Decks & Fences
Build Out Your Outdoor Space
Decks and fences define and expand how you use your outdoor space, a deck for living and entertaining, a fence for privacy, security, and containing pets or kids. Both add function and curb appeal, and both come in materials that balance cost, looks, and upkeep.
A good contractor helps you choose between pressure-treated wood, composite, and other materials, and builds to code with proper footings and hardware. Quality construction is what keeps a deck safe and a fence standing straight for years.
Abode connects you with local deck and fence pros. Compare specialists, understand your options, and build out your yard.
Did You Know?
Composite decking costs more upfront than wood but needs no staining or sealing, often making it cheaper over its lifespan once you factor in years of maintenance.
Decks & Fences Cost. How Much Do Projects Cost?
Most projects run between $13,000 and $38,000. The average price is typically around $20,000. The $13,000 to $38,000 range is a complete 16 by 20 foot deck installed - footings, framing, decking, a railing system, and steps to grade - so the table's per-square-foot and per-linear-foot figures are unit rates rather than project totals. A fence, the other project on this page, runs $2,700 to $12,000 installed for a typical 150-foot run, and a deck quote near $15 to $35 per square foot is decking and framing only, with footings, railings, and stairs still to pay for.
Typical duration: 3 days to 2 weeks
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood deck | $40-$70 per sq ft installed | A complete pressure-treated deck with footings, framing, railings, and steps to grade; a $15-$35 per sq ft quote covers decking and framing only |
| Composite deck | $55-$100 per sq ft installed | Capped composite at the walking surface over a treated-wood substructure; cellular PVC and tropical hardwood run $70-$120 per sq ft installed |
| Fence | $18-$80 per linear ft installed | Chain-link and picket at the bottom, wood privacy $25-$55 and vinyl $30-$70 in the middle, aluminum or ornamental steel at the top |
Cost data verified August 23, 2026. How we source cost data.
08/23/2026
Signs You Need Decks & Fences
- Wanting outdoor living or entertaining space
- Needing privacy, security, or pet containment
- An aging or unsafe deck or fence
- Boosting curb appeal and function
- Defining yard boundaries
Is It Right For You?
Who It's For
- Homeowners adding a deck or fence
- Anyone replacing an aging or unsafe structure
Who It's Not For
- Minor repairs to an existing deck or fence
- Patios better suited to ground-level hardscape
What to Watch Out For
Wood is cheaper but needs regular maintenance
Staining and sealing are needed to prevent rot
Alternatives to Consider
| Alternative | Better When | Worse When |
|---|---|---|
| Patio instead of a deck | Ground-level, often cheaper | Different look and no elevation |
| Wood over composite | Lower upfront cost | More maintenance and shorter lifespan |
Is It Worth It?
A deck or fence is worth it for the function and appeal it adds, with composite offering low maintenance and wood offering lower upfront cost.
Questions to Ask Your Pro
- Which decking or fence material fits my budget and upkeep?
- Will the build meet local code and permits?
- What footings and hardware do you use?
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete deck runs $40 to $120 per square foot installed depending on material, which is $13,000 to $38,000 for a typical 16 by 20 foot deck and about $20,000 on average. A fence runs $18 to $80 per linear foot installed, or $2,700 to $12,000 for a typical 150-foot run.
Wood costs less upfront but needs regular maintenance, while composite costs more but resists rot and needs no staining, often winning over its lifespan.
Common options are chain-link (cheapest), wood (classic, mid-range), and vinyl or composite (low-maintenance, higher cost).
The main drivers are the material, the size or length, the design complexity, and site conditions like slope.
Decks usually require a permit, and fences often do depending on height and location.
