PaperPlan

PaperPlan · Home

Deck Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost of a new deck by size and material, then see exactly what it looks like on your own backyard before you sign anything.

By Monty, Founder, PaperPlan · Updated September 9, 2026

Try PaperPlan free

2 free lifetime renders after sign-in, with a watermark. Premium materials and proposal export require Pro. See plans.

Contractor proposal with deck cost estimate next to a photorealistic deck render

Why this page exists

Cost ranges by size

Look up installed cost for 10×10, 12×16, 16×20, and 20×24 decks in pressure-treated, composite, and PVC.

See it before you quote it

Render the finished deck on a real backyard photo so the cost actually means something to the homeowner.

Built for contractors and homeowners

Homeowners use it for budget reality. Contractors use it to set expectations on the first call.

Material decisions in one view

Compare cedar, Trex, TimberTech, AZEK, and pressure-treated pine on the same photo before pricing locks in.

How it works

  1. Upload a backyard photo. Use any phone photo of the build site. No measurements, no CAD file.
  2. Mark the deck area. Drag to outline where the deck goes. Add stairs or a railing line if you want them.
  3. Choose material and design. Pick composite, PVC, cedar, or pressure-treated. Compare looks on the same photo.
  4. Generate the render and share. Get a photorealistic render in seconds. Send it to the homeowner or attach it to a proposal.

Deck Cost Calculator

Deck cost depends on three things: square footage, material, and site conditions. Use the table below as an installed-cost starting point, then render the finished deck on the homeowner’s actual photo to anchor the conversation.

Deck sizePressure-treatedCompositePVC
10×10 ft (100 sq ft)$2,500 – $4,000$4,500 – $7,000$6,000 – $9,000
12×16 ft (192 sq ft)$4,800 – $7,700$8,600 – $13,400$11,500 – $17,300
16×20 ft (320 sq ft)$8,000 – $12,800$14,400 – $22,400$19,200 – $28,800
20×24 ft (480 sq ft)$12,000 – $19,200$21,600 – $33,600$28,800 – $43,200

U.S. planning allowances in USD for a simple, single-level deck, including ordinary materials and contractor labor. These are PaperPlan editorial assumptions, not surveyed averages or a local quote.

Cost assumptions and sources

U.S. planning allowances in USD for a simple, single-level deck, including ordinary materials and contractor labor. These are PaperPlan editorial assumptions, not surveyed averages or a local quote.

  • Pressure-treated: $25 – $40 / sq ft installed (USD)
  • Composite: $45 – $70 / sq ft installed (USD)
  • PVC: $60 – $90 / sq ft installed (USD)

Multiply deck area (width × length in feet) by the selected installed rate, then round each end of the range to the nearest $100.

Demolition, permits and engineering, taxes, stairs, railing, roofs, unusual foundations and difficult site access need separate quotes. Location, product selection and labor can put a real bid outside these ranges. Canadian projects need local CAD pricing.

The manufacturer sources below explain scope and cost drivers; they do not validate PaperPlan’s exact installed-rate bands. Supplier material estimates should not be compared directly with an installed project budget.

Sources and assumptions reviewed . Confirm the scope and current price with local contractors before budgeting a build.

Common questions

How accurate is this deck cost calculator?

U.S. planning allowances in USD for a simple, single-level deck, including ordinary materials and contractor labor. These are PaperPlan editorial assumptions, not surveyed averages or a local quote. Demolition, permits and engineering, taxes, stairs, railing, roofs, unusual foundations and difficult site access need separate quotes. Location, product selection and labor can put a real bid outside these ranges. Canadian projects need local CAD pricing.

What is the cheapest deck material?

Pressure-treated pine has the lowest allowance in this model at $25–$40 per square foot installed in USD. Compare actual local quotes and allow for ongoing cleaning, finishing and repair costs.

Why is composite decking more expensive than wood?

The board price, product line and labor all affect the difference. Composite avoids routine staining but still needs care. Whether maintenance savings offset the upfront cost depends on your quotes, upkeep costs and ownership period; this calculator does not establish a break-even year.

Can I see the deck before I commit?

Yes. PaperPlan generates a photorealistic render of the finished deck on a real photo of your backyard, in any material, in about 15 seconds. That alone saves the awkward conversation about whether the homeowner can picture it.

Keep researching

  • Cost to Build a Deck in 2026: How much does it cost to build a deck in 2026? See installed-cost ranges by size and material, what affects the price, and how to render the deck before you quote.
  • 12×16 Deck Cost: A 12x16 deck costs $4,800 – $7,700 installed in pressure-treated pine or $8,600 – $13,400 in composite. Why it’s the size contractors quote most, the full material breakdown, and a render on your yard.
  • 16×20 Deck Cost: A 16x20 deck costs $8,000 – $12,800 installed in pressure-treated pine or $14,400 – $22,400 in composite. Complete pricing for 320 sq ft, framing quantities, and a photorealistic render on your own backyard.
  • Composite Deck Cost in 2026: Composite deck cost in 2026: how Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon compare to wood per square foot installed, and how to show the upgrade visually before quoting.
  • Deck Material Calculator: Estimate boards, joists, fasteners, and railing for any deck size with our deck material calculator. Pair the estimate with a photorealistic render of the finished build.
  • Deck Visualizer for Real Backyards: Upload your backyard photo to visualize a deck and compare wood, composite and PVC looks. Review before and after, save and share. Includes 2 free lifetime renders after sign-in.

All deck planning guides