Check my deck building quote
Decks fail structurally more often than any other residential addition, and the parts that matter — footings, ledger attachment, hardware — are buried in a one-line proposal.
Free red-flag scan first. The full report is $12 and covers up to 3 estimates.
Typical cost range
$8,000 – $32,000
Pressure-treated runs about $30–$60 per sq. ft.; composite $50–$95 per sq. ft.
Normally includes: Footings, framing, decking, railing, stairs, and permits.
By work type
- Pressure-treated wood deck$7,000 – $22,000
- Composite or PVC deck$12,000 – $40,000
- Deck repair, resurface, or railing$1,500 – $12,000
- Patio or paver installation$4,000 – $25,000
National editorial benchmark ranges, adjusted in your report by state cost index and scope. Reviewed 2026. Estimates only — not a bid, appraisal, or valuation.
What we check on your decks bid
- Footing depth, diameter, and frost-line compliance
- Ledger attachment method and flashing
- Joist size and spacing versus the decking material's requirement
- Hardware: hangers, fasteners, and corrosion rating
- Railing height, baluster spacing, and stair details
- Permit and inspection responsibility
Most commonly left out
- Ledger flashing
- Frost-depth footings
- Structural screws versus lag bolts
- Stair stringer spacing
- Grading and site restoration
Questions homeowners ask
Does a deck need a permit?
In most jurisdictions, yes — usually above a certain height or area. An estimate that is silent on permits is a question worth asking before you sign, and it appears in your review as one.
Why is composite decking so much more expensive?
Material cost, and often tighter joist spacing, which adds framing. Bids that switch to composite without adjusting the framing are worth a closer look.
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Home Project Copilot provides AI-assisted informational analysis based on the information submitted by the homeowner. It does not provide professional engineering, architectural, legal, inspection, construction, or code-compliance advice and does not certify the quality or compliance of any contractor's work. Homeowners should consult appropriately licensed professionals when necessary.