How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Los Angeles, CA? [2025 Data]

In Los Angeles, outdoor living is truly an art form, from rooftop decks in Echo Park to canyon-view escapes in Laurel Canyon. But before planning taco nights under the string lights, you’ll want to crunch the digits. Building a deck in Los Angeles, CA, costs $13,570 on average, and ranges from $6,335 to $20,871. Your final price for building your own slice of California cool depends on the materials you choose, the design's complexity, and the required permits.

Deck Building Cost Factors 

Building a deck in Los Angeles requires more than lumber and muscle. It also involves navigating the city's unique characteristics. From steep Hollywood Hills lots to breezy yards in Santa Monica, your location alone can swing the price.

Then there's the paperwork. LA's permit process is its own adventure, and labor rates here run higher than the national average. The local climate also plays a dramatic role, with its endless sunshine, salty coastal air, and annual rainy season, all of which demand durable material choices. 

Add in LA’s seismic shifts, which make strict building compliance a must, and extras like built-in seating and sophisticated lighting, and your deck can become as expensive as the neighborhood you are building in. And don’t forget the additional cost of annual deck staining for natural materials. 

Size

Most new decks cost $45 to $90 per square foot. The higher end of that range represents deck projects built on second stories, building a deck with high-end wood, or customized designs. See the table below for general estimates based on the size of your deck:

Material

Your chosen deck material will make up a large portion of your total budget, ranging from $3 to $67 per square foot. Less-expensive materials can be tempting, but they may result in extra expenses for maintenance and repair, which you’ll need to hire a local deck contractor to handle.

Keep in mind, heavy materials, like dense hardwoods such as Ipe or Tigerwood, aren’t ideal in seismic areas because their weight puts extra stress on framing during ground movement. Lighter options, such as composite or aluminum, are safer in earthquake-prone Los Angeles.

Here’s a breakdown of the materials and their costs:

• Pressure-treated wood costs $2 to $5 per square foot 

• Composite deck materials cost $12 to $22 per square foot 

• Ipe wood decking costs $10 to $20 per square foot 

• Tigerwood costs about $7 to $15 per square foot

• Mahogany costs $8 to $11 per square foot 

• Redwood decking costs $5 to $35 per square foot

• Bamboo decking costs $3 to $10 per square foot

• Cedar decking costs $3 to $7 per square foot 

• Metal or aluminum decking costs $15 to $20 per square foot

Deck Type

Simply put, the more complex your deck build is, the more it will cost. Types of decks like wraparound, multi-tier, and rooftop decks require greater accessibility, additional prep work, and often more materials.

For example, if you want to build a floating deck, it will likely cost about $30 to $89 per square foot. These decks don’t actually float—they’re just not attached to your home. Because of this, they’ll need a few more support posts to keep them structurally sound.

Deck Height

The type of deck you build will likely go hand in hand with where it’s installed. A second-story deck (which some contractors might deem a balcony) costs more to build because it’s harder to install. The most common place to install a deck, which is also likely the most cost-effective, is on the first floor attached to the backside of your home.

Here’s one example of how the cost average might differ:

• 10x10 first-story deck: $1,490–$2,980

• 10x10 second-story deck: $5,960–$7,450

Framing

Framing a deck, which ensures the unit's joints are structurally safe and sound, costs $13 to $18 per square foot for labor. The lumber or materials needed to frame your deck account for about one-third of the lumber you’ll need.

Flooring

Some homeowners choose to install flooring over a wood deck. Composite is a good material option, while more elegant choices like porcelain or ceramic could add thousands (or tens of thousands, depending on the deck’s size) to your price tag. The average cost ranges from $30 to $67 per square foot, depending on the material. 

Add-Ons

Here are some other costs you might incur if you upgrade from a simple deck build:

• Staircase cost: $37–$75 per stair

• Electricity cost: $194–$447 per outdoor outlet

• Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $75–$745

• Heaters cost: $149–$447

• Outdoor misting system cost: $3,129–$5,066

• Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $745+

• Outdoor fireplace cost: $2,235–$11,920

• Retractable deck awning cost: $894–$5,215

Deck Pro Costs

Working with professionals to build a deck in Los Angeles comes with its own set of extras. Between the complex permitting process and those signature LA price tags, your budget will stretch far beyond the cost of materials. If you’re wondering who to hire to build a deck, the right contractor won’t just handle construction; they’ll also guide you through the maze of local rules and requirements.

Local Labor Rates

Los Angeles is one of the most expensive areas in the country, with living costs running 50% higher than the national average. And of course, labor costs reflect that. Licensed contractors charge premium rates, especially for projects in tight spaces, hillsides, or rooftops. A straightforward platform deck in the Valley will cost less in labor than a custom build overlooking the Pacific, but either way, expect LA wages to push your bottom line higher.

Permits 

The fees for deck permits in Los Angeles are bespoke. The city calculates costs based on the project's overall value, and it can range anywhere from $500 to over $3,000. Larger or more elaborate designs could lead to even heftier fees.

Licensing and Certification

In Los Angeles, any deck project worth more than $500 in labor and materials requires a contractor licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). That license shows that they contractor understands the codes, rules, and the right way to build. 

Tipping

Simply put, tipping in the form of hard, cold cash is the best way to show appreciation. It is particularly true if your crew has been hauling supplies up your driveways through triple-digit Valley heat. While a gesture of $30 to $50 per worker at the end of the job is not mandatory, it’s a nice gesture.

Does Building a Deck Increase Home Value?

In Los Angeles, outdoor living is a significant part of the culture, making a deck more than just a design feature—it's a long-term investment in your abode. The average return on investment (ROI) for a deck addition is 83%.

That ROI depends on key factors. Safety comes first, with sturdy railings and code-compliant builds giving buyers confidence. Efficiency adds value through durable, low-maintenance materials that can handle LA’s sun, salty air, and winter rains.

Functionality matters too, with built-in seating, shade, and layouts that maximize both backyards and hillside lots. In the end, a deck in LA is not just a bonus. It is a lifestyle upgrade that reflects how Angelenos live, entertain, and unwind beneath endless sunshine and starry skies.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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