Cost to Build a Deck in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
In Philadelphia a 12×16 ft deck costs about $4,737 in pressure-treated pine and $9,988 in composite, installed — 8% above the US average. Below: local prices by size, footing depth, permits and a calculator priced for Philadelphia.
Pressure-treated pine
$21–$28 /sq ft
Cedar
$30–$40 /sq ft
Composite
$45–$59 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for Philadelphia
Priced with Philadelphia labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$8,790 – $11,487
192 sq ft · about $52.02/sq ft
- Materials
- $6,121
- Labour
- $3,867
- Footings (36 in deep)
- 3 × about $205
- 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.
Philadelphia deck cost by size and material
Mid-range installed prices for a standard-height deck attached to the house, with footings at 36 inches. Add railing and stairs in the deck cost calculator.
| Deck size | Pressure-treated pine | Cedar | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $2,523 | $3,574 | $5,257 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,582 | $5,095 | $7,520 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $4,737 | $6,755 | $9,988 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $8,011 | $11,374 | $16,762 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $9,937 | $14,141 | $20,876 |
What makes a deck in Philadelphia cost what it does
Rowhouses mean small rear decks and many roof decks, where access and structure drive cost more than size.
Labour here runs 10% above the Pennsylvania average, so a pressure-treated 12×16 that averages $4,484 across Pennsylvania comes to about $4,737 in Philadelphia. Cold winters with freeze-thaw and humid summers; hilly sites mean many elevated decks.
Footings
Footings in Philadelphia go about 36 inches deep, which costs roughly $205 per 12 inch footing installed. A 12×16 deck needs about 3. Size them with the deck footing calculator.
Deck permits in Philadelphia
Permits are issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections. Roof decks on rowhouses require structural review and often zoning approval; standard footings go 36 inches deep. Typical fees run $200–$700. For the state rules that sit behind the local ones, see deck cost in Pennsylvania.
Choosing decking in Philadelphia
Composite adds about $5,251 to a 12×16 deck here over pressure-treated. Pressure-treated remains the value choice outside the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metros. Run the numbers for your deck in the composite vs wood calculator.
Best time to build
May to October.
Other Pennsylvania cities
- Pittsburgh — 12×16 composite about $9,321
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost in Philadelphia?
A 12×16 ft deck in Philadelphia costs about $4,737 in pressure-treated pine, $6,755 in cedar and $9,988 in composite, installed. That is $21–$28 per square foot for pressure-treated and $45–$59 for composite.
Is building a deck in Philadelphia more expensive than elsewhere in Pennsylvania?
A typical deck in Philadelphia runs 5% above the Pennsylvania average and 8% above the US average, mainly because of local labour rates. Rowhouses mean small rear decks and many roof decks, where access and structure drive cost more than size.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Philadelphia?
Permits are issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections. Roof decks on rowhouses require structural review and often zoning approval; standard footings go 36 inches deep. Budget roughly $200–$700 for the permit, more if drawings by a design professional are required.
How deep do deck footings have to be in Philadelphia?
About 36 inches. Each 12 inch footing at that depth costs roughly $205 installed, and a 12×16 deck needs about 3. Always confirm the required depth with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections before digging — the footing inspection happens before any concrete goes in.
Should I choose composite or wood for a deck in Philadelphia?
Composite adds about $5,251 to a 12×16 deck in Philadelphia but removes staining every two to three years. Pressure-treated remains the value choice outside the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metros.
Price the rest of the project
Figures are planning estimates built from national installed prices adjusted for Pennsylvania and Philadelphia labour, materials and footing depth. Get two or three itemised local quotes. Method.