Plan your deck with open eyes — and get matched, free, with licensed builders
Honest cost per square foot by material, the real trade-offs between wood and composite, and a clear way to find licensed, insured deck builders near you — in your language.
OutDeckly is a free matching service, not a deck builder. You compare quotes and choose who to hire.
What a deck costs by material
Typical installed cost per square foot, including labor and railings. These are estimates, not quotes — your real price depends on size, height, footings, and your area.
| Decking material | Installed / sq ft | Typical lifespan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $15 – $30 | 10–15 years | Lowest upfront cost; needs regular sealing |
| Cedar / redwood | $25 – $45 | 15–20 years | Natural look and feel; periodic staining |
| Composite | $35 – $60 | 25–30 years | Low upkeep; higher upfront cost |
| PVC / capped | $45 – $75 | 30+ years | Most weather-resistant; highest upfront cost |
Figures are typical installed ranges for the decking surface and labor — estimates, not quotes. Footings, height, stairs, railings, and permits change the total. Always confirm the price in writing.
Decks, patio covers, pergolas & repairs
The kinds of outdoor-living projects the licensed deck builders we match you with handle.
New deck build
How a new deck gets built — footings, framing, decking, railings, and stairs. What it costs per square foot, how long it takes, and what to ask a deck builder.
Learn more → Decks & structuresComposite decks
What composite decking is, the brands and grades, what it costs versus wood, and why low upkeep and long life make it the most popular choice today.
Learn more → Decks & structuresWood decks (pressure-treated & cedar)
Pressure-treated, cedar, and redwood decks compared on cost, look, and upkeep — and how to keep a wood deck lasting with sealing and staining.
Learn more → Decks & structuresPergolas & patio covers
Pergolas, patio covers, and shade structures — how they attach, what they cost, what permits they need, and how they extend your outdoor living space.
Learn more → Decks & structuresRailings & stairs
Deck railings and stairs — wood, composite, metal, and cable options, the code requirements for height and spacing, and what each adds to the price.
Learn more → Decks & structuresMulti-level & raised decks
Raised, elevated, and multi-level decks — the extra footings, framing, and railings they need, the permit and inspection steps, and what drives the cost.
Learn more →Pick a decking material
Four common decking materials, side by side — upfront cost, upkeep, and how long each tends to last.
How OutDeckly works
Four clear steps — and you stay in control of every decision and the final payment.
Tell us about your deck
Your project, your material, your size and area, and how to reach you. Contact and project details only — never financial records.
Get matched, free
We connect you with licensed, insured deck builders near you, at no cost to you.
Compare quotes
Ask for the price and scope in writing before work starts. The cheapest number on the phone isn't always the real bill.
You choose & hire
You decide who to hire. Confirm the permit is pulled and the work passes inspection before you pay the final amount.
Deck planning guides
Plain-language guides to costing, materials, permits, railings, and how to choose a builder you can trust.
Free for you — paid by builders
You never pay OutDeckly. Licensed deck builders pay a flat fee to be introduced to homeowners like you. That keeps the guides and the matching free, and it never changes what you're told.
Licensed, insured, permitted
We only point you toward licensed, insured deck builders, and we tell you to verify the license and insurance yourself, confirm the permit is pulled, and get the price in writing before any deposit.
Ready to plan your deck?
Check the honest cost per square foot first. Then get matched, free, with a licensed deck builder near you. You compare quotes and choose who to hire — and you confirm the price before any work starts.