Cost to Build a Deck in Portland, OR (2026)
In Portland a 12×16 ft deck costs about $4,650 in pressure-treated pine and $9,887 in composite, installed — 7% above the US average. Below: local prices by size, footing depth, permits and a calculator priced for Portland.
Pressure-treated pine
$22–$28 /sq ft
Cedar
$29–$38 /sq ft
Composite
$46–$60 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for Portland
Priced with Portland labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$8,700 – $11,370
192 sq ft · about $51.49/sq ft
- Materials
- $6,166
- Labour
- $3,721
- Footings (18 in deep)
- 3 × about $148
- 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.
Portland deck cost by size and material
Mid-range installed prices for a standard-height deck attached to the house, with footings at 18 inches. Add railing and stairs in the deck cost calculator.
| Deck size | Pressure-treated pine | Cedar | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $2,394 | $3,231 | $5,122 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,473 | $4,678 | $7,401 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $4,650 | $6,256 | $9,887 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $7,692 | $10,369 | $16,420 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $9,653 | $13,000 | $20,564 |
What makes a deck in Portland cost what it does
Rain from October to May keeps wood wet for months; cedar is widely available.
Labour here runs 5% above the Oregon average, so a pressure-treated 12×16 that averages $4,515 across Oregon comes to about $4,650 in Portland. West of the Cascades, long wet winters grow moss and algae; east of the mountains it is dry and cold.
Footings
Footings in Portland go about 18 inches deep, which costs roughly $148 per 12 inch footing installed. A 12×16 deck needs about 3. Size them with the deck footing calculator.
Deck permits in Portland
Permits are issued by the Portland Permitting & Development. Decks over 30 inches or attached to the house need a permit; contractors must hold an Oregon CCB license. Typical fees run $250–$800. For the state rules that sit behind the local ones, see deck cost in Oregon.
Choosing decking in Portland
Composite adds about $5,237 to a 12×16 deck here over pressure-treated. Western red cedar is milled locally, so it costs noticeably less than elsewhere and suits the region. Run the numbers for your deck in the composite vs wood calculator.
Best time to build
June to September — the dry season west of the Cascades.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost in Portland?
A 12×16 ft deck in Portland costs about $4,650 in pressure-treated pine, $6,256 in cedar and $9,887 in composite, installed. That is $22–$28 per square foot for pressure-treated and $46–$60 for composite.
Is building a deck in Portland more expensive than elsewhere in Oregon?
A typical deck in Portland runs 2% above the Oregon average and 7% above the US average, mainly because of local labour rates. Rain from October to May keeps wood wet for months; cedar is widely available.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Portland?
Permits are issued by the Portland Permitting & Development. Decks over 30 inches or attached to the house need a permit; contractors must hold an Oregon CCB license. Budget roughly $250–$800 for the permit, more if drawings by a design professional are required.
How deep do deck footings have to be in Portland?
About 18 inches. Each 12 inch footing at that depth costs roughly $148 installed, and a 12×16 deck needs about 3. Always confirm the required depth with the Portland Permitting & Development before digging — the footing inspection happens before any concrete goes in.
Should I choose composite or wood for a deck in Portland?
Composite adds about $5,237 to a 12×16 deck in Portland but removes staining every two to three years. Western red cedar is milled locally, so it costs noticeably less than elsewhere and suits the region.
Price the rest of the project
Figures are planning estimates built from national installed prices adjusted for Oregon and Portland labour, materials and footing depth. Get two or three itemised local quotes. Method.