A new 300 sq ft deck costs $4,500–$14,000 in 2026 depending on material. Pressure-treated wood is cheapest upfront; composite wins on 10-year cost. Full breakdown inside.
Pressure-treated pine: $15–$25/sq ft installed. Cedar: $22–$35. Composite (Trex/TimberTech class): $30–$45. PVC: $38–$55. Framing, footings, and labor are roughly the same regardless of decking choice — the surface material is where the range comes from.
A 300 sq ft pressure-treated deck at $6,000 needs staining every 2–3 years (~$400 each time) and board replacements by year 10. The same deck in composite at $10,500 needs soap-and-water only. Over 15 years the totals nearly converge — choose on maintenance appetite, not sticker price.
Height (anything over 30 inches requires railings and usually a permit), stairs ($150–$300 per step), built-in benches or planters, and complex shapes. Attached decks need proper ledger flashing — improper ledger attachment is the #1 cause of deck collapses, so ask specifically how bidders flash and fasten the ledger.
Most municipalities require permits for decks attached to the house or above 30 inches. Footing inspections happen before concrete pours. A contractor who 'doesn't bother with permits' is transferring the risk to you at resale.
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated deck (per sq ft) | $15 | $25 |
| Composite deck (per sq ft) | $30 | $45 |
| Footings & framing (300 sq ft) | $2,000 | $4,500 |
| Railing (per linear ft) | $40 | $110 |
| Stairs (per step) | $150 | $300 |
| Demolition of old deck | $500 | $1,500 |
A simple 300 sq ft deck takes 3–5 working days after permit approval. Complex multi-level builds run 2–3 weeks.
Late fall through early spring — contractors have more availability and sometimes offer off-season pricing.
Wood decks recoup roughly 50–65% of cost at resale; composite slightly less on paper but shows better in listings.
Ground-level 'floating' decks under 30 inches often skip permits and railings, cutting total cost 20–30%.
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