When budgeting a new deck, the cost of deck boards is the central price driver. Typical buyers pay based on material, board width, length, region, and whether boards come finished or require labor for installation. This article presents practical price ranges and concrete cost drivers for U.S. buyers evaluating deck board options.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure Treated Deck Boards (2×6, 8 ft) | $1.60/ft | $2.60/ft | $3.80/ft | Common, affordable; limited grain/appearance |
| Pressure Treated Deck Boards (2×8, 12 ft) | $2.40/ft | $3.60/ft | $5.00/ft | Higher span, fewer joints |
| Cedar or Hemlock (Treated) Boards | $3.50/ft | $5.50/ft | $7.50/ft | Premium look; higher cost per foot |
| Redwood or Cedar (Premium Hardwoods) | $6.00/ft | $9.00/ft | $12.00/ft | Best aesthetics; highest price tier |
| Exotic Hardwood Deck Boards | $9.00/ft | $12.00/ft | $18.00/ft | Very durable; expert installation often needed |
| Labor for Installation (per sq ft) | $3.50/sq ft | $6.00/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | Includes spacing and fasteners |
| Finish/Sealant (per 100 sq ft) | $25 | $60 | $120 | Protects boards; varies by product |
| Disposal/Removal of Old Deck Boards | $100 | $350 | $750 | Depends on scrap and haul-away fees |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 0.75–1.0 inch wood, normal access, typical deck footprint under 200 sq ft.
Material Choices and Deck Board Pricing Ranges
Material selection largely dictates total cost. Low-cost options like pressure treated boards start around $1.60 per linear foot, while premium hardwoods can exceed $12 per linear foot. For a 12×12 deck using 2×8 boards, expect material costs from about $2,000 to $4,000 before labor and finishing.
Budget by Board Width and Length
Wider boards reduce the number of joints but raise per-foot costs. 2×6 boards near the low end, while 2×8 or 2×10 boards push costs higher. A 10-foot board adds minimal labor savings but increases material cost per run, with typical ranges of $2.40–$5.00 per foot depending on species.
Pressure Treated vs Red Cedar Cost Details
Pressure treated boards are the baseline price option, offering durability at a lower cost. Red cedar provides aesthetics with higher price points, generally $3.50–$7.50 per foot for typical widths, and often requires fewer maintenance cycles than cheaper species.
Exotic Hardwood Per Square Foot and Per Board Costs
Exotic hardwoods command premium pricing due to density and appearance. Prices frequently run $12–$18 per linear foot for typical widths, with installation complexity adding to labor costs. A 200 sq ft deck with exotic boards can push total boards cost well above $4,000 before labor and finish.
Labor Impact When Boards Are Installed Finished or Unfinished
Finished boards reduce immediate staining steps but add material costs. Labor ranges from $3.50 to $9.50 per square foot for installation, depending on board type, substructure complexity, and access. A bare-bones installation may be closer to the lower end if joists are ready and boards are uniform.
Regional Price Variation for Deck Boards
Coastline markets and timber regions affect supply, freight, and selection. Coastal cities may experience higher cedar costs, while rural markets can offer lower base prices but longer lead times. In-region differences can shift per-foot costs by 10–25% or more.
Hidden Costs: Fasteners, Sealants, and Prep
Fasteners, spacer tools, and deck sealants add up. Plan $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft for fasteners and roughly $0.25–$0.75 per sq ft for sealants, plus preparation work such as cleaning and joist repairs that can add to the total.
How to Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Durability
Control scope and materials to balance price and longevity. Bundle purchases of boards, fasteners, and finishes from a single supplier when possible to secure volume discounts. If budget is tight, consider repurposing framing from a smaller project or choosing a slightly narrower board to reduce material waste.
Cost Components Table
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.60–$12.00/ft boards | $3.50–$9.50/sq ft | $0.50–$2.00/sq ft | $0–$200 | $100–$750 | 1–5 years | 5–15% |