The cost of a pressure-treated deck is $7,500 on average, but it can cost between $4,200 and $10,000 or more depending on the size and location of your deck.
Building a pressure-treated deck is a surefire way to help keep your new outdoor entertainment space free from rot and insects. But before you invest in this chemically-treated decking material, you’ll want to first consider which factors could impact your final cost. Most homeowners spend between $4,200 and $10,000 on this project, but depending on your deck size, you could pay up to $14,400 or more.
Most standard pressure-treated decking costs between $15 and $25 per square foot, but some types can cost as low as $10 per square foot or upwards of $40 per square foot, labor included. Keep reading to learn more about what factors impact the total price you pay for this type of deck.
How much you’ll pay for pressure-treated decking depends on many different cost factors. Let’s take a look at the main points to consider.
The type of deck you’re building makes a significant impact on your project cost. For example, if you’re building a floating deck, your price tag will be lower than if you build a multi-level, attached deck. Ground-level decks are the most cost-friendly to build, while multi-level decks come in at the top of the price point.
On average, your pressure-treated deck’s total cost can cost between $1,500 to $2,500 for a 100-square-foot deck or $8,640 to $14,400 for a large, 576-square-foot deck. The size of your deck will determine how much material you’ll need—and how long it will take to install. An average deck falls somewhere between 300 and 400 square feet. Here’s a breakdown of prices by common deck sizes.
| Deck Size | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 10-by-10 ft. (100 square ft.) | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 12-by-12 ft. (144 square ft.) | $2,200–$3,600 |
| 12-by-16 ft. (192 square ft.) | $2,900–$4,800 |
| 12-by-20 ft. (240 square ft.) | $3,600–$6,000 |
| 14-by-20 ft. (280 square ft.) | $4,200–$7,000 |
| 16-by-20 ft. (320 square ft.) | $4,800–$8,000 |
| 20-by-20 ft. (400 square ft.) | $6,000–$10,000 |
| 20-by-24 ft. (480 square ft.) | $7,200–$12,000 |
| 24-by-24 ft. (576 square ft.) | $8,640–$14,400 |
Premium-grade lumber can cost up to 30% more than standard lumber. As you search for the perfect decking material for your deck, you’ll likely find different lumber grades as indicated by the 1 or 2 in the product description. The higher the grade, the more you’ll spend on materials.
As mentioned above, pressure-treated lumber costs anywhere between $15 and $25 per square foot. Pressure-treated lumber primarily uses pine decking boards.
Labor makes up a significant portion of your expenses, making up around 70% of your total costs. Expect to pay around $15 to $35 per square foot for labor.
You’ll also want to factor in the cost of preparing your deck’s foundation if you don’t already have one and need one for your deck type. This expense can add anywhere between $25 and $300 per foundation post. If you’re simply replacing old deck boards with pressure-treated boards, you may be able to salvage your current foundation and avoid this expense.
Where you decide to install your deck makes a serious impact on your project’s cost. A second-story deck, also known as a balcony deck, is more expensive to build than first-story decks because of the additional materials and reinforcement costs. Most homeowners opt for a first-story deck for its convenience and cost savings.
The type of deck you’re building can drastically increase the cost of your pressure-treated decking project. With that in mind, here is a breakdown of the different types of decks and how much you can expect to spend.
Anticipate spending between $15 and $25 per square foot,or $20 per square foot on average, to construct a pressure-treated, ground-level deck. A ground-level deck is a typical deck that’s attached to the back of the house and uses minimal framing. These straightforward decks don’t usually have a stairway or foundation—instead, they utilize footings.
Floating decks cost anywhere between $20 and $60 per square foot on average. A floating deck or freestanding deck is a stand-alone structure that, as you probably guessed, doesn’t connect to your home. This deck type needs additional framing materials and, in some cases, concrete footings to stabilize the deck.
A second-story deck, also called a raised deck, costs between $40 and $50 per square foot to install. This type of deck needs a strong foundation and pillars or posts for extra support. As such, you’ll see an increase in the cost per square foot.
On average, building a multi-level deck ranges between $30 and $75 per square foot. Multi-level decks require more design components and materials than most of the other options, including steps, a stairway, and pillars or posts, putting them at the top of the price range.
On top of your typical upfront costs, it’s also important to factor in costs that might occur over time. Below are a few of the most common additional costs associated with treated lumber prices.
Deck maintenance can be a costly undertaking, but maintaining your deck is an essential part of deck safety. You’ll need to inspect your deck’s surface annually, clean your deck on an as-needed basis, and seal your deck every one to two years. Sealing a deck costs between $0.75 and $4 per square foot. It’s also a good idea to remove leaves to keep away rot and give your deck a visual inspection after extreme weather conditions.
The cost to repair a deck ranges anywhere from $800 and $3,200 on average. Pressure-treated lumber prices fall between $10 and $20 per square foot to replace. Higher-quality pressure-treated wood comes in toward the higher end of the price range, while lower-quality materials comes in toward the lower end of the price range.
Adding a deck to your property may increase the value of your home, but it can also lead to an increase in your homeowner's insurance premium. Contact your insurance company before you start building your deck to avoid any surprise charges.
If you choose to install a pressure-treated deck yourself, then you might be able to save on installation costs. Remember, labor takes up a huge portion of your budget, accounting for 70% of the total cost. DIYing your deck could save you anywhere from $1,750 for a 10-by-10-foot deck to $7,000 for a 20-by-20-foot deck.
Installing a deck on your own is a major, complicated project. If you don’t have the time to commit to it, the experience to purchase the right materials, or the skills to install your deck, you could end up paying much more in time, extra materials, and repairs for your mistakes.
Hiring a deck builder near you can save you on labor and time while providing you with a professionally installed deck that can last for years to come. Plus, a professional deck builder will ensure that your new deck adheres to your local building and safety codes.
If you hire a local deck builder to create the best deck for your property, they may offer additional services. Below are several add-ons for building a pressure-treated deck.
Cost to add deck stairs: $100–$200 per step
Landscaping lighting cost: $2,000–$6,000
Fire pit cost: $200–$3,000
Outdoor furniture cost: $200–$1,800
Retractable awning cost: $2,000–$3,500
The cost of building a deck is a major investment. As such, finding ways to save on your total cost can help you keep some of that investment safe and sound in your wallet. Follow these tips for reducing the cost of your pressure-treated deck:
Build a smaller deck.
Choose a lower-grade material for areas that don’t get much foot traffic.
Pick a ground-level deck instead of a raised or multi-level deck.
Choose standard board lengths like 8, 12, 16, and 20 feet.
Compare local installation prices to find the best deal.
DIY your deck to save on labor costs.
Buy materials like lumber, nails, screws, bolts in bulk.
Be on the lookout for local sales.
Pick an off-season time to build, like late fall.
Maintain your deck with routine sealing to avoid repair costs.
Pressure-treated decks last anywhere from 40 to 50 years on average. Compare that to untreated decks, which only last around 10 to 30 years. A well-maintained pressure-treated deck can last closer to the 50-year mark, while one that isn’t maintained routinely may last less than 40 years. Where you live also plays a role in the lifespan of your deck. Extreme sunlight, rainfall, windfall, and hail can reduce the deck’s lifespan.
The difference between pressure-treated decks and other types of wood decking materials is that pressure-treated wood contains preservatives that give the material internal protection from rot and pests. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to seal your deck to protect it from the elements and other forms of external damage.
Pressure-treated decking may be worth it if you want a natural, insect- and rot-resistant decking material that will last for decades with proper maintenance. However, it’s not for everyone. Alternative wood decking materials include cedar and redwood, but these materials tend to be less durable than pine. They’re also more costly and prone to warping and deterioration—although redwood is more durable than cedar. Some homeowners prefer composite decking, which is a low-maintenance alternative to wood.
While you’re planning the perfect deck for your home, now might be the best time to upgrade outdated elements of your yard and home’s exterior. A few projects you can do at the same time as your new deck include mulching your yard and creating a walkway by laying pavers.
