Deck and porch service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
You’ll typically pay between $30 and $70 per square foot to build a deck in Philadelphia.
A pressure-treated wood deck can cost as little as $2 per square foot, while a composite deck may cost up to $24 per square foot.
Adding components like a staircase, electrical outlets, outdoor heaters, or misting systems will increase the project cost.
The labor cost in Philadelphia typically ranges from $17 to $39 per square foot.
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.
Several factors influence the cost of building a deck in Philadelphia, PA. Discover how each detail impacts your total project cost.
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:
| Deck Size in Feet | Average Cost in Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|
| 10x10 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| 10x12 | $3,600–$8,400 |
| 12x12 | $4,320–$10,080 |
| 12x16 | $5,760–$13,440 |
| 12x20 | $7,200–$16,800 |
| 14x20 | $8,400–$19,600 |
| 12x24 | $8,640–$20,160 |
| 16x20 | $9,600–$22,400 |
| 20x20 | $12,000–$28,000 |
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.
| Decking Material | Pros in Philadelphia, PA | Cons in Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | Low-cost and easy to install | High-maintenance |
| Composite decking | Good resistance to wet weather conditions | Relatively expensive to install |
| Ipe wood | Less likely to contract and expand than other woods | Can require special tools to install, increasing the cost |
| Tigerwood | Natural resistance to rot and decay | Not intended for DIY installation |
| Mahogany | Durable and rot-resistant | One of the most expensive hardwoods |
| Redwood | Less prone to warping than pressure-treated wood | Regular sealing is required to repel moisture |
| Bamboo | Durable and sustainable material choice | Can be sensitive to wet climates |
| Cedar | Cheaper than many other types of hardwood | Can be prone to cracking and splintering |
| Aluminum/metal | Durable and long-lasting | One of the most expensive deck materials |
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New house. Whole house plumping. Outstanding. Reputable, service oriented Patrick and John are outstanding people Call Reynolds and you will be totally satisfied Efficient reliable and priced fairly
Marquis and his crew did a phenomenal job with shoveling the snow from my sidewalk and driveway. They showed up on time and thoroughly removed the snow and put down pet-friendly salt, which was an extra nice touch. We’ll definitely reach out again for the next snowstorm!
All Legend Services, LLCHigherd Toure Henderson to redo our deck the dude has skills 👍
I needed new gutters and gutter guards installed. Andrew and Jeremy came out and did a great professional job!!
The Brothers That Just Do GuttersGreat work by sandstone property solutions they found matching bricks to build our porch with. There work was exceptional. Have recommended them to several others who have all been pleased with there work ethic and high quality masonry work
Sandstone Property SolutionsI first asked to just do the lawn and trim trees but my wife wanted a full yard clean out, replace shrubbery and create space for a garden and it was no problem they did the entire job effortlessly, quickly and at a very fair price. Thank you fellas
Azim and his team were amazing! They were super professional and went above and beyond to make sure we were happy with everything. Azim explained the whole process really clearly and was open to all of my last-minute ideas. They renovated our entire porch, handling so many little details, and...
AK HandyContractor and his crew were professional, fast and efficient. Finished the job on time. Installed beautiful cabinetry and counter top. I would recommend Raza for remodeling kitchens.
Hyland RestorationThey put down the floors quickly with only a few minor problems with furniture moving and door scoring, our hall closet door had to be shaved down and rehung. The material is beautiful and looks wonderful in our home. They were professional and I am so sorry that we didn’t have bottled water...
Empire Today - PhiladelphiaIt went amazing !! Home and hearth chimney was professional and diligent in there work processes. He quoted us and did the job same day. Was very happy with work !!
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Deck repair costs depend on materials, damage you need to fix, and more. See how much it costs to replace or repair a deck in Philadelphia, PA.
Wondering how much it costs to build a house in Philadelphia, PA? Use this guide to cover all your bases, from permits and planning to construction and finishing touches.
Looking to add a screened-in porch to your home? Find out the cost of a screened-in porch in Philadelphia, PA, based on size, screen material, and more.
Save time and money by learning how to hire a deck-building pro who has the qualifications and skills to design and build your dream deck.
Building a deck expands your living space to the outdoors. Here’s a deck building materials list that lays out all the supplies you need to create the perfect deck.
You may be wondering how to start a deck building business. Our guide outlines everything to know about starting your own deck building company.
