How to Price a Deck Build (Step-by-Step)
Short answer
Price a deck build by sizing the deck, picking a material tier, costing labor by hours per square foot, then layering a 20% markup and 8% contingency. For a 400 sq ft pressure-treated deck in 2026, expect labor plus material to land at $14 to $26 per square foot before markup.
- 5-step playbook for contractors.
- Built for owner-operators and small crews of 1 to 25.
- 2026 numbers from ContractShield quote data and BLS reports.
- ContractShield charges 1% per accepted job, no per-lead or per-seat fees.
- The PWA works offline on iOS and Android job sites.
Step 1: Measure the deck
Calculate total square footage, including stairs and benches, and note grade changes that add to the substructure cost.
Step 2: Pick a material tier
Pressure-treated runs $4 to $7 per sq ft material, composite runs $10 to $18 per sq ft, exotic hardwood runs $14 to $26 per sq ft.
Step 3: Estimate labor hours
Use 1.5 to 2.5 labor hours per square foot for new builds. Doubled-up joists, multiple stair runs, and railings push it higher.
Step 4: Layer markup and contingency
Add 18 to 24% markup to cover overhead and profit, then 6 to 10% contingency for site surprises.
Step 5: Write the line-item bid
Itemize footings, framing, decking, railings, stairs, and permits separately so the client can see the math, not a single lump sum.
Frequently asked questions
Is this guide for contractors or homeowners?
Contractors. ContractShield is built for small contractors and remodelers running 1 to 25 employees, and our guides speak to that audience.
Does ContractShield charge for these features?
ContractShield charges 1% per accepted job at funding. No per-lead fees, no per-seat fees, no setup fee. A free trial lets you try the quote builder before paying anything.
Where do I get the 2026 numbers in this guide?
From aggregated quote data inside ContractShield, public BLS labor reports, and supplier pricebooks. We update guide numbers quarterly so they stay current.
Can I edit a quote after it is sent?
Yes. ContractShield supports change orders against an accepted quote, with a single approval flow that updates milestone billing automatically.
Does this work for commercial contractors too?
It works for small commercial contractors and light-commercial GCs. For enterprise commercial work, Procore-class tools are a better fit.
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