PVC / vinyl deck cost
Short answer
A pvc / vinyl deck costs about $35–$70 per square foot installed. A 12 × 16 ft deck (192 sq ft) runs roughly $6,720–$13,440.
Cost / sq ft
$35–$70
12×16 installed
$6,720–$13,440
Boards
29
Joists
13
PVC / vinyl decking
At $35–$70 per square foot installed, a 192 sq ft (12×16 ft) deck in pvc / vinyl runs about $6,720–$13,440. That covers framing, decking, fasteners, and labor — railings and stairs are extra.
What drives pvc / vinyl deck cost
A pvc / vinyl deck runs $35–$70 per square foot installed, so a 12×16 ft deck (192 sq ft) lands around $6,720–$13,440. 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.
PVC / vinyl costs more per square foot than wood but is nearly maintenance-free (wash occasionally; no staining) and lasts 30+ yr. Over the life of the deck the skipped staining and board swaps often close the gap with wood — the trade is a higher day-one price for lower lifetime cost and effort.
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 $35–$70/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 | PVC / vinyl: wash occasionally; no staining over a 30+ 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 |
PVC / vinyl 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 |
PVC / vinyl deck planning tips
- Confirm the joist spacing the PVC brand requires (often 12" for stairs); PVC is stiff but sags on wide spans.
- 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
Open the deck calculatorOther materials
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pvc / vinyl deck cost per square foot?
About $35–$70 per square foot installed, including framing, decking, and labor. Height, railings, and stairs push it higher.
How much does a 12 × 16 pvc / vinyl deck cost?
Roughly $6,720–$13,440 for 192 sq ft — about 29 deck boards and 13 joists. Enter your size in the calculator.
Is a pvc / vinyl deck worth it?
PVC / vinyl costs more upfront than wood but needs no staining and lasts 25+ years, so it often wins on total cost. Compare materials in the calculator.