Building a Deck: What Every Homeowner Should Know Before You Start

So you’re thinking about building a deck. Maybe you’re picturing summer cookouts, morning coffee outside, or just more usable space in your backyard!

But somewhere between that vision and the finished product sits a pile of questions: How much will this actually cost? Do you need a permit? Should you hire a contractor or do it yourself?

DG Builders are expert deck builders based in South Carolina and helped to write this article. By the end, you’ll know what to expect at every stage of building a deck, from budgeting to breaking ground.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck?

Most homeowners spend between $18,000 and $25,000 on a standard 16×20-foot deck, though smaller or simpler projects can cost much less.

According to the 2025 Zonda Cost vs. Value Report, the national average for a 16×20 wood deck addition is $18,263. A composite deck of the same size averages $25,096. Per square foot, expect to pay somewhere between $25 and $80 installed, depending on your material, deck height, and local labor rates.

Wood vs. Composite Decking Costs

Wood is the cheaper option upfront. Composite costs more to install but less to maintain over time.

Pressure-treated pine can run as low as $2 to $15 per square foot for materials alone. Composite decking materials typically run $35 to $70 per square foot installed, depending on the brand and tier you choose.

The maintenance gap matters too. Wood decks typically cost $400 to $600 a year in staining, sealing, and repairs. Composite decks average closer to $50 a year, mostly for basic cleaning.

What Drives the Price Up or Down

Three factors move the needle most: size, height, and add-ons. A ground-level deck with a simple railing costs far less than a raised, multi-level deck with built-in seating, lighting, or a pergola.

Labor also varies significantly by region, so getting a few local quotes is the best way to nail down a realistic number for your project.

Is Building a Deck Worth the Investment?

Yes. A deck is one of the few home improvements that pays for itself almost entirely at resale, while also giving you daily use in the meantime.

Wood deck additions recoup 94.9% of their cost at resale, and composite decks recoup 88.5%, according to the 2025 Zonda Cost vs. Value Report. That’s a notably strong return compared to most other renovation projects.

Beyond resale value, a deck extends your living space. It’s outdoor square footage you’ll actually use, which is part of why decks consistently rank among the most requested home improvement projects year after year.

Choosing the Right Decking Material

There’s no single “best” material. The right choice depends on your budget, how much upkeep you’re willing to do, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is the most budget-friendly option and the most common starting point for homeowners. It requires annual staining or sealing to prevent warping, splintering, and rot, but it’s easy to repair and widely available.

Composite Decking

Composite decking, made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic, costs more initially but needs very little upkeep. It resists fading, staining, and insect damage, which is why composite now makes up roughly 40% of new residential deck installations, up from about 25% a decade ago.

Other Options

Cedar and redwood offer a more premium look with natural rot resistance, at a higher price point than pressure-treated pine. PVC decking sits at the top of the price range and offers the lowest maintenance of all, since it contains no wood fiber at all.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?

In most cases, yes. Since decks typically attach to your home, they usually require a building permit, and sometimes a separate zoning permit as well.

There are a few exceptions. Low, freestanding decks under 200 square feet and less than 30 inches above grade may be exempt in some jurisdictions, but this varies by city and county. It’s worth a quick call to your local building department before you assume you’re in the clear.

Skipping a required permit is a real risk. Unpermitted work can complicate a future home sale, create insurance headaches, and in some cases force you to tear out completed work.

Permit costs typically run $100 to $300, and approval usually takes one to three weeks for a standard application.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

A simple, ground-level deck is a reasonable DIY project for a handy homeowner. Anything elevated, multi-level, or attached to complex structural elements is better left to a licensed contractor.

Building a deck yourself can meaningfully cut labor costs, which often make up 50% or more of the total project. But mistakes on structural elements like footings, ledger boards, and joists aren’t just costly to fix. They can be genuinely unsafe.

If your project involves stairs, a second story, or heavy loads like a hot tub, hire a professional. Your local building inspector will need to sign off on the structural work either way, so it pays to get it right the first time.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?

Most straightforward deck projects take three to eight weeks from application to final inspection, including construction.

That timeline breaks down roughly like this: one to three weeks for permit approval, then anywhere from a few days to two weeks for actual construction, depending on size and complexity. Weather delays, material backorders, or custom features can push the timeline further out.

If you’re planning around a specific event or season, build in extra buffer time. Permit offices tend to slow down during peak building season in spring and summer.

Planning Your Deck: Key Questions to Ask Before You Start

Before you call a contractor or head to the hardware store, work through these questions:

• What will you primarily use the deck for: dining, entertaining, lounging, or all three?
• What’s your realistic budget, including materials, labor, and permit fees?
• How much annual maintenance are you willing to take on?
• Does your property’s slope or layout call for a raised deck, or will ground-level work?
• Have you checked with your local building department about permit requirements?
• Have you gotten at least two or three quotes from licensed, insured contractors?

Answering these upfront saves you from costly changes mid-project and helps you compare contractor bids apples to apples.

The Bottom Line

Building a deck is a big project, but it’s also one of the more predictable ones once you know what to expect. Budget realistically, pick a material that matches your maintenance tolerance, confirm your permit requirements early, and be honest about whether the project is a DIY job or one for a professional.

Do that, and you’ll end up with a deck that adds real value to your home and years of use to your backyard.