Deck research

Cost benchmarks by material, installed: pressure-treated pine $15–$25 per square foot, vinyl/PVC $17–$33, cedar $19–$29, metal $21–$35, redwood $27–$38, composite $28–$40, ipe $30–$55, mahogany $35–$50. By deck type: platform $10–$30, raised $25–$50, two-story $30–$60, multi-level $30–$75, covered $40–$100.

Labor share. At $10 to $35 per square foot against total installed costs of $15 to $55, labor is a very large share of a deck's price — larger than most homeowners expect. That's why bids vary so much between markets and why a lumberyard material total tells you almost nothing about the finished price.

Lifespan benchmarks. Wood decks last at least 10 to 15 years with regular care; composite is generally expected to last around 20. Wood carries a recurring $2 to $5 per square foot restaining cost every two to three years, which is the number to carry into any total-cost-of-ownership comparison.

Repair benchmarks. National average repair $1,500, range $500 to $3,000, or $10 to $55 per square foot. Joists $100 to $300 each, railing $25 to $100 per linear foot, stairs $15 to $50 per step. Rot $300 to $5,000, sagging $750 to $10,000, termite damage $500 to $10,000.

How to choose

Use benchmarks to spot outliers, not to negotiate

Local labor at $10 to $35 per square foot is the dominant variable and national data can't capture your market.

Always convert to per-square-foot

It's the only way to compare a 144 square foot quote to a 320 square foot one.

Include maintenance in any material comparison

Wood's $2 to $5 per square foot every two to three years is the whole composite argument.

Treat ROI as a ceiling

65.8% for wood and 63% for composite are averages. Overbuilt decks do worse, not better.

Benchmark repair against replacement early

Repair averaging $1,500 versus replacement at $6,000 to $18,600 for 300 square feet is the frame for every repair decision.