Deck Cost Calculator (DIY materials)

Estimate the materials to build your deck yourself — surface, framing, railings, and stairs — by size and decking material. For the footings, set a foundation allowance here or get the detail in the Deck Foundation Cost Calculator. New to the cost question? Start with what a deck costs in Canada, or compare decking materials before you pick one here.

Your Deck

Deck length (ft)

Deck depth (ft)

Deck height (ft)

Grade to deck surface — sets the stair count.

Decking material

The budget default — framing plus a treated-lumber surface.

Attachment

Attached decks need railing on three sides, not four.

Include railings Include stairs

Adjust unit prices (CAD materials, editable)

Pressure-treated, deck + framing ($/sq ft)

Cedar, deck + framing ($/sq ft)

Composite, deck + framing ($/sq ft)

Railing ($/linear ft)

PT/aluminum ~$20–35; composite/glass higher.

Stairs ($/step)

Stringers, treads, hardware. ~7.5″ rise per step.

Foundation allowance ($)

Footings/piles. Detail it in the foundation calculator.

Waste / extras (%)

Estimated DIY materials cost

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Materials Breakdown

Item	Quantity	Cost

Going further: nail down the footings in the Deck Foundation Cost Calculator, choose the method in the deck foundations & frost guide, and confirm requirements in the permits guide before you build.

Disclaimer: This estimates DIY materials only — it does not include labour, tools, delivery, tax, permits, demolition, or site prep, and it is not a structural design. Material quantities and spans are governed by your design and provincial code. Prices are 2026 Canadian planning defaults; tune them to local quotes. Confirm permit requirements with your municipality and consult an engineer for tall, attached, or complex decks.

How this estimate works

Deck + framing = area × the material rate you set (framing, decking boards, and hardware). Railings = railing length × your per-foot rate, where railing length is the perimeter minus the house side for an attached deck (and minus a ~4 ft stair opening when stairs are included). Stairs = number of steps × your per-step rate, with steps estimated from deck height at a ~7.5″ rise. A waste/extras percentage is applied to those materials, then your editable foundation allowance is added. The result is shown ±15%. Labour is excluded — supplying it yourself is the main DIY saving (roughly 40–50% of a built deck).