18 Deck Building Statistics: Costs, Materials, ROI, and Outdoor Living Trends (2026)

A new deck is one of the most popular and financially rewarding home improvements an American homeowner can make. Whether you are drawn to the low cost of pressure-treated wood or the longevity of composite decking, understanding the real numbers helps you plan smarter. The statistics below pull together verified 2025 and 2026 data on what decks cost, which materials dominate, how decks hold up at resale, and how big the outdoor living market has become. Our deck building services connect you with vetted pros, and you can explore our full range of home services as well.

Deck building costs

1. The average deck costs about $14,000 to build

The national average cost to build a new deck is approximately $14,000, with most projects falling in the $9,000 to $20,000 range, according to Fixr. At the low end, a 100-square-foot pressure-treated pine deck runs about $1,500. At the high end, a 500-square-foot tropical hardwood deck with an outdoor kitchen and roof can top $40,000. Get a free fixed-price estimate from our deck building services to know your number before work begins.

2. Installed deck costs run $15 to $55 per square foot on average

All in, most decks cost between $15 and $55 per square foot installed, depending on material, deck type, and local labor rates, according to Fixr. Composite decking typically runs $28 to $40 per square foot installed, while pressure-treated wood comes in at $15 to $25 per square foot installed. HomeAdvisor puts the broader installed range at $10 to $75 per square foot when elevated, floating, or multi-level designs are included (HomeAdvisor).

3. A 10x10 deck costs $4,000 to $6,000

Deck cost scales closely with size. HomeAdvisor data shows a 100-square-foot (10x10) deck running $4,000 to $6,000, a 240-square-foot (12x20) deck costing $9,600 to $14,400, and a 400-square-foot (20x20) deck reaching $16,000 to $24,000 (HomeAdvisor).

4. The 2025 Zonda benchmark wood deck addition costs $18,263

The 2025 Zonda Cost vs. Value Report uses a 16x20-foot (320-square-foot) wood deck addition as its national benchmark, pricing it at $18,263 on average. The equivalent composite deck addition clocks in at $25,096, roughly 37% more, per the same report (PR Newswire, citing Zonda). If financing is a concern, explore our financing options.

5. Permits add $230 to $500 to the total cost

Most jurisdictions require a building permit for a new deck, which HomeAdvisor estimates at $230 to $500 depending on local fees (HomeAdvisor). A licensed pro pulls the permit on your behalf, ensuring the build passes inspection and that your homeowners insurance is protected. Unpermitted decks can become costly problems at resale.

Wood vs composite: ROI at resale

6. A wood deck addition recoups 94.9% of its cost at resale

In the 2025 Zonda Cost vs. Value Report, a wood deck addition returned $17,323 in resale value against an $18,263 job cost, a 94.9% cost-recouped rate. That makes it one of the top ten remodeling projects nationwide by ROI (PR Newswire, citing the 2025 Zonda Cost vs. Value Report). Our deck building services can help you capture that value.

7. A composite deck addition recoups 88.5% of its cost at resale

The same 2025 Zonda report found that a composite deck addition returned $22,199 in resale value against a $25,096 cost, an 88.5% recouped rate. Composite costs more upfront but its low-maintenance appeal to buyers means it still delivers a strong return (PR Newswire, citing the 2025 Zonda Cost vs. Value Report).

8. Both deck types outperform most interior remodeling projects for resale ROI

The 2025 Zonda report found that eight of the top ten highest-ROI projects are exterior upgrades, and both deck types rank in that tier. By contrast, many interior remodels such as a major kitchen renovation recoup 50% to 60% or less (PR Newswire, citing Zonda). A deck also complements other outdoor upgrades such as patio and hardscaping and fence installation.

9. Angi estimates an average deck ROI of about 83%

Angi data broadly puts the average ROI for a new deck at around 83%, adding roughly $3,620 to $10,450 in value depending on the project cost (Angi). ROI is highest in regions with warm climates where decks can be used year-round, and it rises with quality materials and professional installation.

Outdoor living popularity

10. 79% of prospective homebuyers rate a deck as essential or desirable

NAHB survey data cited by Eye on Housing shows that 79% of recent and prospective homebuyers rated a deck as an essential or desirable home feature, making it one of the most universally wanted outdoor elements (Eye on Housing, citing NAHB).

11. Decks are the most common outdoor structure remodeling project at 14% of outdoor jobs

Among homeowners taking on outdoor structure projects, decks are the single most common project type, cited by 14% of respondents, ahead of sheds and workshops (8%) and gazebos or pergolas (7%) (This Old House, citing Houzz data). For complementary outdoor upgrades, see our patio and hardscaping and landscaping services.

12. 63% of homeowners say outdoor living is their top remodeling priority

Six in ten homeowners say outdoor living would be their top priority if they were remodeling, and 75% of homebuyers prioritize homes with outdoor living spaces (This Old House). Homeowners cite aesthetics (51%), entertainment (37%), and extending their living space (33%) as the main drivers.

13. Only 17.4% of new homes include a deck, near an all-time low

The share of newly built single-family homes with a deck fell to 17.4% in 2024, the lowest on record since tracking began, down from a peak of 27% in 2007-2008, according to Eye on Housing analysis of Census data (Eye on Housing). The data suggests patios have crowded out decks on new construction, but existing-home deck additions remain strong.

Composite decking market growth

14. The global composite decking market is worth about $4.5 billion in 2026

The global composite decking market is valued at approximately $4.5 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach $8.55 billion by 2035, growing at a compound annual rate of 7.37%, according to Business Research Insights. Residential use accounts for 68% of that demand, reflecting how strongly the shift to low-maintenance outdoor materials is driven by homeowners.

15. North America will generate 32% of global composite decking market growth through 2029

North America is the fastest-growing and largest contributing region for composite decking, expected to account for 32% of global expansion between 2025 and 2029, according to Technavio market research cited by PR Newswire. Single-family home construction with composite decks grew from roughly 32,000 units in 2010 to 50,000 units by 2021.

16. Composite or plastic materials are used on 48% of deck renovation projects

Among homeowners who recently renovated a deck, 48% used composite or plastic materials and 32% used pressure-treated lumber, per Houzz survey data reported by This Old House. That composite majority reflects both the material's longer lifespan (25 or more years vs. 10 to 15 years for treated wood) and its zero-maintenance appeal.

Joy and value of outdoor projects

17. A new wood deck earns a Joy Score of 9.8 out of 10

The 2023 NAR Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features asked homeowners to rate their completed outdoor projects on a 10-point Joy Scale. A new wood deck scored 9.8, one of the highest of any project in the report, behind only an in-ground pool addition and landscape lighting at 10 (National Association of Realtors). The same report found that 64% of homeowners felt a major sense of accomplishment after completing an outdoor project.

18. 92% of Realtors recommend improving curb appeal before listing, and 68% of homeowners want to spend more time at home after an outdoor upgrade

The 2023 NAR report found that 92% of Realtors suggest improving curb appeal before a home goes on the market, pointing directly to outdoor upgrades like decks, patios, and landscaping as selling tools (National Association of Realtors). Separately, 68% of homeowners report a greater desire to be at home after completing an outdoor project, and 60% say they enjoy their home more. Pair your new deck with a fence installation or landscaping upgrade to maximize both enjoyment and curb appeal. If you are ready, request a free estimate today.

What this means for homeowners

• A deck is one of the most financially rewarding home improvements available. Wood deck additions recoup nearly 95 cents on the dollar at resale, and both wood and composite outperform most interior remodels by a wide margin.
• Material choice is a long-term decision. Composite costs about 37% more upfront but needs little to no maintenance, while pressure-treated wood costs less initially and still delivers a top-tier ROI at resale.
• Outdoor living demand is not a trend -- it is a permanent shift. Nearly two-thirds of homeowners say outdoor space is their top remodeling priority, and 79% of buyers actively want a deck when shopping for a home.
• Composite decking is where the market is heading. With a 7.37% annual growth rate globally and 48% of deck renovations already using composite or plastic materials, homeowners choosing composite are aligned with long-term buyer preferences.
• The emotional return is just as real as the financial one. A 9.8 out of 10 Joy Score means a deck delivers daily satisfaction, not just resale value.
• Pro House Maintenance matches you with vetted, licensed and insured deck builders, provides free fixed-price estimates, and offers financing to spread the cost. Check your area on our service areas page and request an estimate when you are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions