How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Philadelphia? [2025 Data]

A deck can better use your outdoor living space, providing a roomy area to relax, entertain, and dine. The cost to build a deck in Philadelphia averages $8,824, though many homeowners pay between $5,237 and $12,738 for this project. Your total cost will depend on the size of your deck, the chosen material, local labor costs, and other factors.

Deck Building Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of building a deck in Philadelphia, PA. Discover how each detail impacts your total project cost.

Size

Most new decks cost $30 to $70 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 $50 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 $13 to $24 per square foot 

• Ipe wood decking costs $11 to $22 per square foot 

• Tigerwood costs about $8 to $17 per square foot

• Mahogany costs $9 to $12 per square foot 

• Redwood decking costs $6 to $39 per square foot

• Bamboo decking costs $3 to $11 per square foot

• Cedar decking costs $3 to $8 per square foot 

• Metal or aluminum decking costs $17 to $22 per square foot

The climate in Philadelphia is generally wet, characterized by humid summers and snowy winters. The deck material you choose should be able to withstand these weather conditions. Learn more about the pros and cons of some common deck materials for your Philly home.

Deck Type

Simply put, the more complex your deck build is, the higher the cost will be. Some types of decks, such as 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 $20 to $70 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 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: $1,100–$2,200

• 10x10 second-story deck: $4,400–$5,500

Framing

Framing a deck, which ensures the unit's joints are structurally safe and sound, costs $10 to $13 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 $22 to $50 per square foot, depending on the material used. 

Add-Ons

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

• Staircase cost: $30–$55 per stair

• Electricity cost: $140–$330 per outdoor outlet

• Outdoor lighting fixtures cost: $55–$550

• Heaters cost: $110–$330

• Outdoor misting system cost: $2,310–$3,740

• Sofa, chairs, and table cost: $550+

• Outdoor fireplace cost: $1,650–$8,800

• Retractable deck awning cost: $660–$3,850

Deck Pro Costs

The cost of hiring a deck-building pro in Philadelphia, PA, depends on labor charges, permit fees, and taxes, and installing a deck can affect your insurance premiums. Learn more about these factors to understand the true cost of building a deck.

Labor

The cost of living in Philadelphia is about 4% higher than the national average. Expect to pay between $17 and $39 per square foot in labor costs to build a deck in Philly. Your deck pro can provide a more accurate estimate of the exact labor costs associated with this project.

Permits

The City of Philadelphia requires homeowners to obtain a building permit before proceeding with a deck-building project. As long as your project meets certain requirements, you can apply for an EZ Deck Permit without submitting project plans. However, a more complex build may require a different permit.

Insurance

When you build a new deck, you must let your homeowners insurance provider know. Your dwelling policy should cover an attached deck, while an unattached deck needs other structures coverage. Contact your insurance provider to see how your deck addition may affect your premiums.

Taxes

The combined sales tax rate in Philadelphia is 8%, comprising a 6% state tax and a 2% Philadelphia County tax. If you plan on purchasing materials yourself, you must include tax when calculating your budget. And if you’ll have your deck builder purchase materials for you, check that they have included taxes in your project estimate.

Does Building a Deck Increase Home Value?

Building a deck can help you secure a higher selling price for your home. But exactly how much can you expect to recoup on this project?

According to the Journal of Light Construction’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report, a wood deck has a 90% return on investment (ROI) in Philadelphia, while a composite deck has an 87.2% ROI. If you spend $10,000 on your new deck, that means you will add between $8,720 and $9,000 to the value of your home. The exact ROI, however, will depend on the real estate market at the time of your home's sale.

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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