Black locust decking typically costs $25-$45 per square foot installed, with a 300-square-foot deck often totaling $7,500-$13,500. Board grade and dimensions, framing condition, labor rates, and whether an old deck must be removed drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed decking | $25/sq ft | $35/sq ft | $45/sq ft | Boards, standard installation, and basic fasteners |
| Black locust boards | $8/sq ft | $12/sq ft | $18/sq ft | Material only; grade and profile affect price |
| 300-sq-ft deck | $7,500 | $10,500 | $13,500 | Typical installed scope, before major repairs |
| Deck removal | $3/sq ft | $5/sq ft | $8/sq ft | Additional where existing boards need disposal |
What a black locust deck costs at common sizes
For a straightforward ground-level project, installed pricing commonly runs $25-$45 per square foot. A 200-square-foot platform may cost $5,000-$9,000, while a 400-square-foot deck may run $10,000-$18,000. These estimates assume sound framing, standard access, locally available boards, and no stairs or railing replacement.
Board-only prices generally fall around $8-$18 per square foot. Black locust is a dense, durable hardwood, and supply can be less predictable than for pressure-treated pine or composite decking. A practical planning figure is about $35 per square foot installed, or $10,500 for 300 square feet.
Assumptions: U.S. residential project, standard board layout, ordinary access, and no structural framing replacement.
How boards, labor, and fasteners shape the quote
A deck estimate separates materials from installation and site work. Heavy hardwood boards may take more time to handle and fasten than common softwood, and predrilling can be needed to reduce splitting. The ranges below apply to a 300-square-foot deck; actual quotes vary by market and scope.
| Quote item | Typical range | Basis | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black locust boards | $2,400-$5,400 | $8-$18/sq ft | Grade, thickness, profile, and waste |
| Labor | $2,400-$4,500 | $8-$15/sq ft | Layout, cuts, stairs, and access |
| Fasteners and accessories | $450-$1,200 | $1.50-$4/sq ft | Stainless screws, clips, and trim |
| Framing adjustments | $600-$2,100 | $2-$7/sq ft | Joist repairs or spacing changes |
| Removal and disposal | $900-$2,400 | $3-$8/sq ft | Old decking and disposal distance |
These are line-item ranges, not a promise that every quote includes each item. Confirm whether the estimate includes waste, delivery, fasteners, framing work, and disposal before comparing totals.
Board thickness and joist spacing can change material needs
Board dimensions and the framing beneath them affect both material use and installation time. A 5/4-inch deck board may price differently from a thicker 1-inch board, while wider boards can cover the same area with fewer pieces but may not be stocked locally. Ask the supplier to specify board thickness, width, grade, and whether the quoted footage includes 10%-15% extra for cuts and defects.
Joist spacing matters because the board manufacturer’s installation guidance may limit the span. Existing framing at 24 inches on center may require reinforcement or closer joists for a particular board thickness; repairs or added blocking can add roughly $2-$7 per square foot. Have the installer verify the framing and fastening requirements before ordering hardwood.
How many labor hours does hardwood decking take
A two-person crew may need roughly 3-6 working days for a simple 300-square-foot deck, or about 48-96 combined labor hours. Complex angles, stairs, borders, or difficult access can extend the schedule. Installers may charge $50-$100 per labor hour, though many provide a per-square-foot bid instead.
For an hourly estimate, multiply crew labor hours by the contractor’s stated hourly rate and add materials separately. The quote should say whether time for delivery, board acclimation, fastening, and cleanup is included.
Regional availability shifts black locust decking prices
Prices can vary with local hardwood supply and labor. Near established domestic hardwood distribution, material and freight may be closer to the lower end; areas with limited suppliers can pay 10%-25% more for delivered boards. Major metro labor markets may also run 10%-20% above nearby rural rates, while remote locations can incur extra delivery charges.
Request a delivered-material quote rather than comparing board prices alone. A supplier’s freight minimum, limited stock, or long-distance shipment can change the effective per-square-foot cost. Compare installed bids from contractors quoting the same board grade and delivery scope.
Three project scopes show how totals add up
A basic 200-square-foot replacement on sound framing might total $5,000-$7,000, including boards at about $10-$14 per square foot and straightforward installation. A 300-square-foot deck with midrange boards, stainless fasteners, and minor blocking repairs may land around $9,000-$13,000. A 400-square-foot elevated deck with stairs, railing work, and old-board removal can exceed $18,000.
These examples use installed totals rather than material-only prices. A railing or stair rebuild can add several thousand dollars depending on dimensions and code requirements. Ask contractors to price the deck surface separately from stairs, rails, and structural repairs.
Which upgrades and site work add charges
Old decking removal usually adds $3-$8 per square foot, with heavier demolition or difficult access near the upper end. Stairs, picture-frame borders, fascia, and custom patterns require extra cuts and can increase labor. New railing is often priced separately, commonly around $50-$150 per linear foot depending on material and design.
Black locust’s natural durability may reduce the need for chemical treatment, but buyers should follow the supplier’s recommendations for finish and maintenance. Delivery charges, minimum order quantities, and waste disposal can be significant on small projects. Get separate prices for optional finish, railing, and demolition instead of accepting one unclear allowance.
Ways to lower a black locust deck quote
Keeping the deck rectangular, retaining sound framing, and using a standard board width can reduce cutting and labor. Avoid replacing joists or rails that remain structurally sound, but have a qualified contractor check them first. Order a realistic quantity with a modest waste allowance rather than overbuying premium boards.
Compare at least three bids that use the same dimensions, board grade, fastener type, and included work. If black locust exceeds the budget, compare its installed quote with pressure-treated decking or another hardwood, accounting for expected upkeep and service life rather than material price alone. The largest controllable savings usually come from limiting demolition, custom details, and unnecessary framing changes.