Deck Cost Calculator by Square Foot
Enter deck dimensions and local cost-per-square-foot rates for materials and labor, then add railing, permits, and other project allowances.
Enter your numbers
How this calculator works
Estimated total = deck area × (material rate + labor rate) + railing + permit/miscellaneous allowances.
Worked example
A 20 × 16 ft deck at $18 material and $22 labor per sq ft, plus $3,000 in other costs, totals about $15,800.
Define the deck before assigning rates
Square-foot pricing is most useful after the basic design is fixed: overall dimensions, height, framing spans, decking material, stair count, railing length, footing type, and attachment method. A low platform and a tall multilevel deck may have the same floor area but very different structure and labor.
Separate allowances for demolition, permits, engineering, delivery, site access, lighting, and finishes. This prevents a single blended rate from hiding important omissions.
Use the result as a comparison worksheet
Enter the same scope for each scenario, then change one decision at a time—such as decking material or railing allowance. Confirm structural sizing and connections using locally applicable requirements and product documentation. The calculator is a budgeting tool, not a deck design or code approval.
Sources & assumptions
Every price is entered by the visitor. CalcCaddy does not treat these inputs as market quotes; confirm materials, labor, railing, permitting, foundation, and site-work costs locally.
Frequently asked questions
Why is this a budget worksheet rather than a quote?
Deck costs vary heavily by framing, height, stairs, railing, footings, demolition, access, and local labor.
Can I use composite decking?
Yes. Enter the material rate that matches your selected product.
Deck budgeting guide
Build a complete budget for framing, decking, railing, labor, permits, and commonly missed costs in How much does it cost to build a deck?