Cost to Build a Deck in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
In Los Angeles a 12×16 ft deck costs about $5,148 in pressure-treated pine and $10,896 in composite, installed — 20% above the US average. Below: local prices by size, footing depth, permits and a calculator priced for Los Angeles.
Pressure-treated pine
$24–$32 /sq ft
Cedar
$33–$44 /sq ft
Composite
$50–$66 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for Los Angeles
Priced with Los Angeles labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$9,588 – $12,530
192 sq ft · about $56.75/sq ft
- Materials
- $6,827
- Labour
- $4,069
- Footings (12 in deep)
- 3 × about $128
- Frost-depth adjustment
- −$115
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.
Los Angeles deck cost by size and material
Mid-range installed prices for a standard-height deck attached to the house, with footings at 12 inches. Add railing and stairs in the deck cost calculator.
| Deck size | Pressure-treated pine | Cedar | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $2,626 | $3,681 | $5,620 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,832 | $5,351 | $8,143 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $5,148 | $7,173 | $10,896 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $8,465 | $11,839 | $18,044 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $10,658 | $14,876 | $22,632 |
What makes a deck in Los Angeles cost what it does
Hillside lots mean tall decks with engineered footings, and dry fire seasons shape material choice.
Labour here runs 8% above the California average, so a pressure-treated 12×16 that averages $4,969 across California comes to about $5,148 in Los Angeles. Mostly mild, but wildfire risk shapes material choice across much of the state, and coastal fog keeps wood damp. Frost only matters in the Sierra and far north.
Footings
Footings in Los Angeles go about 12 inches deep, which costs roughly $128 per 12 inch footing installed. A 12×16 deck needs about 3. Size them with the deck footing calculator.
Deck permits in Los Angeles
Permits are issued by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, decking must meet the ignition-resistant requirements of the building code, and hillside decks usually need engineering. Typical fees run $400–$1,200. For the state rules that sit behind the local ones, see deck cost in California.
Choosing decking in Los Angeles
Composite adds about $5,747 to a 12×16 deck here over pressure-treated. Fire-rated composite or PVC is often the only practical choice in WUI zones, and redwood and cedar lose their price edge once code-compliant options are compared. Run the numbers for your deck in the composite vs wood calculator.
Best time to build
Year-round on the coast; April to October in the mountains.
Other California cities
- San Diego — 12×16 composite about $10,763
- San Jose — 12×16 composite about $11,618
- Sacramento — 12×16 composite about $10,314
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost in Los Angeles?
A 12×16 ft deck in Los Angeles costs about $5,148 in pressure-treated pine, $7,173 in cedar and $10,896 in composite, installed. That is $24–$32 per square foot for pressure-treated and $50–$66 for composite.
Is building a deck in Los Angeles more expensive than elsewhere in California?
A typical deck in Los Angeles runs 3% above the California average and 20% above the US average, mainly because of local labour rates. Hillside lots mean tall decks with engineered footings, and dry fire seasons shape material choice.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Los Angeles?
Permits are issued by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, decking must meet the ignition-resistant requirements of the building code, and hillside decks usually need engineering. Budget roughly $400–$1,200 for the permit, more if drawings by a design professional are required.
How deep do deck footings have to be in Los Angeles?
About 12 inches. Each 12 inch footing at that depth costs roughly $128 installed, and a 12×16 deck needs about 3. Always confirm the required depth with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) before digging — the footing inspection happens before any concrete goes in.
Should I choose composite or wood for a deck in Los Angeles?
Composite adds about $5,747 to a 12×16 deck in Los Angeles but removes staining every two to three years. Fire-rated composite or PVC is often the only practical choice in WUI zones, and redwood and cedar lose their price edge once code-compliant options are compared.
Price the rest of the project
Figures are planning estimates built from national installed prices adjusted for California and Los Angeles labour, materials and footing depth. Get two or three itemised local quotes. Method.