Planning a deck but worried about the total cost? Deck construction is a major investment. Understanding all costs upfront helps you budget properly and avoid surprises.
Quick Cost Estimate
Average deck (3.7×4.9 m, 17.8 m²):
- DIY (Pressure-treated): $1,200-2,000
- Professional (PT): $3,500-6,000
- Professional (Composite): $7,000-12,000
Use our Deck Calculator to get material quantities, then price your local lumber costs.
Deck Material Costs Breakdown
Decking Material Comparison
Pressure-Treated Pine:
- Cost: $2-4 per linear metre ($1.50-3 per m² installed)
- Pros: Affordable, readily available, strong
- Cons: Requires maintenance, splinters, shorter lifespan
- Lifespan: 10-15 years with maintenance
Cedar:
- Cost: $4-7 per linear metre ($3-5 per m² installed)
- Pros: Naturally rot-resistant, beautiful grain, pleasant smell
- Cons: Softer wood, requires sealing, expensive
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
Composite Decking:
- Cost: $6-12 per linear metre ($8-12 per m² installed)
- Pros: Low maintenance, no splinters, 25+ year warranty
- Cons: Higher upfront cost, can get hot in sun
- Lifespan: 25-30+ years
Tropical Hardwoods (Ipe, Tigerwood):
- Cost: $8-15 per linear metre ($12-20 per m² installed)
- Pros: Extremely durable, beautiful, very hard
- Cons: Very expensive, difficult to work with, requires special fasteners
- Lifespan: 30-50+ years
Structural Materials
Joists (2Ă—8 PT): $8-15 each (4.9 m)
Beams (2Ă—10 PT): $18-30 each (4.9 m)
Posts (6Ă—6 PT): $30-50 each (2.4 m)
Concrete footings: $8-12 each (bag)
Hardware/fasteners: $150-300 per deck
Labor Costs
Professional Installation Rates
By Hour:
- General contractor: $50-100/hour
- Deck specialist: $60-120/hour
By Square Foot (Most Common):
- Pressure-treated: $15-25/m² total
- Cedar: $20-30/m² total
- Composite: $30-45/m² total
- Hardwood: $40-60/m² total
Example (3.7×4.9 m deck = 17.8 m²): 17.8 m² × $215/m² = $3,827 professional install
Project Cost Examples
3×3.7 m Deck (11.1 m²)
DIY Pressure-Treated:
- Materials: $800-1,200
- Time: 20-30 hours
- Total: $800-1,200
Professional PT:
- Materials: $800-1,200
- Labor: $1,500-2,500
- Total: $2,300-3,700
Professional Composite:
- Materials: $2,400-4,000
- Labor: $2,000-3,000
- Total: $4,400-7,000
3.7×4.9 m Deck (17.8 m²)
DIY PT: $1,200-2,000
Professional PT: $3,500-6,000
Professional Composite: $7,000-12,000
6×6 m Deck (36 m²)
DIY PT: $3,000-5,000
Professional PT: $8,000-15,000
Professional Composite: $16,000-28,000
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Permits: $100-500 (varies by location)
Design plans: $200-500 (if required)
Site prep: $300-1,000 (leveling, clearing)
Stairs: $500-1,500 extra
Railings: $20-60 per linear metre
Built-in seating: $500-2,000
Lighting: $300-1,500
Post-construction staining/sealing: $200-600
Cost-Saving Strategies
1. DIY vs. Professional: Split the Work
Hire pros for foundation/framing (critical for safety and codes), DIY the decking installation.
Savings: $1,000-3,000
2. Choose Standard Sizes
Use standard lumber lengths (2.4, 3, 3.7, 4.9 m) to minimize cutting waste.
Savings: 10-15% on materials
3. Simple Design
Rectangular decks are cheaper than multi-level or curved designs.
Savings: $500-2,000
4. Shop Multiple Suppliers
Prices vary significantly. Get quotes from big-box stores, lumber yards, and online suppliers.
Savings: $200-800
5. Build in Off-Season
Contractors charge less November-March. Materials may also be cheaper.
Savings: 10-20% on labor
PT vs Composite: Long-Term Cost Comparison
Pressure-Treated (12Ă—16 deck):
- Initial install: $3,500
- Annual maintenance: $200/year Ă— 15 years = $3,000
- Rebuild after 15 years: $4,000
- Total 30-year cost: $10,500
Composite (12Ă—16 deck):
- Initial install: $9,000
- Annual maintenance: $50/year Ă— 30 years = $1,500
- No rebuild needed
- Total 30-year cost: $10,500
Verdict: Similar long-term cost. Composite saves time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a 12Ă—12 deck?
DIY PT: $900-1,500. Professional PT: $2,500-4,500. Professional composite: $5,500-9,000.
Is it cheaper to build a deck yourself?
Yes, 40-60% cheaper. But requires skills, tools, time (20-40 hours), and building permits knowledge.
What is the cheapest decking material?
Pressure-treated pine at $1.50-3/m² installed. But factor in maintenance costs over lifespan.
How much do deck railings cost?
$20-60 per linear metre installed. A 12Ă—16 deck needs ~15 m of railing = $1,000-3,000.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Most areas require permits for decks over 30" high or attached to the house. Check local building codes.
How long does it take to build a deck?
DIY: 3-7 days (weekends). Professional: 2-5 days depending on complexity.
Calculate Your Deck Cost
Get an accurate material estimate for your specific deck:
Instantly see:
- Material quantities needed
- Estimated material costs (multiply by local prices)
- DIY vs professional comparison
Start your deck project with confidence—know your costs before you buy.
Costs updated: February 2026
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