Deck cost calculator
Begin with size and surface-board quantity
A deck board estimator can create a useful early quantity for a rectangular surface. It does not calculate the footings, framing, connections, railings, stairs, labor, permits, or site work that often drive a large share of the installed cost.
Planning calculator
Deck board estimator
Estimate surface boards for a simple rectangular deck. This is a planning quantity—not a material order or construction plan.
Planning result
- Surface area
- 192 sq ft
- Board courses
- 26
- Linear feet
- 416
- Approx. 16-ft boards incl. waste
- 29
Actual quantities depend on board direction, seams, breaker boards, stairs, picture framing, joist layout, manufacturer spacing, usable stock lengths, defects, and cut plan. Have the contractor or supplier verify the takeoff before ordering.
The biggest deck-cost variables
Wood, composite, and Trex deck estimates
Material comparisons should include the complete compatible system: decking profile, fasteners, fascia, trim, framing spacing, ventilation, stair details, and warranty requirements. Trex and other composite product lines offer multiple tiers, so a brand name by itself does not define an installed price.
Compare deck-building decisionsDeck replacement, resurfacing, and refinishing cost
Replacing surface boards may be practical when the underlying structure remains sound. Staining or refinishing serves a different purpose: it protects and refreshes suitable wood but cannot repair decay or movement. Ask for an inspection-based scope that identifies what remains, what changes, and any conditions that could alter the proposal.
Explore deck repair and refinishingHow to compare deck contractor estimates
Look for explicit assumptions about design, demolition, footings, framing, ledger and flashing, decking, fasteners, railings, stairs, permits, finish work, cleanup, allowances, warranties, and payment terms. A lower total may represent a narrower scope rather than a lower cost for the same deck.
Verified planning links
Before work begins in Portland
Confirm the project address, zoning constraints, property lines, and any neighborhood requirements before finalizing the layout.
Check the local rules
Fence: Portland generally does not require a building permit for wood or similar fences up to 7 feet, masonry or concrete fences up to 4 feet, or typical woven-wire and chain-link field fencing up to 8 feet. Pool barriers and other site conditions can change the answer, and zoning rules still apply.
Deck: An uncovered deck generally requires a building permit when its walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade. A lower deck may be exempt when it also stays at least 3 feet from a property line, but zoning and site-specific requirements still apply.
Verify the contractor
Check the Oregon CCB record yourself before signing. It can show current license status, bond and insurance information, workers’ compensation status, and complaint or disciplinary history.
Check an Oregon CCB licenseLocate utilities before digging
Oregon’s Public Utility Commission says to contact 811 at least two business days before digging. Fence posts and deck footings both count as excavation.
Review Oregon 811 guidanceLinks and summaries reviewed September 2026. Requirements depend on the address and project; confirm the current answer with the authority having jurisdiction.
Why this guide does not use a generic Portland price
Online ranges often combine different years, regions, materials, structures, and incomplete scopes. For a useful comparison, ask contractors to price the same clearly defined project and explain meaningful differences in structure, materials, preparation, exclusions, and warranty terms.