How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Washington, D.C.? [2025 Data]

A deck is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day. However, building a deck can be quite expensive. The average cost to build a deck in Washington, D.C., is $11,039, with most homeowners paying between $6,159 and $15,951. Your exact cost will depend on the deck size, material, type, height, and more. Learn how each of these factors impacts your cost for this project.

Deck Building Cost Factors

What’s the cost of building a deck in Washington, D.C.? It depends. Below, learn more about each factor affecting the total cost.

Size

Most new decks cost $40 to $80 per square foot. The higher end of that range represents deck projects built on second stories, utilizing 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 $60 per square foot. You might be tempted to choose less-expensive materials to save money, but this 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 in Washington, D.C.:

• Pressure-treated wood costs $3 to $7 per square foot 

• Composite deck materials cost $16 to $30 per square foot 

• Ipe wood decking costs $13 to $27 per square foot 

• Tigerwood costs about $9 to $20 per square foot

• Mahogany costs $11 to $15 per square foot 

• Redwood decking costs $7 to $47 per square foot

• Bamboo decking costs $4 to $13 per square foot

• Cedar decking costs $4 to $9 per square foot 

• Metal or aluminum decking costs $20 to $27 per square foot

Deck Type

Simply put, the more complex your deck build is, the higher the cost. Certain 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 $27 to $80 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 be determined by where it’s installed. A second-story deck (which some contractors might consider 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: $1,340–$2,680

• 10x10 second-story deck: $5,360–$6,700

Framing

Framing a deck, which ensures the unit's joints are structurally safe and sound, costs $12 to $16 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 $27 to $60 per square foot, depending on the type of material used. 

Add-Ons

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

• Staircase cost: $30–$70 per stair

• Electricity cost: $170–$400 per outdoor outlet

• Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $70–$670

• Heaters cost: $130–$400

• Outdoor misting system cost: $2,810–$4,560

• Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $670+

• Outdoor fireplace cost: $2,010–$10,720

• Retractable deck awning cost: $800–$4,690

Deck Pro Costs

Hiring a deck installation pro in Washington, D.C., is the best way to build your new deck. Although doing it yourself can save money, it may cost more in the long run if installation problems arise that require professional assistance. Learn more about what you can expect to pay a D.C.-area pro to build a deck.

Labor

Expect to pay between $20 and $50 per square foot to hire a contractor who builds decks. Labor costs are higher in the D.C. area compared to other areas of the country due to the capital’s relatively high cost of living—39% higher than the national average, to be precise.

Permits

Before you can build a deck, you must secure a permit. Washington, D.C., requires a homeowner or contractor to get a deck permit before construction begins. You can apply for a permit online. Permits start at $36.30, but if your project will cost more than $1,001, you’ll pay between $55.02 and $22,033, depending on the total cost.

Insurance

Construction is only one part of the cost to build a deck. You’ll need to inform your insurance provider about the addition to ensure your policy covers it. If the deck is attached to your home, it should be covered by your dwelling portion of your policy. Floating decks will be covered by the “other structures” portion.

Taxes

Washington, D.C., has a sales tax rate of 6%. You’ll pay taxes on materials and labor for your deck construction project. Ask your deck installer for an itemized estimate to determine how much you’ll pay in total taxes.

Does Building a Deck Increase Home Value?

A deck doesn’t just add outdoor living space to your home—it can also increase your home’s value. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report, a composite deck addition has a 107.1% return on investment in Washington, D.C., while a wood deck addition has an ROI of 85.6%.

Therefore, if you spend $20,000 on a composite deck, you can expect to add $21,420 to your home’s value. Spending $10,000 on a wood deck will add around $8,560 to your home’s value. Regardless of the value added, a deck can enhance your daily life by providing a calm and relaxing outdoor space perfect for entertaining family and friends.

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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