2026 U.S. cost guide
$25–$50 per square foot installed
A complete pressure-treated pine deck typically costs $25 to $50 per square foot, including the support structure, decking and professional installation. A straightforward 12-by-12-foot deck commonly falls between $3,600 and $7,200.
- Materials: about $14–$28 per square foot for a complete pressure-treated deck
- Labor: about $11–$22 per square foot
- Replacement: about $30–$55 per square foot when removal and disposal are included
Pressure-treated lumber remains the usual budget benchmark for a new wood deck. It is widely available, easy for experienced builders to work with and treated to resist fungal decay and wood-destroying insects. The tradeoff is ongoing maintenance: the boards need cleaning and a suitable exterior finish to control checking, staining and weathering.
Cost scope: The figures below describe a complete, professionally built pressure-treated pine deck attached to a one-story home. They are not board-only retail prices. Railings, stairs, permits, demolition, difficult access and structural upgrades can move a quote outside the range.
In this Cost Guide
Pressure-Treated Deck Cost by Size
| Deck size | Square feet | Estimated installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 feet | 100 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| 12 × 12 feet | 144 | $3,600–$7,200 |
| 12 × 16 feet | 192 | $4,800–$9,600 |
| 12 × 20 feet | 240 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| 16 × 20 feet | 320 | $8,000–$16,000 |
| 20 × 20 feet | 400 | $10,000–$20,000 |
These examples multiply the deck area by the broad $25–$50 installed range. A small simple platform deck may land near the lower end. Elevated decks, second-story structures, multiple stairs or unusually deep footings can cost considerably more.
What the Price Includes
A useful estimate separates the visible surface from the complete deck system. The installed prices in this guide normally include:
- Footings, posts, beams and joists for a standard one-story attached deck
- Pressure-treated decking boards and the required fasteners
- Standard jobsite labor, cutting and installation
- Normal contractor overhead and cleanup
They do not automatically include railings, long stair runs, lighting, built-in seating, a pergola, extensive grading or removal of an existing deck. Ask every contractor to list these separately so that competing bids cover the same scope.
New Construction vs. Deck Replacement
Replacing a deck usually costs more than building the same design on a clear site. Current national cost data puts a basic pressure-treated replacement around $30–$55 per square foot, because demolition, disposal and hidden framing repairs add labor and material. If the framing is sound and only surface boards are being replaced, a contractor should price that narrower scope separately.
What Changes the Cost?
Deck Height and Structure
A ground-level rectangle is usually the least expensive design. Elevation adds larger footings, taller posts, bracing, guardrails and stairs. Second-story and multi-level decks also take longer to stage and build.
Board Grade and Drying
Pressure-treated lumber is sold in different appearance grades, dimensions and treatment levels. Premium appearance boards and KDAT material—kiln dried after treatment—typically cost more, but their lower moisture content can make them lighter and more dimensionally stable during installation.
Railings, Stairs and Features
Railings are normally quoted by the linear foot, while stairs are often priced by the number and complexity of runs. Curves, picture-frame borders, diagonal layouts, privacy screens and built-in benches create more cutting and waste. Compare options in our deck railing cost guide.
Location, Access and Permits
Regional labor rates, material delivery, frost-depth requirements, engineering and local permit fees all affect the final number. A narrow side yard or steep site can also increase handling time.
Choosing the Right Pressure-Treated Lumber
Read the End Tag
Do not choose boards by color alone. Read the end tag or ink stamp for the preservative, intended exposure and any installation requirements. Lumber labeled for above-ground use is not automatically suitable where it touches soil, traps moisture or is difficult to replace. Use ground-contact material where the project conditions and local code require it.
The treating company or lumber dealer should be able to provide the product label and safe-handling information. Use fasteners, connectors and flashing specifically approved for the preservative system; incompatible metal can corrode prematurely.
What Does KDAT Mean?
KDAT means “kiln dried after treatment.” Ordinary treated lumber often arrives wet from the treatment process and shrinks as it dries. KDAT boards have been dried again before sale. They may cost more, but can be easier to handle and may show less initial movement. They still need correct spacing, fastening and exterior finishing.
Does New Pressure-Treated Wood Contain CCA?
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) was formerly common in residential treated lumber. Manufacturers voluntarily discontinued producing CCA-treated wood for most homeowner uses in December 2003. As a result, an older deck built before 2004 may contain CCA-treated lumber, while current residential decking uses other registered preservatives.
Working on an older deck? Do not burn preservative-treated wood. When sawing suspected CCA-treated lumber, the EPA advises wearing goggles and a dust mask and washing your hands afterward. Check local disposal guidance before removing it.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Usually the lowest-cost conventional deck material
- Widely stocked in standard lumber dimensions
- Familiar to contractors and capable DIY builders
- Can be stained in many natural or opaque colors
- Treatment improves resistance to decay and insects
Disadvantages
- Needs recurring cleaning and refinishing
- Can shrink, check, cup or splinter as it weathers
- Boards require careful sorting and correct spacing
- Wet lumber is heavy and may need drying time before finishing
- Usually has a shorter low-maintenance period than capped composite
Pressure-Treated Deck Maintenance
Inspect the deck at least once a year for loose fasteners, soft wood, split boards, trapped debris and movement at stairs or railings. Keep leaves out of gaps and maintain drainage around posts and footings.
Do not rely on a fixed waiting period before staining a new deck. Moisture level varies with the product, climate and storage conditions. A simple first check is whether clean wood readily absorbs a few drops of water rather than beading them, but always follow the finish manufacturer’s preparation and moisture instructions. Clean and refinish the deck when the coating, exposure and board condition indicate it is needed.
Pressure washing at excessive pressure can raise the grain and damage soft pine. Use the cleaner, application method and pressure recommended for the finish and wood condition.
How We Calculated These Prices
Reviewed September 2026. We compared current national installed-cost data with material/labor breakdowns and current safety information. The base range is anchored to a complete pressure-treated pine deck on a one-story home, then adjusted conceptually for size and project scope.
- Base installed range: $25–$50 per square foot
- Material component: $14–$28 per square foot
- Labor component: $11–$22 per square foot
- Replacement benchmark: $30–$55 per square foot
Local quotes remain the best measure for a specific design. For more detail about our process, see How Deck Cost Guide Researches Prices.
Pressure-Treated Deck FAQs
Is pressure-treated wood the cheapest decking option?
It is generally the lowest-cost conventional material for a complete professionally built deck. A very simple floating design may cost less than an attached deck, while premium-grade or KDAT lumber raises the material price.
Can pressure-treated lumber be painted or stained?
Yes. Use a product labeled for exterior wood and follow its preparation instructions. The lumber must be clean and sufficiently dry for the coating to penetrate or bond correctly.
How long should pressure-treated lumber dry before staining?
There is no reliable one-size-fits-all number of weeks or months. Wet-treated lumber can need substantial drying time, while KDAT material may be ready sooner. Test the boards and follow the coating manufacturer’s moisture guidance.
Do I need special screws?
Yes. Use fasteners and structural connectors approved for the preservative and exposure. The product label and hardware manufacturer should identify compatible hot-dip galvanized or stainless-steel options.
Can I burn old pressure-treated boards?
No. The EPA advises against burning CCA or other preservative-treated wood in a residential setting because the smoke and ash may contain toxic chemicals.
Getting Accurate Contractor Quotes
Ask at least three qualified deck contractors to price the same drawing and specification. Each proposal should state:
- Overall dimensions, height and footing design
- Lumber species, grade, treatment category and whether boards are KDAT
- Decking direction, board spacing and waste allowance
- Fastener, connector and flashing specifications
- Railings, stair runs, landings and gates
- Permit, engineering, demolition and disposal costs
- Finish preparation and whether staining is included
- Workmanship warranty, payment schedule and estimated timeline
Sources
- HomeGuide — Cost to Build a Deck (2026), used for current national installed, material, labor and replacement benchmarks.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Chromated Arsenicals (CCA), used for residential CCA history and handling guidance.
- TreatedWood.com — Pressure-Treated Wood Information, consulted for treatment labels, exposure selection and product-use guidance.
Prices are editorial estimates for the U.S. market and are not a contractor quote. Product availability, codes and labor costs vary by location.