How Much Does a Deck Cost in the Everett Area?
Online estimates often underestimate the cost of getting a deck built in the Everett area, as labor costs and higher cost of living here leads to higher prices on everything.
The cost of building a deck varies widely, and there are a few key factors that determine most of the cost, these are:
Deck Size & Complexity - How big is your deck and how complex is the design?
Decking Selection - What material do you want for the surface of your deck?
Railings - What railing system and fastening method do you want for your deck?
Other Features - Deck Lighting, Bench Seating, Privacy Walls, Pergolas, Patio Covers, Under-deck Waterproofing, etc
Jobsite Logistics - How difficult is access to the build area? Are there space restrictions, steep slopes, or other factors that will increase the difficulty of the build?
Permitting and Design - Permitting and design fees can add significant costs to a deck project, ~5-10% of the project price depending on location and design complexity.
Below, we go into more detail on each of these factors and how they affect the cost of your deck.
Factors That Influence Deck Cost
1. Deck Size
The larger the deck, the more materials and labor will be required, which directly impacts the cost. However, very small decks often cost more per square foot because the same steps needed to build bigger decks are still necessary for a small deck. On smaller decks, however, the difference in cost between budget and higher-end materials is less noticeable due to the lower total materials required.
2. Decking
The choice of decking materials is one of the biggest cost factors; higher end decking can make up over half of the material cost of a deck. Below are the materials cost of various decking. At the time of writing this article (2025), the following prices were available for these decking materials from a local supplier:
Tightknot Cedar - $3.50 - 7 / sqft
Composite decking (e.g., Trex, TimberTech): $6 - $21 / sqft
PVC decking: $10 - $17 / sqft
Hardwood (e.g., Ipe, Mahogany): $20 - $30* (the labor cost for installing hardwoods is higher than for other decking materials)
For more info on decking, check out:
3. Railing
Railings are recommended on decks over 18” above the ground, and they’re required by code on decks over 30” tall, or even shorter in some jurisdictions. After decking, railings are the next biggest cost of a deck. The following price ranges represent a few types of railings you might pick:
Wood Railings (Pressure Treated or Cedar) - $60 - $80 / linear ft (labor and materials)
Composite Railings - $120 - 150 / linear ft (labor and materials)
Aluminum Picket Railings - $130 - 180 / linear ft (labor and materials)
Aluminum w/ Stainless Steel Cable - $140 - 200+ / linear ft (labor and materials)
Fascia mount systems, or railings that include custom glass can raise these costs as well.
For more info on railings, check out:
4. Stairs
Stairs can add significant cost to decks, depending on their height and length. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Stairs tend to cost about 60 - 100% more per square foot than the main deck.
Stair railings also tend to cost more than level sections as they are more difficult to install, and often require the installation of a handrail in addition to the railing itself.
5. Additional Design Considerations
Permitting/Design: Permits and design costs can add ~5 - 10% to a deck.
Deck Lighting - Low-voltage deck lighting can add a luxurious resort-like ambiance to your deck and is a feature we think is one of the best upgrades for your deck. Deck lighting systems usually cost around $1000 - $3500 installed.
Built-in Seating - Bench seating can be a great way to provide structure to your deck and a good alternative to railings on decks less than 30” tall. Typical built-in seating costs around $65 - 85 / linear foot installed.
Under-deck Waterproofing - A great way to add usable space under a tall deck is to add a waterproofing and gutter system to your deck. These systems range from $15-30/sq ft installed.
Deck Cover, Pergola, or Shade Structure - Adding a cover to your deck creates a space you can enjoy all year long, and gives a more cozy feeling. Uncovered pergolas range from $15 - 25 / sqft, transparent deck covers are usually between $25 - 45 / sqft, and full roofs can be around $30 - 50+ / sqft, depending on materials and design selections
Complex Designs - Rectangular decks are the simplest and cheapest to build, whereas complex decking designs or inlays, or curved, multi-level, or tall decks can add cost to a project.
Deck Demolition - If you need your old deck removed, this can cost between $2 - 4 / sqft, depending on height and site conditions.
Site Logistics - cramped or difficult to access building sites can add costs to a deck as well
Cost-Saving Tips for Building a Deck
Opt for a Simple Design: Avoid curves, angles, and multi-levels to reduce material waste and labor costs.
Choose Affordable Materials: Trex, Timbertech and many other companies offer affordable entry-level composite decking products that offer low-maintenance longevity with a price comparable to cedar decking. Pressure treated wood railings with a Composite Drink Rail offer an economical, strong, long-lasting, and low-maintenance option for keeping your deck safe, functional, and beautiful.
Do Some Work Yourself: You can save money by handling demolition of your old deck, and clearing any vegetation or debris in the construction area.
Ask your contractor - Tell your contractor what features are most important to you and let them help you so you get the most bang for your buck. Some examples:
If Low Maintenance is top priority, but you don’t care about high end decking, you can save by using an entry-level composite, but splurging on composite or metal railings.
If you’re looking for a Resort-like Feel, consider adding deck lighting, an accent color border, and composite privacy paneling. Thes can be big bang-for-your-buck aesthetic upgrades that really up feel of the space.
Love to host BBQs all year-round? Add a transparent Deck Cover, built-in bench seating, and Wood Railings with a Drink Rail to create a fantastic space for hosting get-togethers.
Add some Patio Furniture - A nice set of patio furniture can enhance the appeal and functionality of a deck as much or more than fancy railings or built in features. A deck is only as good as what you use it for, so try adding some nice patio furniture and a fire table to create a gathering space that you and your loved ones will enjoy for years to come.
If this sounds like a lot to process, that’s because it is.
If you're in Snohomish or North King County and would rather have a professional handle your Deck or Patio Cover project, click the button below to get a free Project Estimate.
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