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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 June 11, 2026

Try PaperPlan free — render the finished deck on your own backyard photo in about 15 seconds.

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

Ranges are 2026 North American averages and include materials plus contractor labor. Add 15–30% for raised decks, multi-level builds, or premium railings. Subtract 10–20% for DIY ground-level builds.

Common questions

How accurate is this deck cost calculator?

The ranges are sourced from public installed-cost surveys for 2026 and reflect mid-market pricing in North America. Site conditions, demolition, permits, and railing choices can move the number 20% in either direction. Use it as a starting point, not a quote.

What is the cheapest deck material?

Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest material at roughly $25–$40 per square foot installed. It also has the shortest life and the highest maintenance burden, so the cheapest material is rarely the cheapest deck over 10 years.

Why is composite decking more expensive than wood?

Composite boards cost more per linear foot than pressure-treated pine, but they need almost no maintenance and last 25–30 years. Most homeowners break even within 8–10 years on labor and stain savings.

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.
  • 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.
  • PVC vs Composite Decking — PVC vs composite decking in 2026: cost per square foot, heat retention, lifespan, and looks. See how AZEK and Trex Transcend compare — and visualize both on your yard.
  • Deck Visualizer for Real Backyards — A deck visualizer that uses your real backyard photo. Compare composite, PVC, cedar, and pressure-treated decking on the actual yard before you commit.

All deck planning guides