Ultimate Guide 10 min read Updated 2026-02-01

Deck Building Guide 2026: Materials, Costs & Permits

Build the perfect deck. Wood vs composite, cost breakdown, and permit requirements.

Deck Materials

Material	Cost/sq ft	Lifespan	Maintenance
Pressure-treated	$15-25	15-20 yrs	High
Cedar	$25-35	20-25 yrs	Medium
Composite	$30-45	25-50 yrs	Low
PVC	$35-50	30-50 yrs	Very Low

12x16 ft deck (192 sq ft):

Includes: Materials, labor, permits, railings ROI: 65-75% at resale

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