How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in San Francisco? [2025 Data]

When Karl the Fog takes a day off, locals start daydreaming about decks faster than you can say “Dolores Park picnic.” Turning that fantasy into reality costs $13,395 on average, with most deck projects in San Francisco, CA, ranging between $6,879 and $19,912.

In a city where even the pigeons appreciate a good view, a deck isn’t just a luxury; it’s a lifestyle. Expect higher costs if your yard sits on a hill—and let’s be honest, it probably does—or if you’re adding multi-level designs and built-in seating.

Deck Building Cost Factors 

Building a deck in San Francisco, CA, is rarely a flat-out project. From the steep slopes of Twin Peaks to the tiny backyards in the Mission, every square foot of land has its quirks. That means extra structural work, creative designs, and sometimes a few city permits that take longer than your latte order at Blue Bottle. You’ll also need extra support structures to keep things steady when the ground decides to do a little Bay Area shimmy.

Local weather adds its own twist. The salty breeze rolling in from Ocean Beach and the constant dampness of Inner Sunset can wear down cheaper woods, so many homeowners invest in highly resistant decking materials that can handle the elements. Finally, extras like built-in benches, cozy lighting, or planters can turn even the smallest deck into a San Francisco treat.  

Size

Most new decks cost $49 to $97 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 $73 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. 

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

• Pressure-treated wood costs $3 to $8 per square foot

• Composite deck materials cost $19 to $36 per square foot 

• Ipe wood decking costs $16 to $32 per square foot

• Tigerwood costs about $11 to $24 per square foot

• Mahogany costs  $13 to $18 per square foot

• Redwood decking costs $8 to $57 per square foot

• Bamboo decking costs $5 to $16 per square foot

• Cedar decking costs $5 to $11 per square foot

• Metal or aluminum decking costs $24 to $32 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 $32 to $97 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: $1,620–$3,240

• 10x10 second-story deck: $6,480–$8,100

Framing

Framing a deck, which ensures the unit's joints are structurally safe and sound, costs $15 to $19 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 $32 to $73 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:$41–$81 per stair

• Electricity cost: $211–$486 per outdoor outlet

• Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $81–$810

• Heaters cost: $162–$486

• Outdoor misting system cost: $3,402–$5,508

• Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $810+

• Outdoor fireplace cost: $2,430–$12,960

• Retractable deck awning cost: $972–$5,670

Deck Pro Costs

Building a deck is not a simple weekend project. It’s a full collaboration between your budget, the city, and very patient deck contractors in San Francisco. Between the steep hills, compact backyards, and strict codes, the City by the Bay keeps you on your toes.

Local Labor Rates

Expect to pay more per hour than in most other cities. San Francisco’s cost of living is about 65% higher than the national average, and local labor rates reflect it. Skilled deck builders here charge more because they are not just carpenters; they are qualified professionals. They are problem solvers who know how to build on slopes, fit small spaces, and meet seismic standards.

Permits

Permits in San Francisco can move more slowly than traffic on the Bay Bridge at rush hour. That is part of the reality when building in a city full of hills, tight neighborhoods, and historic homes. Even small projects can take two months to over a year to approve.

If your deck is more than 30 inches off the ground or attached to your home, you’ll need both a Building Permit and a Planning Department review. These ensure your design is safe, structurally sound, and compliant with local codes. Your contractor will contact the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and prepare the necessary forms.

Licensing and Certification

In a city that occasionally shakes, you want builders who know what they are doing. Any contractor taking on a job worth $500 or more must hold a valid California State Contractor’s License from the CSLB and a San Francisco Business Registration Certificate.

Hiring unlicensed labor might seem like a money-saver initially, but it can lead to unsafe construction and hefty fines. Unlicensed contractors risk criminal charges and even jail time, while homeowners who hire them can face serious legal and financial trouble.

Sales Tax on Materials

In San Francisco, contractors pay the 8.625% sales tax on materials themselves, not the homeowner. The tax is included in their costs and is not listed as a separate line item on the invoice. Also, labor is not taxable in California.

Tipping

Tipping deck builders is not mandatory, but it’s always appreciated. For exceptional work, many homeowners give $20 to $100 per crew member, depending on project size and service quality. If you prefer another way to show gratitude, leave a detailed review on Yelp, Angi, or Google. A referral to neighbors or friends is even better and can help a hardworking local crew stay busy.

Does Building a Deck Increase Home Value?

In San Francisco, a well-built deck is more than extra square footage; it’s an outdoor escape from Zoom calls and kitchen clutter. Homeowners can expect an ROI of up to 83%, adding roughly $5,864 to $16,929 in resale value.

The real payoff, though, goes beyond dollars. A deck built to local standards enhances safety with quake-ready framing and proper railings, boosts efficiency with durable, low-maintenance materials, and improves functionality by converting tight spaces into usable living areas.

Add a touch of universal design for easy access and a hint of San Francisco style, like sleek cable railings and cozy lighting, and you’ve got a feature that pays back in value and everyday joy.

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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