosing DIY drops the labor portion (the calculator applies a materials-only factor), though it trades money for time and skill. The figures are installed estimates; height, footings, and permits can push the final number higher.
How it’s calculated
Cost = area × $/sq ft + railing × $/ft + stairs × $/step (× DIY factor) + demolition; a low–high range is shown.
Results update as you type and are estimates, not professional advice — verify important decisions with a qualified professional.
Worked example
A 16x12 composite deck with railing and 4 steps runs about $10,560 (~$55/sq ft); a low–high range is shown.
Common mistakes
- Pricing the boards but forgetting railing, stairs, and demolition.
- Comparing DIY to contractor prices without the labor difference.
Where it is used
- Budgeting a new deck before getting bids.
- Comparing decking materials by total cost.
Frequently asked questions
Does material include labor?
The per-square-foot rates are installed (material + labor). The DIY option strips out most labor to approximate a materials-only build.
Why are railing and stairs separate?
They're labor-intensive and priced per foot and per step, so breaking them out makes the estimate more accurate.
What can raise the price further?
Elevated decks, complex footings, permits, and add-ons like lighting or built-in seating all add cost.
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