How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Indianapolis? [2026 Data]

A backyard deck is the perfect spot to unwind, relax, and entertain friends and family. But building a deck can be a substantial expense. The cost to build a deck in Indianapolis averages $6,158, with a typical price range between $3,148 and $9,477. The exact cost will depend on the deck size, material, type of framing, and other factors. This guide explains these factors so you can make a realistic budget.

Deck Building Cost Factors

If you’re considering building a deck in Indianapolis, IN, here’s what you need to know about the factors affecting project pricing.

Size

Most new decks cost $20 to $40 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 account for a significant portion of your total budget, ranging from $2 to $33 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 $2 to $4 per square foot 

• Composite deck materials cost $9 to $16 per square foot 

• Ipe wood decking costs $7 to $15 per square foot 

• Tigerwood costs about $5 to $11 per square foot

• Mahogany costs $6 to $8 per square foot 

• Redwood decking costs $4 to $26 per square foot

• Bamboo decking costs $2 to $7 per square foot

• Cedar decking costs $2 to $5 per square foot 

• Metal or aluminum decking costs $11 to $15 per square foot

Indianapolis has humid, wet summers and cold, snowy winters, so you must choose a deck material that can withstand the weather. Here are the pros and cons of some of the top deck material choices.

Deck Type

Simply put, the more complex your deck build is, the more expensive it will be. 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 $15 to $44 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 more challenging 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: $740–$21,480

• 10x10 second-story deck: $2,960–$3,700

Framing

Framing a deck, which ensures the unit's joints are structurally safe and sound, costs $7 to $9 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 $11 to $33 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: $20–$40 per stair

• Electricity cost: $100–$220 per outdoor outlet

• Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $40–$370

• Heaters cost: $70–$220

• Outdoor misting system cost: $1,560–$2,520

• Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $370+

• Outdoor fireplace cost: $1,110–$5,920

• Retractable deck awning cost: $440–$2,590

Deck Pro Costs

Building a deck is labor-intensive and time-consuming, making it an unsuitable DIY project for the average homeowner. Hiring a deck-building pro in Indianapolis ensures the finished product will look good—and, more importantly, be safe and stable. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of hiring a pro.

Labor

Indianapolis’s cost of living is around 11% lower than the national average. Expect to pay between $11 and $26 per square foot for labor when hiring a pro to build a deck. The exact cost of labor depends on local demand and the experience level of the pro you choose.

Permits

Many states and local municipalities require permits for deck construction, and Indianapolis is no exception. Before starting work, check whether your deck project needs a residential (Class 2) development permit. Your contractor should be able to determine whether you need a permit and may be able to handle the application process for you. A permit will add to the overall cost of the project.

Insurance

You’ll need to contact your insurance company to let them know you’re installing a deck on your property. A deck adds potential liability to your home, so you must ensure your homeowners' insurance policy covers it. An attached deck should be covered under your dwelling policy, while an unattached deck will need other structures coverage.

Taxes

The City of Indianapolis doesn’t have a separate sales tax, so you’ll pay the Indiana state tax rate of 7% on materials and labor for your deck project. Include taxes in your budget, whether you plan to purchase materials yourself or have your contractor do so.

Does Building a Deck Increase Home Value?

A deck adds outdoor living space to your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers. Like many home improvement projects, building a deck can increase home value. In Indianapolis, building a wood deck yields a 102.7% return on investment (ROI), while building a composite deck yields a 97.9% ROI, according to the 2025 Cost vs. Value report by the Journal of Light Construction.

If you spend $6,000 to build your deck, that ROI means you could add between $5,874 and $6,162 when you sell your home. Of course, there’s no guarantee until you get an offer, so your exact ROI will depend on the real estate market at the time.

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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