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Building a deck in Portland, OR, costs $10,150 on average, and ranges from $5,258 to $15,071—but you'll pay more for upgraded designs and high-end lumber.


Deck building costs in Portland, OR, are more than 23% higher than the national averages, due to a higher cost of living and stiff competition among contractors.
Portland’s wet climate means investing in moisture and rot-resistant decking materials is sensible.
Depending on design and material, a new deck costs $37 to $74 per square foot.
A well-constructed deck can offer a 75% to 85% ROI.
Building a deck in Portland, OR, costs $10,150 on average, with your final bill ranging from $5,258 to $15,071. Costs depend on square footage, design, materials, and construction style.
The wet, temperate conditions for which Portland is famed can help you enjoy a lush oasis around your new decking. However, the high rainfall and humidity mean you will get better long-term value by paying extra up front for quality, moisture-resistant decking materials less likely to warp, split, and rot. Proper treatment and deck maintenance are also important in this soggy city.

It’s true that deck size and materials are the biggest factors influencing deck building costs in Portland, OR. If you scrimp on materials, you may need to replace your deck prematurely when it starts to rot due to the regular rain the city receives. However, don’t underestimate how much the deck design plays a part. If your home is in a flood-prone part of the city, you might need to strengthen the foundations and raise the deck higher than normal.
Most new decks cost $37 to $74 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:
| Deck Size in Feet | Average Cost in Portland, OR |
|---|---|
| 10x10 | $4,920–$7,380 |
| 10x12 | $4,430–$8,860 |
| 12x12 | $7,080–$10,630 |
| 12x16 | $6,640–$13,280 |
| 12x20 | $11,810–$17,700 |
| 14x20 | $13,780–$20,660 |
| 12x24 | $14,170–$21,250 |
| 16x20 | $15,740–$23,610 |
| 20x20 | $19,680–$29,520 |
Your chosen deck material will make up a large portion of your total budget, ranging from $2.45 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 $2.45 to $6.15 per square foot
Composite deck materials cost $14.75 to $27 per square foot
Ipe wood decking costs $12.30 to $24.50 per square foot
Tigerwood costs about $8.60 to $18.50 per square foot
Mahogany costs $9.85 to $13.50 per square foot
Redwood decking costs $6.15 to $43 per square foot
Bamboo decking costs $3.70 to $12.30 per square foot
Cedar decking costs $3.70 to $8.60 per square foot
Metal or aluminum decking costs $18.50 to $24.60 per square foot
| Decking Material | Average Cost per Square Foot | Pros in Portland, OR | Cons in Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $2.30–$5.75 | Affordable | Higher upkeep; more vulnerable to warping, splitting, fading in wet conditions |
| Composite decking | $13.80–$25 | Low-maintenance, rot-resistant options available | Budget options can warp and be slippery in wet conditions |
| Ipe wood | $11.50–$23 | Durable; weather-resistant | High cost and maintenance; requires strong framing in flood-prone zones |
| Tigerwood | $8–$17.25 | More durable than many other hardwoods | Not as durable as Ipe wood |
| Mahogany | $9–$12.75 | More durable than cedar, pine, and redwood; naturally rot-resistant | Less durable than Ipe and tigerwood |
| Redwood | $5.75–$40 | More durable than pine and naturally rot-resistant | Less durable than Ipe, tigerwood, and mahogany |
| Bamboo | $3.45–$11.50 | Durable, sustainable, contemporary aesthetic | Prone to warping in high humidity if not properly treated |
| Cedar | $3.45–$8 | Rot and insect resistant, and doesn’t absorb heat like darker woods and composites | High-maintenance; less durable than hardwoods |
| Aluminum/Metal | $17.25–$23 | Highly durable, low-maintenance, fire- and weather-resistant | High up-front cost; slippery when wet |
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 $25 to $74 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.

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: $1,230–$2,460
10x10 second-story deck: $4,920–$6,150
Framing a deck, which ensures the unit's joints are structurally safe and sound, costs $11 to $14.75 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.
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 $24.60 to $55 per square foot, depending on the material.
Here are some other costs you might incur if you upgrade from a simple deck build:
Staircase cost: $25–$50 per stair
Electricity cost: $130–$300 per outdoor outlet
Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $50–$500
Heaters cost: $100–$300
Outdoor misting system cost: $2,100–$3,400
Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $500+
Outdoor fireplace cost: $1,500–$8,000
Retractable deck awning cost: $600–$3,500
Learning how to build a deck yourself in Portland is best left to the handiest of homeowners. If you don’t have the carpentry skills or know how to navigate the permit rules, you could end up overspending or making building blunders, especially if you’re working in a challenging, rain-soaked season. We recommend hiring a deck and porch pro in Portland to help you stay safe, on time, and within budget.
Labor costs to build a deck in Portland average between $18.50 and $43 per square foot. Rising construction activity and a shortage of skilled tradespeople in the city result in labor costs that exceed the national average. Be prepared to wait longer for a reputable deck builder rather than opting for an unlicensed professional without references, just because they’re inexpensive and available to do the job immediately.
Expect to pay between $145 and $471 for the cost of a building permit for constructing a deck in Portland, OR. The amount varies depending on the project's valuation. You need to apply for a permit in the city if the walking surface of your deck is over 30 inches from the ground. If in doubt, check the current City of Portland regulations.
As in other parts of the country, tipping the contractor building a deck in Portland isn't a requirement. However, setting aside $20 to $50 per worker is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for a job well done.
Professional installation ensures that the deck is built to code, minimizing the risk of costly repairs or replacements due to structural issues, improper materials, or faulty construction techniques. Moreover, pros have access to industry discounts on materials and tools, which can reduce up front costs.
Adding a deck in Portland, OR, offers more than just an extended outdoor living space for your home. This curb-appeal-boosting investment provides an average return on investment of 75% to 85% and can be a highly attractive addition for potential buyers. However, this depends on your contractor constructing a quality deck with weather-resistant materials that withstand the city’s frequently wet conditions.
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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