The price of decking timber typically ranges from $3-$18 per square foot for boards alone, depending on species and grade. A professionally installed wood deck commonly costs $20-$55 per square foot, with size, framing condition, labor rates, and removal needs driving the final estimate.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck boards | $3/sq ft | $7/sq ft | $18/sq ft | Pressure-treated pine to premium hardwood |
| Installed wood decking | $20/sq ft | $35/sq ft | $55/sq ft | Standard access, including labor |
| 200-sq-ft deck project | $4,000 | $7,000 | $11,000 | New deck, typical framing and finish |
| Board replacement | $8/sq ft | $18/sq ft | $35/sq ft | Labor and boards, with access and removal varying |
What decking timber costs for a 200-square-foot deck
For a new 200-square-foot deck, boards alone may total $600-$3,600. A typical pressure-treated pine board package runs about $600-$1,200; cedar often costs $1,000-$2,000, while premium tropical hardwood can reach $2,400-$3,600. These figures cover deck boards, not the supporting frame, fasteners, stairs, or surface finish.
With labor, framing, and standard installation included, a basic 200-square-foot wood deck often totals $4,000-$11,000, or roughly $20-$55 per square foot. The lower end assumes pressure-treated lumber, a simple ground-level layout, and sound access. Multi-level designs, railings, stairs, or elevated construction can exceed the range.
Assumptions: U.S. mid-market pricing, standard rectangular layout, ordinary site access, and no major demolition or structural repairs.
For a straightforward project, budget around $7,000 for a 200-square-foot deck with standard materials and installation.
How boards, framing and installation appear in timber quotes
Decking quotes may combine materials and labor into a per-square-foot rate, so buyers should check whether the estimate includes joists, fasteners, finish, and disposal. The table shows common planning ranges; lumber grade, board profile, and local rates affect actual charges.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck boards | $3-$18 | Per sq ft | Species, grade, thickness |
| Framing lumber | $4-$10 | Per sq ft | Height, joist spacing, repairs |
| Installation labor | $8-$22 | Per sq ft | Layout, access, stairs, cuts |
| Fasteners and finish | $1-$5 | Per sq ft | Hidden clips, screws, stain |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$8 | Per sq ft | Existing deck size and haul distance |
Labor can also be estimated at about $50-$100 per hour per worker, though many contractors quote by the project. A two-person crew may need 2-5 workdays for a basic deck, with complex stairs, railing, or framing corrections extending the schedule.
Ask for separate board, framing, labor, and disposal amounts so a low quote is not hiding excluded work.
Which timber species, board thickness and spans raise the estimate
Species is a major price driver. Pressure-treated pine is generally the lowest-cost option at $3-$6 per square foot for boards; cedar commonly runs $5-$10; redwood may cost $7-$14; and tropical hardwoods such as ipe often land at $12-$18 or more. Availability and grade can push local prices beyond these ranges.
Board dimensions and structural requirements matter too. A 5/4-inch deck board is commonly less expensive than a thicker 2-inch board, while wide or unusually long boards may cost more and create additional waste. Joists spaced 12 inches apart rather than 16 inches may be specified for some hardwood boards or design conditions, adding framing lumber and labor. Actual spans and spacing must follow the lumber manufacturer’s instructions and local code.
Elevated decks, heavy railings, and stairs also increase the material takeoff. A project requiring more than 30 inches of elevation may need added guardrails, posts, or access stairs under local rules, but requirements vary by jurisdiction. Rot or undersized joists discovered during installation can add roughly $500-$3,000 or more in repair work.
Confirm species, board thickness, grade, and joist spacing in writing before comparing per-square-foot quotes.
Which material choices can lower timber deck costs?
Pressure-treated pine generally offers the lowest initial board price, while cedar and hardwoods cost more upfront. Choosing a readily stocked species and standard board lengths can limit special-order charges and offcuts. Buyers should compare the full installed price, because premium timber may require different fasteners, predrilling, or installation methods.
Keeping a deck rectangular, using a consistent board direction, and limiting stairs or built-in benches reduces cutting and labor. If framing is sound, replacing worn boards instead of rebuilding the whole deck can be less expensive; however, hidden rot or unsafe supports should be assessed before re-decking. Doing basic site clearing may help, but demolition or structural work is best defined in the contractor’s scope.
Get at least three itemized quotes based on the same dimensions, species, railing, finish, and disposal plan. Check whether each includes tax, delivery, permits, and a contingency for concealed damage. Avoid choosing on board price alone if the cheaper lumber is lower grade or unsuitable for the exposure and maintenance needs.
Standard lengths, a simple layout, and a sound existing frame are the most controllable ways to reduce the bill without downgrading safety.
How regional lumber and contractor rates shift the price
Decking timber prices vary with local lumber supply, freight, season, and labor demand. In many high-cost coastal metros, installed project quotes can run 10%-25% above national mid-market ranges. Rural markets may be 5%-15% lower when labor is available, though remote delivery can erase savings. These are planning comparisons, not fixed regional tariffs.
Species availability changes the comparison: cedar may be more competitive in parts of the West, while treated pine is commonly stocked across much of the South and Midwest. In areas where hardwood is imported or special-ordered, delivery and lead time can raise the total. Request local quotes with freight and taxes stated separately where possible.
Use local contractor estimates for the final budget, especially when the preferred species is not regularly stocked nearby.
How crew size and deck access affect installation time
A simple ground-level 200-square-foot deck may take a two- or three-person crew about 2-5 workdays, including basic framing and board installation. Tight access, stairs, demolition, or custom borders can add several days. Contractors may charge a minimum mobilization fee of about $250-$750 for small repairs, particularly when travel and setup are substantial.
Delivery may add $75-$300 for a local lumber order, while disposal of an existing deck can cost $300-$1,600 depending on volume, landfill fees, and hauling distance. Stain or sealant application may add $1-$3 per square foot when included in professional work; new timber may need to dry before finishing, depending on product instructions and conditions.
Clarify whether the quote includes delivery, demolition, haul-away, and finish application before setting the project schedule.
Three timber deck quotes for different budgets
A basic 120-square-foot ground-level deck using treated pine might cost $2,400-$4,800 installed. A roughly 200-square-foot cedar deck with standard railing may run $6,000-$10,000. A 300-square-foot hardwood deck with stairs and upgraded fasteners could reach $15,000-$25,000. These examples assume ordinary access and no major structural repairs; local labor and permitting can change totals.
For the 200-square-foot cedar example, a $7-per-square-foot board allowance equals about $1,400 before waste. A 10%-15% allowance for cuts and board selection may raise the lumber order to about $1,540-$1,610. Framing condition, railing length, and finish scope explain much of the remaining difference between quotes.
Compare each bid against the same deck size, species, railing length, and included work rather than comparing totals alone.