How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Boston, MA? [2026 Data]

There’s nothing quite like a peaceful deck where you can relax and unwind or entertain friends and family. If you’re considering building a deck, it’s wise to know how much you can expect to pay. Building a deck in Boston, MA, costs between $5,409 and $14,965, with many homeowners paying an average of $10,187. This guide will cover the main factors affecting this project's cost, including deck size, material, height, framing, flooring, and any additional features chosen.

Deck Building Cost Factors 

Building a deck can be costly, but the result is well worth it. Here are the primary factors influencing the cost of building a deck in Boston, MA.

Size

Most new decks cost $37 to $73 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 comprise a significant portion of your total budget, ranging from $2 to $55 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 $6 per square foot 

• Composite deck materials cost $15 to $27 per square foot 

• Ipe wood decking costs $12 to $24 per square foot 

• Tigerwood costs about $9 to $18 per square foot

• Mahogany costs $10 to $13 per square foot 

• Redwood decking costs $6 to $42 per square foot

• Bamboo decking costs $4 to $12 per square foot

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

• Metal or aluminum decking costs $18 to $24 per square foot

Boston’s climate includes hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. With so much precipitation, choosing the right type of deck material is crucial to withstand these varying weather conditions. Here are the pros and cons of the most common deck materials.

Deck Type

Simply put, the more complex your deck build is, the higher the cost 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 $24 to $73 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: $1,220–$2,440

• 10x10 second-story deck: $4,880–$6,100

Framing

Framing a deck, which ensures the unit's joints are structurally safe and sound, costs $11 to $15 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 $24 to $55 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–$60 per stair

• Electricity cost: $160–$370 per outdoor outlet

• Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $60–$610

• Heaters cost: $120–$370

• Outdoor misting system cost: $2,560–$4,150

• Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $610+

• Outdoor fireplace cost: $1,830–$9,760

• Retractable deck awning cost: $730–$4,270

Deck Pro Costs

Building a deck is a complex process, so we recommend hiring a deck-building pro in Boston, MA, rather than attempting to do it yourself. Of course, hiring a professional increases the project's cost, but it’s worth it to know the deck is structurally sound. Here are the primary factors that influence the cost of hiring a local deck builder.

Labor

The cost of living in Boston is 46% higher than the national average, which can often translate to higher labor costs. You can expect to pay between $18 and $43 per square foot in labor when you hire a pro for a deck-building project.

Permits

The City of Boston requires you to apply for a building permit before building a deck. You can apply for a permit online; you’ll likely need a short-form permit for this project. A homeowner can complete the permit application process, or a licensed professional deck builder can do it.

Insurance

Adding a deck to your home can impact your homeowners insurance costs. If the deck is attached to your home, it’ll be covered by your main dwelling insurance. If it’s unattached and floating, you’ll need other structures coverage. Contact your insurance provider to determine how your deck addition will affect your premiums.

Taxes

Boston itself doesn’t have a sales tax, so you’ll pay the Massachusetts sales tax rate of 6.25% on materials and labor for your deck-building project. If you buy your own materials, don’t forget to include taxes in your budget. If your pro buys the materials, ensure they’ve included tax in their project estimate.

Does Building a Deck Increase Home Value?

According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report by the Journal of Light Construction, building a wood deck has a 66.4% return on investment in Boston, while building a composite deck can increase your home value by 72.5%.

What does that mean, exactly? If you build a 12x20 wood deck for $3,000, you will recoup around 66.4% and see an increase of around $1,990 in your home’s value. A composite deck of the same size, costing $10,000 to build, will increase home value by $7,250. However, the exact home value addition will depend on the real estate market when you sell your home, as well as the condition of the deck when you come to sell.

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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