Cost to Build a Deck in Idaho (2026)
A 12×16 ft deck in Idaho runs about $4,096 in pressure-treated pine and $8,993 in composite, installed — 5% below the US average. Here is what moves that number in Idaho, with a calculator priced for the state.
Pressure-treated pine
$19–$24 /sq ft
Cedar
$26–$34 /sq ft
Composite
$41–$54 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for Idaho
Priced with Idaho labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$7,914 – $10,342
192 sq ft · about $46.84/sq ft
- Materials
- $5,540
- Labour
- $3,453
- 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.
Idaho deck cost by size and material
Mid-range installed prices for a standard-height deck attached to the house, including framing, footings at the local depth and hardware. Railing and stairs are priced separately in the main deck cost calculator.
| Deck size | Pressure-treated pine | Cedar | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $2,161 | $3,002 | $4,712 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,086 | $4,297 | $6,759 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $4,096 | $5,710 | $8,993 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $6,884 | $9,574 | $15,047 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $8,566 | $11,930 | $18,770 |
What drives deck prices in Idaho
Labour
Labour is the biggest regional variable. Carpentry labour in Idaho runs 8% below the national level, so a composite 12×16 that averages $9,216 nationally comes to about $8,993 here. On pressure-treated decks labour is more than half the bill, so the regional gap is widest on the cheapest material.
Climate
Dry, sunny summers and cold winters; heavy snow in the mountains and north. Low humidity means less rot but more checking.
Footings and frost depth
Footings in Idaho typically go 24–36 inches deep. At 30 inches each 12 inch footing costs roughly $186 installed, and a 12×16 deck needs about 3 of them — a premium of $58 against the 24 inch depth national prices assume.
Which decking makes sense here
Our pick for most Idaho homes: cedar. Western red cedar is milled regionally, so it costs less here than in most of the country. Composite adds about $4,898 to a 12×16 deck over pressure-treated — see the full 20-year comparison in the composite vs wood calculator.
Permits and code in Idaho
The Idaho Residential Code (IRC-based) applies statewide, with local frost depths of about 24 inches in Boise and deeper up north, and snow loads that can exceed the deck live load.
Typical deck permit fees: $100–$400. Expect a footing inspection before concrete, a framing inspection before the decking goes down and a final. Estimate your fee with the deck permit cost calculator, and read our deck permit guide for what the drawings need to show.
Best time to build a deck in Idaho
May to October.
Compare neighbouring states
- Washington — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,706 (+8% vs US)
- Oregon — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,515 (+5% vs US)
- Montana — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,465 (−0% vs US)
- Wyoming — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,465 (+1% vs US)
- Utah — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,302 (+0% vs US)
- Nevada — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,485 (+6% vs US)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck in Idaho?
A typical 12×16 ft (192 sq ft) deck in Idaho costs about $4,096 installed in pressure-treated pine, $5,710 in cedar and $8,993 in composite. That is $19–$24 per square foot for pressure-treated and $41–$54 for composite — 5% below the US average.
Is a composite deck worth it in Idaho?
On a 12×16 deck composite costs about $4,898 more than pressure-treated up front. Western red cedar is milled regionally, so it costs less here than in most of the country. Composite needs no staining, which saves a refinishing cycle every two to three years on wood.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Idaho?
The Idaho Residential Code (IRC-based) applies statewide, with local frost depths of about 24 inches in Boise and deeper up north, and snow loads that can exceed the deck live load. Where a permit is required, fees typically run $100–$400. Under the model residential code, a freestanding deck under 200 sq ft and no more than 30 inches above grade that does not serve an exit door is often exempt — attaching it to the house removes that exemption.
How deep do deck footings need to be in Idaho?
Typically 24 to 36 inches depending on the part of the state. At about 30 inches, each 12 inch footing costs roughly $186 installed, compared with $167 at a 24 inch depth. Confirm the exact depth with your building department before digging.
When is the best time to build a deck in Idaho?
May to October. Booking a builder outside the spring rush often gets a faster start date and a keener price.
Is Idaho expensive for deck building compared with other states?
Idaho ranks 12 of 50 from cheapest to most expensive on our index. Carpentry labour runs 8% below the national level and materials right in line with it, which puts a typical deck 5% below the US average.
Price the rest of the project
How these figures are made: national installed prices per square foot, split into materials and labour and adjusted by a Idaho labour index (reasoned from BLS state carpenter wage data), a material and freight index, and the local footing depth. They are planning estimates — get two or three itemised local quotes. Method.