Cost to Build a Deck in Massachusetts (2026)
A 12×16 ft deck in Massachusetts runs about $5,246 in pressure-treated pine and $10,783 in composite, installed — 17% above the US average. Here is what moves that number in Massachusetts, with a calculator priced for the state.
Pressure-treated pine
$23–$30 /sq ft
Cedar
$34–$44 /sq ft
Composite
$48–$63 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for Massachusetts
Priced with Massachusetts labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$9,489 – $12,400
192 sq ft · about $56.16/sq ft
- Materials
- $6,542
- Labour
- $4,240
- Footings (48 in deep)
- 3 × about $244
- Frost-depth adjustment
- +$230
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.
Massachusetts 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) | $2,843 | $4,043 | $5,726 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,992 | $5,720 | $8,145 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $5,246 | $7,550 | $10,783 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $8,974 | $12,814 | $18,202 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $11,064 | $15,864 | $22,598 |
What drives deck prices in Massachusetts
Labour
Labour is the biggest regional variable. Carpentry labour in Massachusetts runs 30% above the national level, so a composite 12×16 that averages $9,216 nationally comes to about $10,783 here. On pressure-treated decks labour is more than half the bill, so the regional gap is widest on the cheapest material.
Climate
Cold, snowy winters with repeated freeze-thaw, and salt spray on the Cape and islands.
Footings and frost depth
Footings in Massachusetts typically go 48 inches deep. At 48 inches each 12 inch footing costs roughly $244 installed, and a 12×16 deck needs about 3 of them — a premium of $230 against the 24 inch depth national prices assume.
Which decking makes sense here
Our pick for most Massachusetts homes: composite. Among the highest labour rates in the country, so paying once for low-maintenance boards usually wins. Composite adds about $5,536 to a 12×16 deck over pressure-treated — see the full 20-year comparison in the composite vs wood calculator.
Permits and code in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) applies statewide, with a 48 inch frost depth. Contractors must be registered and licensed, which keeps labour costs high.
Typical deck permit fees: $150–$800. 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 Massachusetts
May to October.
Deck cost in Massachusetts cities
- Boston — 12×16 composite about $11,267
Compare neighbouring states
- New Hampshire — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,723 (+5% vs US)
- Vermont — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,607 (+3% vs US)
- New York — 12×16 pressure-treated about $5,218 (+17% vs US)
- Connecticut — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,840 (+10% vs US)
- Rhode Island — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,742 (+8% vs US)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck in Massachusetts?
A typical 12×16 ft (192 sq ft) deck in Massachusetts costs about $5,246 installed in pressure-treated pine, $7,550 in cedar and $10,783 in composite. That is $23–$30 per square foot for pressure-treated and $48–$63 for composite — 17% above the US average.
Is a composite deck worth it in Massachusetts?
On a 12×16 deck composite costs about $5,536 more than pressure-treated up front. Among the highest labour rates in the country, so paying once for low-maintenance boards usually wins. 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 Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) applies statewide, with a 48 inch frost depth. Contractors must be registered and licensed, which keeps labour costs high. Where a permit is required, fees typically run $150–$800. 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 Massachusetts?
Typically 48 inches. At about 48 inches, each 12 inch footing costs roughly $244 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 Massachusetts?
May to October. Booking a builder outside the spring rush often gets a faster start date and a keener price.
Is Massachusetts expensive for deck building compared with other states?
Massachusetts ranks 47 of 50 from cheapest to most expensive on our index. Carpentry labour runs 30% above the national level and materials 5% above it, which puts a typical deck 17% 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 Massachusetts 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.