Pressure-treated wood deck cost
Short answer
A pressure-treated wood deck costs about $15–$25 per square foot installed. A 12 × 16 ft deck (192 sq ft) runs roughly $2,880–$4,800.
Cost / sq ft
$15–$25
12×16 installed
$2,880–$4,800
Boards
29
Joists
13
Pressure-treated wood decking
At $15–$25 per square foot installed, a 192 sq ft (12×16 ft) deck in pressure-treated wood runs about $2,880–$4,800. That covers framing, decking, fasteners, and labor — railings and stairs are extra.
What drives pressure-treated wood deck cost
A pressure-treated wood deck runs $15–$25 per square foot installed, so a 12×16 ft deck (192 sq ft) lands around $2,880–$4,800. That price is boards plus the framing, footings, and labor underneath — the substructure is the same work regardless of which decking you pick, which is why cheaper boards save less than the sticker difference suggests.
Pressure-treated wood is a natural wood, so factor in upkeep: clean + re-stain every 1–2 yr to keep it from graying, cracking, and rotting. It costs less upfront than composite or PVC, but over a 10–15 yr life the staining and board replacement add up — worth weighing if you plan to stay.
Beyond the decking, your price moves with deck size and shape, height off the ground (a raised deck needs more posts, footings, and often a railing and stairs), permits and inspections, and whether you add features like built-in benches, lighting, or a pergola. Get bids itemized into framing, decking, and railing so you can compare boards fairly.
What affects your price
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Deck size | Priced per square foot at $15–$25/sq ft — width × length drives it |
| Height & stairs | Raised decks need more posts, footings, railings, and stairs |
| Substructure | Footings, joists, and ledger board are the same cost under any decking |
| Maintenance | Pressure-treated wood: clean + re-stain every 1–2 yr over a 10–15 yr life |
| Features | Built-in benches, lighting, pergolas, and fascia add cost |
| Permits & region | A deck permit, inspection, and local labor rates change the total |
Pressure-treated wood vs other decking
Installed cost for a 12×16 ft deck, plus lifespan and upkeep.
| Material | Per sq ft | Deck total | Lifespan | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $15–$25 | $2,880–$4,800 | 10–15 yr | Clean + re-stain every 1–2 yr |
| Cedar / redwood | $20–$38 | $3,840–$7,296 | 15–20 yr | Clean + seal every 2–3 yr |
| Composite (Trex-style) | $30–$60 | $5,760–$11,520 | 25–30 yr | Wash occasionally; no staining |
| PVC / vinyl | $35–$70 | $6,720–$13,440 | 30+ yr | Wash occasionally; no staining |
Pressure-treated wood deck planning tips
- Let new pressure-treated wood dry for a few weeks, then seal it — sealing wet boards traps moisture and causes warping.
- Pull a deck permit — most areas require one, and an unpermitted deck can block a home sale later.
- Spend on the substructure: proper footings below the frost line and a flashed ledger board prevent the failures that matter.
- Get bids itemized into framing, decking, and railing so a cheaper board does not hide pricier labor.
Estimate your deck
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a pressure-treated wood deck cost per square foot?
About $15–$25 per square foot installed, including framing, decking, and labor. Height, railings, and stairs push it higher.
How much does a 12 × 16 pressure-treated wood deck cost?
Roughly $2,880–$4,800 for 192 sq ft — about 29 deck boards and 13 joists. Enter your size in the calculator.
Is a pressure-treated wood deck worth it?
Pressure-treated wood is cheaper upfront than composite but needs regular sealing or staining. Weigh the maintenance against the lower cost.