Cost to Build a Deck in Baltimore, MD (2026)
In Baltimore a 12×16 ft deck costs about $4,510 in pressure-treated pine and $9,675 in composite, installed — 5% above the US average. Below: local prices by size, footing depth, permits and a calculator priced for Baltimore.
Pressure-treated pine
$20–$27 /sq ft
Cedar
$30–$39 /sq ft
Composite
$44–$58 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for Baltimore
Priced with Baltimore labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$8,514 – $11,126
192 sq ft · about $50.39/sq ft
- Materials
- $5,963
- Labour
- $3,712
- Footings (30 in deep)
- 3 × about $186
- Frost-depth adjustment
- +$58
Mid-range estimate for a rectangular deck attached to the house, with one beam line per 12 ft of depth and footings every 8 ft. Excludes demolition, permits and site work. For railing, stairs and a full line-item breakdown use the main deck cost calculator.
Baltimore deck cost by size and material
Mid-range installed prices for a standard-height deck attached to the house, with footings at 30 inches. Add railing and stairs in the deck cost calculator.
| Deck size | Pressure-treated pine | Cedar | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $2,377 | $3,411 | $5,067 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,397 | $4,886 | $7,271 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $4,510 | $6,496 | $9,675 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $7,574 | $10,884 | $16,183 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $9,430 | $13,567 | $20,190 |
What makes a deck in Baltimore cost what it does
Rowhouses with small rear yards and many roof decks.
Labour here runs 3% above the Maryland average, so a pressure-treated 12×16 that averages $4,436 across Maryland comes to about $4,510 in Baltimore. Humid summers, cold winters and salt exposure around the Chesapeake.
Footings
Footings in Baltimore go about 30 inches deep, which costs roughly $186 per 12 inch footing installed. A 12×16 deck needs about 3. Size them with the deck footing calculator.
Deck permits in Baltimore
Permits are issued by the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development. Roof decks need structural review; footings go 30 inches deep. Typical fees run $150–$500. For the state rules that sit behind the local ones, see deck cost in Maryland.
Choosing decking in Baltimore
Composite adds about $5,165 to a 12×16 deck here over pressure-treated. Higher labour costs around Baltimore and DC make low-maintenance composite the common choice. Run the numbers for your deck in the composite vs wood calculator.
Best time to build
April to June and September to November.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost in Baltimore?
A 12×16 ft deck in Baltimore costs about $4,510 in pressure-treated pine, $6,496 in cedar and $9,675 in composite, installed. That is $20–$27 per square foot for pressure-treated and $44–$58 for composite.
Is building a deck in Baltimore more expensive than elsewhere in Maryland?
A typical deck in Baltimore runs right in line with the Maryland average and 5% above the US average, mainly because of local labour rates. Rowhouses with small rear yards and many roof decks.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Baltimore?
Permits are issued by the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development. Roof decks need structural review; footings go 30 inches deep. Budget roughly $150–$500 for the permit, more if drawings by a design professional are required.
How deep do deck footings have to be in Baltimore?
About 30 inches. Each 12 inch footing at that depth costs roughly $186 installed, and a 12×16 deck needs about 3. Always confirm the required depth with the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development before digging — the footing inspection happens before any concrete goes in.
Should I choose composite or wood for a deck in Baltimore?
Composite adds about $5,165 to a 12×16 deck in Baltimore but removes staining every two to three years. Higher labour costs around Baltimore and DC make low-maintenance composite the common choice.
Price the rest of the project
Figures are planning estimates built from national installed prices adjusted for Maryland and Baltimore labour, materials and footing depth. Get two or three itemised local quotes. Method.