Cost to Build a Deck in Montana (2026)
A 12×16 ft deck in Montana runs about $4,465 in pressure-treated pine and $9,548 in composite, installed — right in line with the US average. Here is what moves that number in Montana, with a calculator priced for the state.
Pressure-treated pine
$19–$25 /sq ft
Cedar
$28–$36 /sq ft
Composite
$43–$56 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for Montana
Priced with Montana labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$8,402 – $10,980
192 sq ft · about $49.73/sq ft
- Materials
- $5,777
- Labour
- $3,771
- 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.
Montana 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) | $2,436 | $3,364 | $5,083 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,406 | $4,742 | $7,218 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $4,465 | $6,246 | $9,548 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $7,672 | $10,641 | $16,143 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $9,436 | $13,148 | $20,026 |
What drives deck prices in Montana
Labour
Labour is the biggest regional variable. Carpentry labour in Montana runs 2% below the national level, so a composite 12×16 that averages $9,216 nationally comes to about $9,548 here. On pressure-treated decks labour is more than half the bill, so the regional gap is widest on the cheapest material.
Climate
Cold, dry winters with heavy mountain snow, strong UV at altitude and chinook winds.
Footings and frost depth
Footings in Montana typically go 36–60 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 Montana homes: cedar. Regional cedar and larch are good value, and the dry climate is kinder to wood than the humid South. Composite adds about $5,083 to a 12×16 deck over pressure-treated — see the full 20-year comparison in the composite vs wood calculator.
Permits and code in Montana
The state building code applies in jurisdictions that enforce it; many rural areas do not. Snow load, not the 40 psf live load, often governs framing size.
Typical deck permit fees: $75–$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 Montana
May to September.
Compare neighbouring states
- Idaho — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,096 (−5% vs US)
- Wyoming — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,465 (+1% vs US)
- North Dakota — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,684 (+2% vs US)
- South Dakota — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,173 (−5% vs US)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck in Montana?
A typical 12×16 ft (192 sq ft) deck in Montana costs about $4,465 installed in pressure-treated pine, $6,246 in cedar and $9,548 in composite. That is $19–$25 per square foot for pressure-treated and $43–$56 for composite — right in line with the US average.
Is a composite deck worth it in Montana?
On a 12×16 deck composite costs about $5,083 more than pressure-treated up front. Regional cedar and larch are good value, and the dry climate is kinder to wood than the humid South. 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 Montana?
The state building code applies in jurisdictions that enforce it; many rural areas do not. Snow load, not the 40 psf live load, often governs framing size. Where a permit is required, fees typically run $75–$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 Montana?
Typically 36 to 60 inches depending on the part of the state. 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 Montana?
May to September. Booking a builder outside the spring rush often gets a faster start date and a keener price.
Is Montana expensive for deck building compared with other states?
Montana ranks 23 of 50 from cheapest to most expensive on our index. Carpentry labour runs 2% below the national level and materials 3% above it, which puts a typical deck right in line with 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 Montana 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.