Cost to Build a Deck in New Jersey (2026)
A 12×16 ft deck in New Jersey runs about $5,015 in pressure-treated pine and $10,492 in composite, installed — 14% above the US average. Here is what moves that number in New Jersey, with a calculator priced for the state.
Pressure-treated pine
$22–$29 /sq ft
Cedar
$32–$42 /sq ft
Composite
$48–$62 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for New Jersey
Priced with New Jersey labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$9,233 – $12,066
192 sq ft · about $54.65/sq ft
- Materials
- $6,434
- Labour
- $4,059
- Footings (36 in deep)
- 3 × about $205
- Frost-depth adjustment
- +$115
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.
New Jersey 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) | $2,667 | $3,763 | $5,520 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,790 | $5,368 | $7,898 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $5,015 | $7,119 | $10,492 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $8,474 | $11,981 | $17,603 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $10,515 | $14,899 | $21,926 |
What drives deck prices in New Jersey
Labour
Labour is the biggest regional variable. Carpentry labour in New Jersey runs 25% above the national level, so a composite 12×16 that averages $9,216 nationally comes to about $10,492 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 air along the shore.
Footings and frost depth
Footings in New Jersey typically go 36 inches deep. At 36 inches each 12 inch footing costs roughly $205 installed, and a 12×16 deck needs about 3 of them — a premium of $115 against the 24 inch depth national prices assume.
Which decking makes sense here
Our pick for most New Jersey homes: composite. High labour costs and salt exposure at the shore make composite the common spec. Composite adds about $5,477 to a 12×16 deck over pressure-treated — see the full 20-year comparison in the composite vs wood calculator.
Permits and code in New Jersey
The Uniform Construction Code applies statewide and requires permits for decks; the 36 inch frost depth is standard. Shore towns add flood-zone and wind requirements.
Typical deck permit fees: $150–$700. 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 New Jersey
April to June and September to November.
Compare neighbouring states
- New York — 12×16 pressure-treated about $5,218 (+17% vs US)
- Pennsylvania — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,484 (+2% vs US)
- Delaware — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,407 (+3% vs US)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck in New Jersey?
A typical 12×16 ft (192 sq ft) deck in New Jersey costs about $5,015 installed in pressure-treated pine, $7,119 in cedar and $10,492 in composite. That is $22–$29 per square foot for pressure-treated and $48–$62 for composite — 14% above the US average.
Is a composite deck worth it in New Jersey?
On a 12×16 deck composite costs about $5,477 more than pressure-treated up front. High labour costs and salt exposure at the shore make composite the common spec. 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 New Jersey?
The Uniform Construction Code applies statewide and requires permits for decks; the 36 inch frost depth is standard. Shore towns add flood-zone and wind requirements. Where a permit is required, fees typically run $150–$700. 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 New Jersey?
Typically 36 inches. At about 36 inches, each 12 inch footing costs roughly $205 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 New Jersey?
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 New Jersey expensive for deck building compared with other states?
New Jersey ranks 45 of 50 from cheapest to most expensive on our index. Carpentry labour runs 25% above the national level and materials 5% above it, which puts a typical deck 14% 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 New Jersey 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.