How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Charlotte, NC? [2025 Data]

A deck can be an excellent addition to your home, providing extra outdoor space to unwind, host dinner parties, or even relax in a hot tub. However, building a deck isn’t exactly a low-cost project. The cost to build a deck in Charlotte, NC, ranges from $3,369 to $9,995, with an average project cost of $6,635. Your cost will depend on size, material, flooring, framing, and more. Below, see how these factors can affect your total cost.

Deck Building Cost Factors

Building a deck in Charlotte, NC, can range in price for many reasons. Here are the most common factors that will affect your budget.

Size

Most new decks cost $20 to $50 per square foot. The higher end of that range represents deck projects built on second stories, utilizing high-end wood, or featuring 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 $36 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 $17 per square foot 

• Ipe wood decking costs $8 to $16 per square foot 

• Tigerwood costs about $6 to $12 per square foot

• Mahogany costs $6 to $9 per square foot 

• Redwood decking costs $4 to $28 per square foot

• Bamboo decking costs $2 to $8 per square foot

• Cedar decking costs $2 to $6 per square foot 

• Metal or aluminum decking costs $12 to $16 per square foot

Charlotte’s climate ranges from hot and humid in the summer to cold and wet in the winter. Choosing the right deck material to withstand these weather conditions helps prolong its lifespan. Here’s what to consider when choosing a deck material.

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 $16 to $47 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: $790–$1,580

• 10x10 second-story deck: $3,160–$3,950

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 $16 to $36 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–$240 per outdoor outlet

• Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $40–$400

• Heaters cost: $80–$240

• Outdoor misting system cost: $1,660–$2,690

• Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $400+

• Outdoor fireplace cost: $1,190–$6,320

• Retractable deck awning cost: $470–$2,770

Deck Pro Costs

Hiring a deck pro in Charlotte, NC, can vary in price depending on labor costs, permits, insurance, and taxes. Here’s how each of these factors plays into the total cost.

Labor

The cost of living in Charlotte is on par with the national average at just 1% below. Therefore, labor costs in the Queen City should be relatively average as well. You can expect to pay between $12 and $28 per square foot to hire a deck-building pro. However, the exact costs will depend on the level of experience your contractor has and the competition in the area.

Permits

You must obtain a permit before building, repairing, or replacing any load-bearing structure in Charlotte, including decks. You can apply for a permit online if you’re acting as your own contractor for the project. However, if you’re hiring a deck builder, they can obtain the permit on your behalf. 

Insurance

Your homeowners' insurance premiums may increase when you build a deck on your home. Your dwelling policy will cover attached decks, but you’ll typically need other structures coverage for a floating or unattached deck. Contact your insurance provider to inform them about the project and request a quote for your new coverage.

Taxes

The sales tax rate in Charlotte, NC, is 7.25%. Remember to include sales tax when creating your project budget. Sales tax will apply both to the project materials and the labor costs of hiring a professional deck builder.

Does Building a Deck Increase Home Value?

In addition to making your home a more enjoyable place to be, a deck can be a huge bonus when you sell your house. Potential buyers will be drawn to a home with a well-built and well-maintained deck. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report by the Journal of Light Construction, a wood deck has an 83.3% return on investment (ROI) in Charlotte, while a composite deck has a 69.3% ROI.

In real terms, that means you could increase your home value by $4,505 to $5,415 on an average deck project costing $6,500. However, that’s not a guaranteed rate. The real value will depend on the state of the housing market.

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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