How Much Does a Second Story Deck Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to build a second-story deck is $4,800 per square foot. Most homeowners pay between $3,600 and $6,000 per square foot, with the total driven primarily by deck size and your choice of decking material.

Second Story Deck Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Deck size and decking material are the two biggest drivers of second-story deck installation cost, though shape, location, labor, and permits also influence your final total.

Size

A second-story deck typically costs $40 to $50 per square foot for labor and materials combined, though material choice can push that range from $30 to $90 per square foot. Because there is no standard deck size, your total will vary significantly based on your project's square footage, as the table below shows.

Materials

Decking material is the biggest single factor in the cost to build a deck, with costs varying widely by species and composition, as the breakdown below illustrates.

Labor

Labor for a second-story deck installation runs $10 to $45 per square foot on average, making up 30% to 50% of your total project cost. Expect to pay slightly more to hire a deck building contractor for an elevated deck than a ground-level one, because building a raised framework demands additional expertise and carries higher insurance costs for the crew.

Location

Where you live affects what you pay, with warmer regions like the southwest and southeast generally offering lower costs because labor and materials are more readily available there, while colder, northern regions tend to run higher.

Permits

Most jurisdictions require a permit to build a new deck, and the average permitting and inspection fees for an elevated deck total about $500.

Shape

A rectangular deck is the most common and most affordable design to build. Choosing a specialty shape adds planning, labor, permitting, and material waste to your project, pushing total costs up by 50% to 100%.

Why You Should Hire a Deck Builder

While a DIY approach may seem like a good way to save money, building a second-story deck is a project that's best left to the pros. Mistakes can lead to costly problems like failed inspections, safety risks, and repairs. Hiring a local deck builder helps ensure your deck is built safely and to code.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a deck builder

Installing an elevated deck requires experience, specialized tools, and a strong understanding of structural safety.

• Elevated decks must be engineered to safely support weight and meet code requirements.

• Proper attachment to the home and support posts is critical to prevent dangerous issues like sagging and collapse.

• Pros can handle permits, inspections, and local code compliance properly.

• They also have the tools and equipment needed for framing at taller heights.

• Hiring a pro reduces safety risks and helps avoid costly reworks.

If you want to DIY part of the installation process

While the structural work should be left to a pro, there are a few tasks you can safely handle to help reduce costs.

• Demolish and haul away the existing deck yourself.

• Clear the area below the deck to allow faster access for construction.

• Apply stain, sealant, or paint after the deck is installed.

• Install non-structural accessories yourself, like privacy screens and post caps.

Cost of Common Deck Add-Ons

There are various optional costs for a deck-building project. An awning can offer shade and protection from the elements, while sealing or painting can protect your deck and help increase its lifespan. Note that a staircase may be required in some regions due to local fire codes.

• Awning: $800 to $5,000

• Deck sealing or waterproofing: $400 to $2,100

• Deck painting: $500 to $2,000

• Deck staircase: $1,000 to $2,000

• Prefabricated stairs: $800 to $1,000

How You Can Save Money on Second-Story Deck Costs

You can do many things to reduce the overall cost of a second-story deck:

• Opt for more affordable materials, such as pressure-treated wood

• Choose a simple rectangular design

• Do your own prep by clearing the work area ahead of time

• Handle the DIY-friendly aspects of the project yourself

DIY Savings

Although building a second-story deck yourself is not advisable, certain finishing tasks are well within DIY reach and can meaningfully reduce your bill. Deck paint costs about $40 to $120 per gallon, and handling the painting yourself can save over $1,000.

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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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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