Deck Cost & Materials Calculator

Methodology

Installed cost = area × installed $/sq ft. Ranges (pressure-treated $25–50, cedar $30–47, composite $40–80, PVC $60–80) are HomeGuide figures (Feb 2026) as compiled by RoofToYard, Cost to Build a Deck (2026), as of 2026-10-14. Other sources run lower: SmartDeckingCalculator's 2026 report models pressure-treated at $19.80–25.30 and composite at $43.20–55.20 per sq ft. Expect real quotes anywhere in that spread.

Materials: boards run parallel to the house. Board count = width in inches ÷ 5.75 in (5.5 in board + ¼ in gap), +10% waste, each one deck-length long. Joists = width-of-run ÷ spacing + 1, each one deck-width long. This is a quick takeoff and not a structural design. Check your local code (IRC span tables) for beam, footing and ledger sizing.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-14. Prices are national planning ranges; get local quotes.