Average Deck Cost: Wood vs Composite vs PVC

The True Cost of a New Deck

Adding a deck is one of the most rewarding exterior projects, boasting an average ROI of 60% to 65% at resale. However, the exact price tag hinges entirely on the flooring material you select. In 2026, building a new deck from the ground up costs exactly $35 to $65 per square foot on average.

Pressure Treated Pine (The Cheap Option)

If you are on a strict budget, pressure-treated pine is unmatched. At just $35 to $45 per square foot installed (including the substructure framework), it is the most affordable way to create outdoor square footage.

However, pressure-treated wood is not "set it and forget it." The hidden cost is maintenance. You must power wash, sand, and re-stain a wood deck every 2 to 3 years to prevent splintering and rot. Over a 10-year period, those maintenance costs often surpass the initial savings.

Composite Decking (The Standard Upgrade)

Brands like Trex and TimberTech have captured the residential market. Capped composite boards are made of a mix of recycled wood fibers and plastic, encased in a hard shell that resists scratching and fading.

Expect to pay $50 to $75 per square foot for professional installation. Why so much more? The material itself costs twice as much, but the labor is also more expensive. Composites expand and contract in the heat, requiring contractors to meticulously install "hidden fastener systems" screwing clips into the side of every board rather than just rapidly driving screws from the top.

PVC / Synthetic (The Ultimate Upgrade)

Brands like Azek produce decking that is 100% plastic/polymer with zero wood fibers. It is entirely impervious to moisture, mold, and termites. PVC is also cooler on bare feet in direct summer sunlight compared to dense composite boards.

The cost for PVC decking usually starts at $60 and stretches to $90+ per square foot installed. This is a true luxury item meant for "forever homes."

Don't Forget the Railings and Stairs

A simple 10x10 ground-level square is cheap. But if your deck is 6 feet off the ground, budgets explode. A single flight of composite stairs can cost $2,000+ just to frame and wrap. Furthermore, upgrading from standard wood balusters to sleek aluminum, cable railing, or glass panels can add $60 to $120 per linear foot just for the railing.