Cost to Build a Deck in Maryland (2026)
A 12×16 ft deck in Maryland runs about $4,436 in pressure-treated pine and $9,563 in composite, installed — 3% above the US average. Here is what moves that number in Maryland, with a calculator priced for the state.
Pressure-treated pine
$20–$26 /sq ft
Cedar
$29–$38 /sq ft
Composite
$44–$57 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for Maryland
Priced with Maryland labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$8,415 – $10,997
192 sq ft · about $49.81/sq ft
- Materials
- $5,893
- Labour
- $3,670
- 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.
Maryland 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) | $2,338 | $3,365 | $5,008 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,341 | $4,820 | $7,187 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $4,436 | $6,407 | $9,563 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $7,451 | $10,737 | $15,996 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $9,275 | $13,382 | $19,956 |
What drives deck prices in Maryland
Labour
Labour is the biggest regional variable. Carpentry labour in Maryland runs 5% above the national level, so a composite 12×16 that averages $9,216 nationally comes to about $9,563 here. On pressure-treated decks labour is more than half the bill, so the regional gap is widest on the cheapest material.
Climate
Humid summers, cold winters and salt exposure around the Chesapeake.
Footings and frost depth
Footings in Maryland typically go 30 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 Maryland homes: composite. Higher labour costs around Baltimore and DC make low-maintenance composite the common choice. Composite adds about $5,127 to a 12×16 deck over pressure-treated — see the full 20-year comparison in the composite vs wood calculator.
Permits and code in Maryland
The Maryland Building Performance Standards adopt the IRC statewide, enforced by counties. Frost depth is typically 30 inches, and waterfront lots may add critical-area review.
Typical deck permit fees: $150–$600. 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 Maryland
April to June and September to November.
Deck cost in Maryland cities
- Baltimore — 12×16 composite about $9,675
Compare neighbouring states
- Virginia — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,178 (−1% vs US)
- Pennsylvania — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,484 (+2% vs US)
- Delaware — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,407 (+3% vs US)
- West Virginia — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,049 (−4% vs US)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck in Maryland?
A typical 12×16 ft (192 sq ft) deck in Maryland costs about $4,436 installed in pressure-treated pine, $6,407 in cedar and $9,563 in composite. That is $20–$26 per square foot for pressure-treated and $44–$57 for composite — 3% above the US average.
Is a composite deck worth it in Maryland?
On a 12×16 deck composite costs about $5,127 more than pressure-treated up front. Higher labour costs around Baltimore and DC make low-maintenance composite the common choice. 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 Maryland?
The Maryland Building Performance Standards adopt the IRC statewide, enforced by counties. Frost depth is typically 30 inches, and waterfront lots may add critical-area review. Where a permit is required, fees typically run $150–$600. 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 Maryland?
Typically 30 inches. 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 Maryland?
April to June and September to November. Booking a builder outside the spring rush often gets a faster start date and a keener price.
Is Maryland expensive for deck building compared with other states?
Maryland ranks 35 of 50 from cheapest to most expensive on our index. Carpentry labour runs 5% above the national level and materials 2% above it, which puts a typical deck 3% above 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 Maryland 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.